Nutritious Almonds and the Lampstand

Almonds were plentiful in ancient Israel as they are today. They were and are an important source of nutrition. 

It’s no wonder then that the ancient Hebrew people saw almonds as symbolic of God’s blessings upon them. Almond imagery is prominent in the Old Testament. 

The “almond tree” is the first of all trees in Palestine to bud and blossom after winter’s deadness. It’s new life springs forth as early as January.  Thus, the budding almond tree foreshadowed Christ bursting forth in resurrection power from the grave.  The budding almond tree is a powerful symbol of the new life that Christ gives. “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives” (Romans 6:4 NLT). 

Almond trees blooming in Israel

The Hebrew word for “almond” means “vigilant.”  The almond then symbolizes the vigilance and protection of God over His people. 
Jeremiah graphicly portrays God in his vision of God asks him, “What do you see, Jeremiah?”

“I see the branch of an almond tree,” he replied.

The Lord said to him, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled” (Jeremiah 1:11-12). 

Through the metaphor of the budding almond tree in the spring, Jeremiah pictures God vindicating, substantiating, and fulfilling His every promise through our risen Christ. 

The blooming almond trees are breathtakingly beautiful. And, isn’t this what Christ does in our lives. He makes us breathtakingly beautiful giving us “all his holy splendor” (Psalm 96:9).  It’s like the beauty of the budding almond tree awakening from its winter sleep. 

Another startling image of the almond tree is in Aaron’s rod that came to life. It budded and produced almonds! (Numbers 17:8). 

Aaron’s rod budded and produced almonds!

The shepherd’s staff was used to guide sheep. The shepherd and his rod gave the defenseless sheep a sense of protection from their predators. It was a comfort to the sheep to see the rod. 

So, with the rod coming to life and producing almonds not only did it signify to Moses that Aaron had been chosen to settle disputes among the tribes, but that also, God would lead and protect them.  “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). 

Perhaps the most striking almond imagery is found in the lampstand of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:32-36). 

“Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms.  One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.”

Almond imagery everywhere in the lampstand!

 
The lampstand gave light inside the Tabernacle which symbolizes the Light of God’s presence as He “tabernacled” with them in the wilderness. The Tabernacle became a symbol of the comforting presence of God as they wondered through the wilderness. Couple that with almonds in the lampstand, and we have the assurance of God’s vigilance and protection lighting the path wherever we walk. 

The almond lampstand shows us that God is continually and constantly watchful over you and me.  That does not mean that we can float along in my relationship with God and expect Him to do all of the work. We must stay alert as He walks with us and leads us through the dark valleys. 

The almond lampstand tells us that we live under his vigilance with His light showing us the often perilous way to the Promised Land of successful and abundant living. 

All of this power-packed symbolism came from the almond tree and the little almond. 

The ancient Hebrews relied on nutritious almonds for food, and they didn’t even know about nutritional values back then!
But today, we know and should make almonds an important part of our diet. 

Natural, unsalted almonds are a tasty and nutritious snack with plenty of health benefits. Loaded with minerals, they are also among the healthiest of tree nuts. 

Just a handful of nutrient-rich almonds a day helps promote heart health and prevent weight gain, and it may even help fight diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Eating about 23 almonds a day is an easy way to incorporate many crucial nutrients into your diet. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium. 

Additionally, almonds are a significant source of protein and fiber, while being naturally low in sugar. An almond serving of 23-almonds packs 13 grams of healthy unsaturated fats, 1 gram of saturated fat and no cholesterol or salt. 

Of all tree nuts, almonds rank highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin content by weight. 

There are 160 calories in 23 almonds. While many of these calories come from fat, it is primarily the healthy unsaturated fats and not the unhealthy saturated kind.

Eating 1.5 ounces a day of most nuts, like almonds, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Many of the nutrients in almonds help contribute to increased heart health. 

For one, almonds are rich in magnesium, which is critical in preventing heart attacks and hypertension. And a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2015 found that almonds reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors, including “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and belly fat.

Almonds, are also beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight. The fiber, protein and fat content of almonds means it only takes a handful to keep you feeling full and satisfied so you won’t have the urge to overeat. The magnesium in almonds helps regulate blood sugar, which is key in reducing food cravings. 

Almonds may even be able to block the body’s absorption of calories, making them the ultimate weight-loss-friendly snack. 

But because almonds are naturally high in calories, it’s important to limit your serving size to the recommended 1 ounce, or 23 nuts.

We keep raw almonds in a container with a sealable top on our kitchen counter. When I need a snack, I grab a handful of delicious, nutritious almonds!  And as I crunch them, I think of God’s vigilance and light throughout my life including today.