The Seven Species of Israel
Israel, both today and through history, has been a land rich in natural and spiritual resources. Among its many blessings, the Bible highlights seven specific agricultural species that define the country’s landscape and legacy. What is more, they are as plentiful today as they were 3,000 years ago!
Jewish people in the Land prize these and continue to grow them. One could say, they are essential for life, but they are also a part of the biblical tradition carried out today. These Seven Species of Israel—wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates (honey)—are mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8, where God describes the Promised Land as:
“a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey.”
These seven crops were central to ancient Israel’s economy, worship, and daily life, and they continue to carry deep spiritual meaning, too. For us as believers, understanding the seven species will give us insight into God’s promises of provision, the land’s heritage, and Israel’s ongoing restoration.
Seven Species throughout the Year
Throughout the Jewish calendar, the Seven Species of Israel play a significant role in the observance of biblical festivals. This just confirms their connection to God’s perfect plan for the land’s agricultural cycles.
Winter and Spring with the Seven Species
On Tu BiShvat, the “New Year of Trees,” the Seven Species are prominently featured in celebrations of Israel’s natural abundance. Each holiday connects believers back to the biblical heritage of the land, reflecting God’s ongoing blessings through the Seven Species.
During Passover (Pesach), barley is central to the Omer offering, marking the beginning of the grain harvest. Shavuot (Pentecost), also known as the Feast of Weeks, celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah.
Fall and Winter with the Seven Species
On Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), pomegranates symbolize fruitfulness and righteousness, while apples dipped in honey (often date honey) express prayers for a sweet year.
During Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), grapes, figs, pomegranates, and dates are enjoyed in thanksgiving for the fall harvest.
Finally, the olive oil used to light the menorah during Hanukkah reminds us of the enduring provision and miracles of God.
So now, let’s explore the significance of each of these species—their biblical meaning, historical use, and modern-day relevance in Israel.
Seven Species of Israel: The 2 Grains
1. Wheat – The Bread of Life
Biblical Significance
Wheat was a staple food in ancient Israel, used to make bread—the most fundamental source of nourishment. In Scripture, bread often symbolizes God’s provision and the Word of God. Jesus (Yeshua) Himself declared:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
In the Temple, wheat was used in grain offerings as an act of worship (Leviticus 2). The Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost), when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early believers (Acts 2), coincided with the wheat harvest, reminding us of the spiritual harvest of souls.
Modern-Day Relevance
Today, Israel cultivates high-quality wheat for both local consumption and export. The bread of Israel—whether in the form of challah, pita, or matzah—remains a powerful symbol of sustenance and spiritual nourishment.
2. Barley – The Humble Harvest
Biblical Significance
Barley was the first grain harvested in Israel, marking the beginning of the agricultural year. It was known as a humble grain, often associated with the poor (Ruth 2:17). In the Torah, barley was used in the offering of the Jealousy Test (Numbers 5:15) and played a role in Gideon’s victory (Judges 7:13).
Jesus (Yeshua) multiplied barley loaves to feed the 5,000 (John 6:9-13), demonstrating God’s ability to bless even the simplest provisions.
Modern-Day Relevance
Barley remains an important crop in Israel and is used for bread, soups, and animal feed. The Omer offering during Passover, which marked the beginning of the grain harvest, is still commemorated in Jewish tradition today.
Seven Species of Israel: The 5 Fruits
3. Grapes – The Fruit of Joy and Redemption
Biblical Significance
Grapes are one of the most abundant and symbolic fruits in the Bible. While delicious on their own, winemakers use them to make wine. The end product represents joy, blessing, and covenant. The Psalmist writes:
“Wine that gladdens the human heart, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” (Psalm 104:15)
Grapes can also symbolize Israel’s faithfulness (or lack thereof). The spies sent by Moses into Canaan returned with a cluster of grapes so large it had to be carried on a pole (Numbers 13:23), signifying the land’s fertility. However, God warned Israel that turning away from Him would result in their vineyard becoming desolate (Isaiah 5).
Modern-Day Relevance
Today, Israel’s wine industry is flourishing, fulfilling prophetic words of restoration (Amos 9:14-15). Vineyards in places like the Galilee and the Judean Hills are producing world-class wines, reminding us of God’s faithfulness to restore the land.
4. Figs – The Tree of Peace and Prosperity
Biblical Significance
Figs were also one of the seven species of Israel, often associated with peace, security, and prosperity. In 1 Kings 4:25, Israel’s golden age under Solomon is described as:
“Every man under his own vine and fig tree.”
Figs were also used as a remedy—Hezekiah’s life was extended when a fig poultice was applied to his illness (Isaiah 38:21).
Modern-Day Relevance
Fig trees remain abundant in Israel, growing in backyards and on farms. Desserts, jams, and dried snacks use their sweet fruit, continuing their legacy as a symbol of abundance and well-being.
5. Pomegranates – The Fruit of Righteousness
Biblical Significance
Pomegranates are one of Israel’s most recognizable fruits. They represent righteousness, fruitfulness, and the Law of God. They were embroidered on the priestly garments (Exodus 28:33-34) and decorated the Temple pillars (1 Kings 7:18).
Jewish tradition teaches that a pomegranate contains 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 commandments in the Torah.
Modern-Day Relevance
The pomegranate harvest happens in autumn, right in time for the High Holidays. Packed with antioxidants, they hold many health benefits, reinforcing their role as a symbol of vitality and divine blessing.
6. Olives – The Oil of Anointing and Light
Biblical Significance
The olive tree is one of the most enduring symbols amongs the seven species of Israel. It represents peace, anointing, and the Holy Spirit. Temple lamps, anointing priests and kings, and offerings all required olive oil (Exodus 27:20, 1 Samuel 16:13).
You probably remember that Jesus (Yeshua) prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. The garden’s name means “olive press,” signifying His pressing and sacrifice for our salvation.
Modern-Day Relevance
Israel is a global leader in olive oil production, with ancient groves still producing high-quality oil used for food, cosmetics, and spiritual purposes.
7. Date Honey – The Sweetness of the Land
Biblical Significance
The word “honey” in Deuteronomy 8:8 refers to date honey, not bee honey. Dates are among the oldest fruits in Israel, symbolizing abundance and divine blessing.
Palm trees (including date palms) also represent righteousness:
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…” (Psalm 92:12)
Modern-Day Relevance
Today, Medjool dates from Israel are famous worldwide, and date honey (silan) is a popular sweetener, replacing processed sugar in many recipes.
When are the Seven Species of Israel grown?
The Seven Species of Israel follow the rhythms of Israel’s agricultural seasons, with each crop having its own planting and harvest cycle:
- Wheat and barley are planted in late autumn (October–December), germinate during the winter rains, and are harvested in spring (March–June), with barley ripening first.
- Grapes begin growing in the spring, flourish in the summer heat, and are harvested between July and September for fresh eating or winemaking.
- Figs have two harvests: an early crop in June–July and a second, larger harvest in August–September.
- Pomegranates ripen in late summer and early fall (September–October), aligning with the High Holidays.
- Olives are picked in the fall (October–November) and pressed into oil.
- Dates, which thrive in the desert heat, ripen in the late summer and early fall (August–October), with date honey produced soon after.
As always, this seasonal cycle reflects God’s design for the land, ensuring year-round provision and sustaining Israel’s people for generations.
Where do the Seven Species of Israel grow?
Farmers carefully choose locations to grow each of the seven species of Israel based on the unique climate and soil conditions needed for their growth. Israel’s diverse geography—from the coastal plains to the fertile valleys, rolling hills, and arid deserts—plays a crucial role in where these crops thrive.
Wheat and Barley Growing
The Jezreel Valley, Galilee, and parts of the Negev Desert present prime place for these crops to grow. Open fields and seasonal rains provide the right conditions for large-scale cultivation. The Negev, despite its dry climate, has seen successful wheat farming due to modern irrigation methods.
Grape Growing
Vineyards flourish in Judea, Samaria, the Galilee, and the Golan Heights, where the high altitudes, rocky soil, and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for winemaking. These regions, known for their biblical significance, are once again producing world-class wines.
Figs Growing
Fig trees thrive in the coastal plains (such as near Tel Aviv), the Galilee, and Judea, as well as in private orchards and backyards across the country. They are well-suited to Israel’s long, hot summers.
Pomegranate Growing
These trees prefer mild winters and hot summers, making them abundant in the Sharon Plain, Galilee, and Jordan Valley. Some of the world’s highest-quality pomegranates come from Israeli farms.
Olive Growing
Olive trees, which can survive drought and poor soil, are widespread in Judea, Samaria, the Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Negev Desert. Some olive groves in Israel date back thousands of years.
Date Growing
Dates grow almost exclusively in Israel’s desert regions, including the Jordan Valley, the Arava, and near the Dead Sea. The extreme heat and dry conditions create perfect conditions for date palms, especially the famous Medjool dates.
Each region’s climate, altitude, and soil composition influence the flavor, quality, and productivity of these crops. This agricultural diversity is part of what makes Israel a modern-day fulfillment of prophecy, turning once-barren land into a flourishing agricultural powerhouse (Ezekiel 36:34-36).
Blessing and Promise
As mentioned previously, the Seven Species of Israel are more than just agricultural products—they are symbols of God’s provision, faithfulness, and spiritual truth. From biblical times to today, these crops have played a central role in Israel’s restoration.
We can see God’s fingerprints in Israel’s agricultural renewal, fulfilling prophecies of restoration (Ezekiel 36:34-36). Whether those in the land enjoy a piece of fresh pita with olive oil or a glass of Israeli wine, it’s a reminder that God keeps His promises—both to the land of Israel and to those who trust in Him.
Have you tasted the seven species?
Which of these grains or fruit have you tasted before? Have you sampled any of them in Israel? There’s nothing quite like chomping down on some grapes that are so fresh they crunch, with a whole picnic of fruits at the Dead Sea, or digging into some fresh bread at the Jerusalem shuk (open market).
Whether you’ve been to Israel seven times, or plan to come, we hope you’ll come visit in the near future!
A Simple Guide Through the Biblical Holidays: Free PDF Download
You may know them as the “Jewish holidays,” but did you know the Bible calls them “Feasts of the LORD”?
We’ve put this guide together for you so that you have all you need to know about these holidays that God calls His own.
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