MYRTLE ( hădas , Isaiah 41:18; Isaiah 55:13 , Zee 1:8, 10, Nehemiah 8:15; also as a name Hadassah = ‘Esther’ [ Esther 2:7 ]). Myrtus communis is an evergreen shrub much prized in Palestine. It grows wild in the mountains, especially on Carmel and in Gilead, but is also widely cultivated. It sometimes reaches a height of ten feet, but is usually much less. Its dark green leaves, pretty white flowers, and dark berries, which are eaten, are all much admired. It is still regularly used by the Jews in the Feast of Tabernacles ( Nehemiah 8:15 ).
E. W. G. Masterman.
Complete and trustworthy, Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible is a thorough reference (5,915 entries) for all readers of the Bible. For nearly a century, lay people and scholars alike have valued the authoritative contents and the convenient format of this one-volume work.Wikipedia
Read More