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ALMOND (shâqçd).—The fruit in Gen_43:11, Exo_25:33-34; Exo_37:19-20, Num_17:8; the tree in Ecc_12:5, Jer_1:11. Luz (Gen_30:37), mistranslated ‘hazel,’ is certainly the almond; it is the name of the almond in modern Arabic. The almond (Amygdalus communis) is in Palestine the earliest harbinger of spring, bursting into beautiful white blossom late in January in Jerusalem, before its leaves appear. Hence its name and symbolism: shâqçd means to waken or watch, and in Jer_1:11-12 there is a play on the word ‘almond’ (shâqçd), and ‘I will hasten’ (shôqçd). Probably the whiteness of the blossom from a little distance—the delicate pink at the bases of the petals being visible only on closer inspection—suggested its comparison to the white hair of age (Ecc_12:5). The fruit is a great favourite. It is eaten green before the shell hardens, especially by children, and the ripe kernels are eaten by themselves or with nuts and puddings, and are also made into sweetmeats with sugar, both as ‘almond icing’ and ‘burnt almonds.’ A present of Palestine almonds would be sure to be appreciated in Egypt (Gen_43:11), as they did not grow in the latter country.
E. W. G. Masterman.