In the Parsha VaYeshev
Plants
Mastic
לט
The Hebrew term lot of Genesis 37:25 has been viewed by some scholars as a reference to resin. Other scholars dispute this and suggest instead that it refers to either the resin of rock roses or to the resin of the mastic tree or alternatively, to chestnut or pine-derived extracts. The term appears in the passage that describes the goods carried by the traders to whom Joseph was sold.
The mastic bush or tree was a source of resin in the ancient world.
Habitat: Hills of Gilead.
Rock rose
לט
The Hebrew term lot of Genesis 37:25 or the resin in the English translation has been viewed by some translators as a reference to a resin that was derived from rock roses. Other scholars dispute this and suggest instead that it refers to a resin which was obtained from the mastic tree or chestnut tree or pine tree. The term appears in a passage that describes the goods carried by the traders to whom Joseph was sold.
The dark resin that is obtained from the rock rose is used in the making of perfumes.
Habitat: Stony, dry soil.
Places
Eynayim
עינים
Also known as Twin Wells, the place where Tamar sat waiting to seduce Judah (Genesis 38:14,21). It is thought to be situated between Adullam and Timna
Keziv
כזיב
This city is mentioned at Genesis 38:5, and is the birthplace of Shelah, son of Judah. It is also known as Cheziv, Achziv or Akhziv and modern scholars have associated it with Tel el-Beida, north of Lachish.
