Question: Many years ago I read that Herod the Great had planted sycamore trees lining the street at Jericho. If true, the irony would be when Zacchaeus climbed one such tree to see Jesus. I cannot locate that reference. Have you come across this? –L.M.


Answer:

1. I have not heard of this.

2. It sounds suspicious (“too good to be true”; “preaches too well”).

3. The only primary source I can think of that would mention this is Josephus. A search of the works of Josephus showed only one reference to sycamore and it is related to King Solomon.

4. I checked two good commentaries on Luke and neither of them say anything about it.

I would guess it’s one of those urban legends. If anyone knows anything else, please comment below
or send me an email.