Reed

Reeds (agmon, qaneh, suph in Hebrew) were tall grasses growing in the marshy margins of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas throughout the ancient Near East, especially in Egypt along the Nile. The qaneh (calamus reed) was used as a measuring rod — a standard unit of length equal to six cubits (Ezekiel 40:3, 5; 41:8; Revelation 11:1; 21:15–16). Moses's basket was made of reeds or papyrus (Exodus 2:3). Reeds were also used to make writing tools, flutes, and roof thatch.

The symbolic uses of the reed in prophecy are significant. Isaiah 36:6 and 2 Kings 18:21 warn that trusting Egypt is like leaning on a bruised reed — it will pierce the hand. Matthew 12:20, quoting Isaiah 42:3, uses the same image of God's Servant: a bruised reed he will not break — a symbol of the gentle care of Christ for the weak and damaged. Reeds were also instruments of mockery at the crucifixion: Jesus was given a reed scepter in his hand by the soldiers who mocked him as king, and a vinegar-soaked sponge was offered to him on a reed (Matthew 27:29, 48).