Forest

Forests are rare in TaNaKh. Much more common as the Jews in diaspora found themselves among the thick woods of Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe. There is, however, one story in Tanakh that takes place in a forest - the battle between King David and his son Avshalom for the throne. More than just a location for battle, the book of 2 Samuel describes the forest as a force in the battle itself, consuming more soldiers than the sword. A "forest that consumes" is something of a theme - particularly among the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien. Yes, forests consume. But they also give life. How can we access the life-giving guidance of the forest without being victim to it's death-giving capacities?