40:16 palm trees. See also vv. 22, 31, 34, 37. The decoration in Israel’s ancient sanctuaries was mainly botanical; varieties of trees and plants decorated the sacred area (Ex. 25:34; 37:19; 1 Kin. 6:18, 29, 32, 35). In this respect the sanctuaries of Israel suggested the beauty of the Garden of Eden and set before Israel the goal of again dwelling in God’s garden (28:13, 14 note).