Smith's Bible Dictionary

Juniper (1 Kings 19:4; 1 Kings 19:5; Job 30:4; Psalm 120:4) a sort of broom, Genista monosperma, G. raetam of Forskal, answering to the Arabic rethem. It is very abundant in the desert of Sinai, and affords shade and protection, in both heat and storm, to travellers. The rethem is a leguminous plant, and bears a white flower. It is found also in Spain. It is an erect shrub, with no main trunk, but many wand-like, slender branches, and is sometimes twelve feet high. Its use is very great in stopping the sand. --ED.)