Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

LILY

A flower appearing in several different contexts in the Bible. Some occurrences of Heb. šôšān may refer to the white or Madonna lily (Lilium candidum L.), which grows wild in Israel. This flower is familiar from its association with Mary in Christian art. The lily of Cant. 5:13, which is compared to the lips of the lover, could be the Martagon lily (Lilium chalcedonicum), a red lily with drooping flowers. The lily appears as a flower of the field, common where animals graze (Cant. 2:16; 4:5; 6:2-3), and one that dwells in the valley (2:1). In the Song of Solomon lilies represent love in bloom. The man describes his lover’s belly as “a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies” (Cant. 7:2[MT 3]).

In Solomon’s temple, the brim of the “molten sea” was shaped like a lily (1 Kgs. 7:26; 2 Chr. 4:5), and the tops of the two bronze pillars set before the vestibule were adorned with lilies (1 Kgs. 7:19, 22). Analogies to these capitals may be present in two incense altars unearthed at Megiddo, both of which have bowls that suggest flowers and sculpted decorations that suggest leaves; one of these altars was painted with floral decorations. These decorations are sometimes identified with the lotus (Nymphea lotus L.), which often appeared in Egyptian art. Pss. 45, 60, 69, 80 contain the phrase “according to Lilies” (NRSV) in their titles, probably designating the tune. Hosea used the lily to symbolize Israel’s flourishing after its reconciliation with God (Hos. 14:5[6]).

Jesus’ homily on the lilies of the field demonstrated God’s care (Matt. 6:28-30 = Luke 12:27-28). This lily (Gk. krínon) is most likely a common field flower such as the Anemone coronora L., which blooms in spring in many colors and is widespread in Israel.

Megan Bishop Moore

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

LILY

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)