Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

POMEGRANATE

Punica granatum, a small tree (Heb. rimmôn) which usually resembles a rounded bush but can sometimes grow fairly large (cf. 1 Sam. 14:2). One of the seven species associated with the Promised Land (Deut. 8:8), its fruit is red with a crownlike calix, about the size of an orange. Dye from the fruit’s rind is used in tanning leather. Inside the pomegranate fruit are several compartments which surround a jellylike pulp and several seeds which are eaten both raw and dried. The juice is refreshing and is sometimes made into syrup or spiced wine (Cant. 8:2). While in the wilderness, the Israelites longed for the pomegranates they ate in Egypt (Num. 20:5). Spies brought pomegranates and grapes back from Canaan to show the fertility of the land (Num. 13:23).

The pomegranate symbolizes beauty in the Bible. The maiden of the Song of Solomon has cheeks “like halves of a pomegranate” (Cant. 4:3; 6:7). The spring blossoming of pomegranates symbolizes the awakening of love (Cant. 6:11; 7:12). Pomegranates were commonly associated with places of worship and deities in the ancient Near East. The fruit and blossoms adorned the bottom of the priest’s ephod (Exod. 28:33-34) and appeared in Solomon’s temple as decorations above the pillars (1 Kgs. 7:18, 20, 42; 2 Kgs. 25:17 par.). Dying pomegranates symbolized the destruction of the prosperity of Judah (Joel 1:12), and their restoration was included in the Lord’s promise to reestablish the nation (Hag. 2:19).

Heb. rimmôn also appears as a man’s name (2 Sam. 4:2, 5, 9) and a place name (Judg. 20:45; Josh. 15:32).

Megan Bishop Moore

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

POMEGRANATE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)