Biblical Flowers and Plants

In Biblical days, flowers in Palestine grew primarily as wildflowers among tree groves, in cultivated fields and near homes. Flower gardens as they are today did not exist back in Biblical days, but the wildflowers of the Bible were prolific when the spring rains arrived. People used these wildflowers for various purposes, due to their different aromas. Which flowers does the Bible specifically mention, and what were their purposes or characteristics? The following article discusses six of the flowers mentioned in the Bible, shedding a glimpse into the life of an Israelite or Palestinian of Biblical times.

1. Almond blossoms were used by Israelites in the Old Testament days as models for engravers. The blossoms would be engraved into the "cups of the golden lamp stand." They are referred to in the following verses: Gen. 43:11; Exod. 25:33-34; 37; Num. 17:8; Eccles. 12:5.

2. Bulrush grew along the Jordan river and was frequently used for making early forms of paper and for covering boats. It is also mentioned in the Bible as "flag", "papyrus", "reed" or "rush", depending upon the translation. Some particular verses are Exodus 2:3, Job 8:11, Isa. 18:2, and Isa. 35:7.

3. Pomegranate blossoms were carved on public buildings due to their important use in the Palestinian culture. The pomegranate fruit symbolized fertility and was used as medicine as well as to tan leather. The verses from Exod. 28:33; Num. 13:23; Deut. 8:8; 1 Sam. 14:2 and 1 King 7:18 mention this flower.

4. Saffron, a variety of crocus, was used in Palestine to perfume banquet halls. It was an exotic plant for the area, probably imported from India. It is referenced in Songs of Solomon 4:14.

5. Mandrake had a cluster of large leaves and mauve flowers during winter and fragrant, round yellow fruit during the spring. It was an herb of the nightshade family, considered to give sexual powers. In ancient times people used a medicine called "Atrop Mandragora", which is probably the same as the mandrake. It is mentioned in Gen. 30:14-16; Song 7:13.

6. Caper berry flowers grew among walls and rock beds. It, too, supposedly stimulated sexual desires and powers. Some interpretations of the Bible translate the Hebrew term as "desire", but other translations follow recent Hebrew dictionaries which translate the term into "caper berry" or "caper-buds." These are mentioned in Eccles. 12:5.

Many other flowers are mentioned in the Bible, including roses, lilies, leeks, myrtle and mint. Many of them are still popular today.

Source:
Holman Illustrated Pocket Bible Dictionary; Copyright 2004 by Holman Publishers.