Rose Of Sharon

Have you ever thought about the meaning of The Rose of Sharon?
What is the Song of Solomon trying to speak to us about? Who are the characters portraying in this love story?

“I am the rose of sharon, the lily of the valleys” Song of Solomon 2:1

If we look at the meaning of sharon, we see it means “a plain or level place.” The plain of sharon is the coastal plain between the mountains of Central Israel and the mediterranean Sea, North of Joppa to Mt Carmel. The area is mentioned in Acts 9:35 in conjunction with the town of Lydda which is about eleven miles Southeast of Joppa and is called “Lod” in the old testament. This town is located in the midst of the plain of Sharon. This area was known for its fertile lands and growing flowers, therefore, we can assume that the rose of Sharon flower is named for the district of Sharon.

Is It A Rose

As we look further the Webster says rose of sharon is a commonly cultivated asian shrub or small tree ( Hibiscus Syriacus ) having a showy bell shaped rose, the colors are white, purple, and pink flowers

The rose of Sharon likely is not a rose. it is a member of the Hibiscus family. The Hibiscus flower is traditionally represents “Delicate Beauty.” In the Bible, the rose of sharon symbolizes beauty. In the book of Song of Solomon it depicts the beauty of King’s Solomon’s lover. As you know, the Song of Solomon is representing Bride and His Bridegroom. It is a illustrating of Jesus and His Church.

It may have been a crocus, tulip, hibiscus, lily, white daisy or some other flower that grows in a field. Their is a lot of different opinions of what kind of flower is truly representing in this scripture.

New Perspective

In this scripture the young woman is speaking referring to herself, however, we can see in the NLT version of Song of Solomon it is written

” I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon plain, the lily of the valley.” NLT

Crocus flower that is spoken here it is similar to a tulip.

I’ve always understood that Jesus was the Rose of Sharon, but as I am searching out the truth. The lady is speaking, who represents the bride, (the church), about herself. I have never thought the rose of sharon represented us! What a new revelation and concept to think!

Bride of Jesus

What if this is speaking about His Bride! We are the rose of Sharon being described in this scripture.
Where does the concept come from? Believing that Jesus is called the Rose of Sharon.

Some Bible scholars see the Rose of Sharon as Christ and the lily of the valley as the church, His Bride.

Here is the reason I found in my research of the analogy of Jesus being the Rose of Sharon. The rose is considered to be the most perfect of all flowers. Jesus is totally perfect in nature and personality. The only thing about this analogy we are realizing it isn’t a rose at all, but a Hibiscus or tulip-like flower.

Lily of the Valley

Let’s take at a look at what lily means in the Strong’s Concordance a lily (from its whiteness) as a flower; also a straight trumpet from the tubular shape. Shoshannim means lilies, the name of some musical instrument, probably like a lily in shape. Some think that an instrument of six strings is meant in this particular word it is written about in Psalm 45, 69.

Valleys refers to open country and low land.

So we can see lily of the valleys is referring to the bride of Christ. I am a common, lowly flower of the low lands. Valleys (plural) would mean more than one lily. As mentioned earlier in verse 1 it saids “I Am the lily of the valleys.” Now in verse 2 man is speaking and responding, representing Jesus, ”Yes you are as the lily, but you are amidst thorns.” She (bride) is seen in simplicity, harmlessness, in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation.

Bright and Morning Star

I wonder if the old hymn (The Lily of the Valley) is where we got that understanding? The song saids Jesus is the lily of the valley the bright and morning star you’re the fairest of ten thousand to my soul! It is still a great song however, it is misleading.

By the way I had to look up Bright and Morning star and found that it is scriptural? Rev 22:16 Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star!

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star. Rev 22:16

What are your thoughts?

Does this make you think differently about the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valley that it is referring to us, His Bride?

Do you think these are still names that we should refer to as Christ Jesus?

I Would love to read your comments!