The Bible begins with "In the beginning" and then tells of God as the Creator. But not long into the book, God plants a garden in Eden.
I've never been good at gardening. I actually have a black thumb, because everything I attempt to grow ends up dying.
But, in Song of Solomon, there is a description of a secret garden that is for the woman and her love.
Song of Solomon 4:12-16 - A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.
I'll point out some of the things that stand out to me, and if you approach this with prayer, I think you'll also see some amazing things from the plants mentioned here.
This garden is enclosed, meaning it's private, not a public park with access to all, but a special, personal place. And there are specifics that we should take note of in this garden. Some are mentioned as a single plant, while others are mentioned in combination. Words matter to God, and the mixtures have just as much of a meaning as each word does.
This garden has a spring of water that is a sealed fountain. A spring and fountain is a source that just keeps flowing. This water is coming from somewhere else into the garden. It's the water of life that is given continually to the Christian. It's sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise never to be taken away.
Psalm 36:9- For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Revelation 21:6- And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Ephesians 4:30- And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
JUST A NOTE: The day of redemption is what we refer to as the rapture of the Church. The rules change when that happens.
In this garden, there are different plants mentioned. Researching these on both the internet and the Bible reveals some interesting qualities. Of course, I can't mention everything, but if you see something please feel free to leave me a comment!
The pomegranate is a fruit-bearing shrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows between 15 to 30 feet tall. Pomegranate fruit has many seeds inside which are encased in red juice. The pomegranate was originally native to Iran and Northern India. In the Bible, there are pictures or etches all throughout the tabernacle and Solomon' temple.
Pomegranates are low in calories and fat but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Benefits include antioxidants, heart health, urinary health, exercise endurance, helps with inflammation, has antimicrobial properties, and is good for the brain.
Song of Solomon 6:7- As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.
Song of Solomon 4:3- Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.
It's described as the temple of the head, the part between the eye socket and the hairline and is connected with our thoughts. God is very interested in our thoughts. We are to gird up the loins of our mind- keep our thoughts under control.
Philippians 4:8- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Thoughts become actions. If we aren't careful, the devil can plant enough thoughts that we mess up our lives dwelling on them, and then eventually acting on them.
Camphire is an archaic name for henna. Henna is a flowering plant and one of the only two species of the genus Lawsonia that is best known for its use in dyes. It is also from the Lythraceae family (like the pomegranate). It only grows to be about 6 to 25 feet tall, and is native to northern Africa, Asia and northern Australia, where the air is semi-arid and tropical. Natural henna produces a rich red-brown stain which can darken in the days after it is first applied and last for several weeks.
Camphire is only mentioned twice in the Bible, both in the Song of Solomon.
It's interesting that Jews are known for being "ruddy" and henna in its natural form produces a red-brown stain. Blood also stains a reddish brown. It seems God likes His people to have a "red-brown" look to them. Are you washed in the blood?
Spikenard is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil derived from Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. the plant grows to about 3 feet in height and has small, pink, bell-shaped flowers. It is found at an altitude of about 9,800 to 16,400 feet. The plant and its oil have been used since ancient times in traditional medicines, and the oil, derived from its woody rhizomes, is used in religious ceremonies. During the time of the Roman Empire, it was the main ingredient in perfumes.
There's something about God and mountaintops. God gave His Law to Moses on a mountaintop. The ark rested on a mountain. Christ may not have been on a mountain, but He was crucified on a hill. God is always encouraging us to go onward and upward.
As a relative of the valerian plant, spikenard may promote mood and emotional health. Spikenard can relax the brain and cardiovascular system, acting as a “strong hypnotic cerebral sedative” and a cardiovascular relaxant. It can be used for inflammatory conditions, pulling excess heat out of the head and upper body.
Aside from Song of Solomon, the only other mention of Spikenard in the Bible is when Mary, Lazarus' sister, used it to anoint Christ before He was crucified.
John 12:3- Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
We think of ointment as a medicine, but in the Bible it appears that ointment is also for pleasure.
Proverbs 27:9- Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. It also contains a carotenoid pigment, crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. It is believed that saffron originated in Iran. However, Greece and Mesopotamia have also been suggested as the possible region of origin of this plant.
It is a sterile triploid form, which means that three homologous sets of chromosomes make up each specimen's genetic complement. Being sterile, the purple flowers fail to produce viable seeds; reproduction hinges on human assistance: clusters of corms, underground, bulb-like, starch-storing organs, must be dug up, divided, and replanted.
That is a lot of information! This plant has three genetic compliments that make up just one plant, just like there are three parts to God- The Father (soul), The Son (body), and The Holy Spirit. But it relies on humans to spread and grow. It sounds a lot like the Christian walk!
Matthew 28:19-20- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Only in October, after most other flowering plants have released their seeds, do its brilliantly hued flowers develop; they range from a light pastel shade of lilac to a darker and more striated mauve. The flowers possess a sweet, honey-like fragrance. Upon flowering, the plants are 8–12 inches in height and bear up to four flowers. A three-pronged style emerges from each flower. Each prong terminates with a vivid crimson stigma.
Saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the world. It's an antioxidant, helps treat depression, and can benefit your heart, sight, and mind.
This plant is only mentioned in this one verse of the Bible. God finds it important enough to mention in our personal garden, but nowhere else in the Scriptures. This is very unique, and perhaps just as individual as your relationship with Him.
Calamus is an interesting one to me. Its a perennial that grows in marshes, swamps, and other wetland habitats. The entire plant is aromatic and has sword-shaped leaves and tiny, greenish-yellow flowers. Calamus is a member of the Araceae family and also goes by the names of acorus, sweet calamus, sweetflag and vacha. It is native throughout Asia, from India to Japan and the Philippines and from Indonesia to Siberia. It is thought that chemicals in calamus cause muscle relaxation and sleepiness. These chemicals might also reduce swelling, kill cancer cells, and kill insects.
This plant with sword-shaped leaves grows right next to water, in fact, I'd dare to say that it wouldn't grow strong unless it had a constant supply of water!
Psalms 1:3- And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Ephesians 5:26- That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
If you stay close to the water, then you'll grow. If your source of water starts to move away your relationship will wither. This plant needs water and is shaped like a sword- both things that represent the Scriptures.
Ephesians 6:17- And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
As you train with the sword, you should grow stronger and become more familiar with difficult techniques. As you study your Bible, you should also grow stronger and become more familiar with the secrets that God has hidden for those who dig.
In the Bible, this plant is used in the anointing oil. Yet, it is only mentioned three times in the Bible.
Exodus 30:23-25- Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
Only five ingredients go into the anointing oil- myrrh, calamus, cinnamon, cassia, and olive oil.
Three of these are mentioned right here in our secret garden- myrrh, calamus, and cinnamon.
Cinnamon is probably a common household spice. I don't know many people who have not had cinnamon. Used as a spice for thousands of years, cinnamon comes from the inner bark of various species of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. The leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of cinnamon trees have also been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. It has antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and can protect your heart and your mind.
Cinnamon is mentioned four times in the Bible.
The verse we're looking at bundles three plants together. First, it puts spikenard and saffron together. Then, it puts calamus and cinnamon together. And lastly, it groups frankincense, myrrh, and aloes in a grouping.
When most people hear frankincense and myrrh, they probably think of the Bible story and it being one of the presents brought to Jesus from the wise men. Both frankincense and myrrh are actually mentioned 17 times throughout Scripture. Most references of frankincense involve the priesthood or offerings, while myrrh references purification or perfume.
Frankincense in theology is associated with priesthood; Myrrh in theology is associated with prophets. As for aloes, I think I see it in verses with either blessings or suffering, and sometimes as human beings with limited "sight" we can't always tell the difference between those two things.
Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, it's harvested by incisions (little, purposeful cuts) made in the trunks of the trees which exudes as a milk like juice that hardens on exposure to air. Frankincense is a natural astringent that can help with breathing, healing, and preventing illness.
Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. Myrrh is harvested by repeatedly wounding the trees to bleed the gum, which is waxy and coagulates quickly. After the harvest, the gum becomes hard and glossy. It is native to Somalia, Oman, Yemen, Eritrea, Somali Region of Ethiopia and parts of Saudi Arabia.
Myrrh kills harmful bacteria and parasites, helps with healing, significantly reduces pain from headaches and sore muscles, and was traditionally used to help stop bleeding. In the Bible, it was mixed with wine and they tried to give it to Christ while He was on the cross, yet He refused it.
All throughout Christ's life, there was Frankincense and Myrrh in the background. They show up at His birth, and they are found again at His death.
Aloes is mentioned five times in the Bible. However, this is not aloe vera that we have in abundance in America, but lign aloes, an Oriental tree with a fragrant wood. This species of plant belongs in the Thymelaeaceae family. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The resin, formed almost entirely in the heart wood, is produced by the tree in response to infection by a parasitic mold. The tree grows to be 18 to 60 feet tall, with yellowish-green flowers and bears a fruit that is a woody capsule.
Numbers 24:6- As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
Modern botanists distinguish two kinds; the one genuine and most precious, the other more common and inferior. Only those well versed in it can tell the difference, and the genuine one is said to be very rare and worth its weight in gold.
There are many Bible versions out there, but there is one that is most precious. The differences are many, but the thing that sticks out the most in reference to these plants are that they are native to East of Israel. The King James Version (just one, genuine and precious version) is translated from Manuscripts that come from Antioch, Syria (Northeast of Israel) while all the other translations (more than 300 at last count) come form manuscripts found in Alexandria, Egypt (Southwest of Israel).
Remember that garden that God planted? Its opening was in the east.
Genesis 3:24- So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
The Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded by a wall containing eight major gates. The Eastern Gate, facing the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley, is unique in that it is completely sealed shut. Interestingly enough, this gate is also called the Golden Gate, the Beautiful Gate, and the Gate of Mercy. Jewish tradition states that the Messiah will pass through the Eastern Gate when He comes to rule.
Ezekiel 43:2- And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Ezekiel 44:1-2- Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.
The Eastern gate is right behind the temple. Calvary is guessed to be on the Northwest, outside of the city. Christ would have been led out the west side through what is known as the 'Judgment Gate" towards Golgotha, as the Hebrews called it, or Calvary, as the Greeks called it.
Myrrh, aloes, and cassia are connected with how Christ smells. He smells of these three things as He sits on His throne.
Psalms 45:6-8-Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
Myrrh and aloe are also connected with suffering. Its these two that He was wrapped in before being placed in the tomb.
John 19:38-40- And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Are we seeing a pattern yet? All of these have a cleansing or healing effect on the body, many of them have attributes that help the heart and mind. And, they are known for their pleasant scent.
I would love to be in a place that has all these plants and smell the aroma wafting through the air. Some of these would surround the springing fountain of water while others would shade a cozy place to lay under. It would be an amazingly peaceful place!
None of these are native to Israel, they're all a transplant to the region brought in for a specific purpose, to give a pleasurable scent that bids the lovers to come spend time in solitude with each other.
Philippians 4:18- But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
The Bible deals with mainly two groups of people split between types: Jew and Gentile. But when these come together, they make up the most beautiful combination imagined- the Church!
Ephesians 5:27- That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Song of Solomon 4:7- Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
