Life in Newburgh on Ythan

By Talpa

Solomon was very fond of lilies!

The "lilies" that feature at various places in the bible come from such a variety of habitats (valleys, fields, gardens, among thorns) as to suggest that the biblical lily is a common representation of a wide variety of flowers. Certainly the tiger lily Lilium columbianum that lives in my garden wasn't one of them, since it originates in North America. It is a very beautiful flower, particularly when seen through the hand-lens.

Solomon was particularly fond of the lily as metaphore!

Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 4:5
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Song of Solomon 6:2

My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

Song of Solomon 6:3
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 7:2
Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.

From the 1769 King James Bible

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