Flowers uniquely capture our hearts—their delicate petals, vibrant colors, and sweet fragrances speak of life, beauty, and renewal. Throughout the Bible, God uses the imagery of flowers to reveal His character and His care for creation. From the lilies of the field that Jesus pointed to as examples of God’s provision (Matthew 6:28) to the blossoms that adorn the temple’s design (1 Kings 7:19), flowers remind us of God’s attention to detail and His love for what is lovely. One of the most enchanting uses of floral imagery in Scripture appears in Song of Solomon 2:1-2, where the “Rose of Sharon” and the “Lily of the Valleys” take center stage in a tender exchange between two lovers. These verses have inspired countless hymns, poems, and works of art, drawing believers into a deeper reflection on love, beauty, and purity.
The Song of Solomon, often called the Song of Songs, is a lyrical masterpiece that celebrates the passionate love between a bride (the maiden) and her groom (the beloved). This book is cherished as both a God-given portrait of marital love and a faint echo of Christ’s devotion to His church. While our primary focus will be on the text’s celebration of human love, we will also consider how its truths resonate with our spiritual journey. In Song of Solomon 2:1-2, the maiden and her beloved exchange words of admiration that reveal profound insights about beauty, identity, and the transformative power of love. Let’s turn to these verses from the English Standard Version (ESV) and explore their meaning:
Song of Solomon 2:1-2 (ESV):
1 I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
2 As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women.
Before we dive in, it’s important to clarify a common misunderstanding. Many hymns and writings attribute the title “Rose of Sharon” or “Lily of the Valley” to Jesus Christ, reflecting His beauty and glory. However, in the context of Song of Solomon, these words are spoken by the maiden about herself. While the imagery is rich with spiritual potential, the primary focus of the text is on the human love story. With that in mind, let’s begin our journey through these verses, uncovering the treasures they hold for us today.
Exegesis of Song of Solomon 2:1-2
To fully appreciate the depth of Song of Solomon 2:1-2, we must examine each verse carefully, understanding the context and the emotions behind the words.
Verse 1: The Maiden’s Self-Description
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.”
In this verse, the maiden speaks with a newfound sense of confidence. Earlier in the Song, she expressed insecurity about her appearance, saying, “I am very dark, but lovely” (Song 1:5). She was self-conscious, aware of how her time working in the vineyards had affected her skin. But now, something has changed. She describes herself as “a rose of Sharon” and “a lily of the valleys”—two flowers that, while beautiful, are not exotic or rare. The Sharon plain was a fertile region in Israel, and it was known for its wildflowers, but these were common blooms, not the prized flowers of a royal garden. Similarly, lilies grew in the valleys, thriving in the lowlands. By choosing these flowers, the maiden is saying, “I am lovely, but I am not extraordinary. I am like a wildflower—beautiful in my own way, but still humble.”
This shift in her self-perception is significant. It reflects the growing confidence that comes from being loved and cherished. She no longer sees herself through the lens of insecurity; instead, she embraces her God-given beauty with humility. For evangelicals, this resonates deeply with our understanding of identity. We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and while we are not to boast in ourselves, we can acknowledge the beauty and worth that God has instilled in us. The maiden’s words invite us to do the same—to see ourselves as lovely in the eyes of our Creator, even if we feel ordinary.
Verse 2: The Beloved’s Affirmation
“As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women.”
The beloved’s response is swift and passionate. He takes the maiden’s humble self-description and elevates it to something extraordinary. When she calls herself a lily, he agrees—but adds that she is a lily “among brambles.” In his eyes, she is not just a common flower; she is a stunning bloom standing out against a backdrop of thorns. The “brambles” (or thorns) represent the other young women, who, in comparison to her, are like prickly, undesirable plants. This is not a statement of arrogance but a declaration of passionate love. He is saying, “To me, you are peerless. No one else compares to you.”
This affirmation is a powerful gift. The beloved makes the maiden feel uniquely cherished, as if she is the only one who matters. In doing so, he reflects a truth that evangelicals hold dear: love has the power to transform how we see ourselves and others. In a healthy, God-honoring relationship, partners build each other up, affirming each other’s worth and beauty. This mirrors the way Christ loves the church, seeing her as spotless and beloved (Ephesians 5:25-27). The beloved’s words also remind us of how God sees us—chosen and precious, even when we feel ordinary.
Together, these two verses paint a picture of mutual admiration and respect, where humility and affirmation dance in perfect harmony. The maiden’s humility is not self-deprecation; it is a recognition of her worth without pride. The beloved’s affirmation is not empty flattery; it is a heartfelt declaration of her unique place in his heart. For evangelicals, this exchange offers a beautiful model of how love should function—honoring, uplifting, and rooted in truth.
Keywords and Original Language
To deepen our understanding of Song of Solomon 2:1-2, let’s explore the Hebrew terms behind the floral imagery. These words are not merely decorative; they carry layers of meaning that enhance the poetry and reveal deeper truths about beauty, humility, and love.
“Rose of Sharon” - חַבַּצֶּלֶת הַשָּׁרוֹן (Chavatzelet Ha-Sharon)
Chavatzelet: This word is translated as “rose” in many English versions, but it likely does not refer to the modern rose we know today. The term appears only twice in the Old Testament—here and in Isaiah 35:1, where it describes the blooming of the wilderness. Scholars believe it refers to a bulb flower, such as a crocus, narcissus, or even a tulip, which were common in the Sharon plain. The root of the word is connected to bulb formation, suggesting a flower that emerges in the spring, symbolizing renewal and beauty.
Ha-Sharon: This refers to the Sharon plain, a fertile region along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. It was known for its lush vegetation and wildflowers (Isaiah 35:2), but these were not rare or cultivated blooms. By calling herself a “rose of Sharon,” the maiden is identifying with a beauty that is accessible and unpretentious—lovely, but not out of reach.
Together, chavatzelet ha-sharon paints a picture of humble beauty, like a wildflower that thrives in open fields. It’s a reminder that true beauty doesn’t need to be exotic or rare to be cherished.
“Lily of the Valleys” - שׁוֹשַׁנַּת הָעֲמָקִים (Shoshanat Ha-Amakim)
Shoshanah: Translated as “lily,” this term appears several times in the Song of Solomon and elsewhere in the Bible (e.g., 1 Kings 7:19, where it describes the temple’s decor). The exact species is debated—some suggest it was a white lily, while others point to a reddish flower like an anemone. What is clear is that the shoshanah was admired for its beauty and grace. In Song of Solomon 5:13, the beloved’s lips are compared to lilies, further emphasizing their attractiveness.
Ha-Amakim: This means “the valleys” or “the lowlands.” Valleys were places where wildflowers like lilies would naturally grow, away from the prominence of mountains or palaces. By calling herself a “lily of the valleys,” the maiden emphasizes her humble origins and unassuming nature.
The phrase shoshanat ha-amakim reinforces the theme of modesty. The maiden sees herself as a flower that blooms in quiet, overlooked places—beautiful, but not seeking attention.
“Brambles” - חוֹחִים (Choachim)
Choachim: This word means “thorns” or “thorny bushes.” In Scripture, thorns often symbolize adversity, sin, or desolation (e.g., Genesis 3:18, where thorns are part of the curse). In this context, the beloved uses choachim to describe the other young women, contrasting them sharply with the maiden’s lily-like beauty. The image is striking: while she is soft, fragrant, and lovely, the others are prickly and unappealing.
By using choachim, the beloved amplifies the maiden’s uniqueness. She is not just a flower; she is a flower surrounded by thorns, making her beauty all the more remarkable. This contrast highlights the transformative power of love—how it elevates the beloved in the eyes of the lover.
These Hebrew terms are more than poetic flourishes; they are windows into the heart of the text. The maiden’s chavatzelet and shoshanah speak of beauty rooted in humility, while the beloved’s choachim underscores her distinctiveness. For evangelicals, who treasure the inspired words of Scripture, these terms reveal how God uses language to convey the depth of human emotion and the glory of His creation. They remind us that love has the power to see beauty where others might see only the ordinary.
Broader Biblical Themes
The imagery of the lily extends far beyond the Song of Solomon, weaving a thread of beauty, purity, and divine care throughout Scripture. We can see how the “lily” in Song of Solomon 2:1-2 connects to the larger biblical narrative by exploring these broader themes.
Old Testament Connections
The Psalms: Several Psalms, including Psalms 45, 60, 69, and 80, are linked to the tune or theme of “Shoshannim” (lilies). Psalm 45, in particular, is a wedding song that celebrates the union of a king and his bride, much like the Song of Solomon. The use of “lilies” in these contexts may symbolize the beauty and purity of God’s covenant with His people.
Hosea 14:5: In this prophetic book, God promises that Israel will “blossom like the lily” when they return to Him. Here, the lily represents renewal and restoration under God’s care, echoing the themes of growth and beauty in Song of Solomon.
New Testament Connections
Matthew 6:28-29: Jesus famously points to the “lilies of the field” as examples of God’s provision. He says, “Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” The lilies, in their effortless beauty, illustrate how God clothes and cares for His creation. This teaching invites us to trust in God’s provision, knowing that if He adorns the flowers so richly, He will surely care for us.
Christian Tradition
Lilies and Purity: In Christian art and tradition, lilies have long been associated with purity, particularly with the Virgin Mary. Their white petals symbolize her innocence and holiness. This connection, while not directly from Scripture, reflects the enduring power of the lily as a symbol of beauty and virtue.
Easter Lilies: Today, lilies are a staple of Easter celebrations, representing Christ's resurrection and the hope of new life. This tradition draws from the lily’s natural cycle of blooming after winter, much like Christ’s triumph over death.
The Lily Crucifix: During the 14th and 15th centuries, some European artworks depicted Christ crucified not on a cross but on a lily, or holding a lily. This “lily crucifix” blended the suffering of the cross with the purity and beauty of the lily, offering a powerful visual of Christ’s redemptive work.
In the context of Song of Solomon, the lily primarily symbolizes the beauty and purity of love between the maiden and her beloved. However, for evangelicals, these broader biblical themes enrich our understanding. The lily’s appearances across Scripture remind us that God delights in beauty, that He provides for His creation, and that purity is a reflection of His character. While the Song of Solomon celebrates human love, its imagery subtly points to the divine love that undergirds all creation.
Spiritual Lessons and Applications
The Song of Solomon 2:1-2 offers timeless lessons that we can apply to our lives today. These verses, though rooted in a love story, speak to our identity, relationships, and faith.
Humility and Worth
The maiden’s self-description as a “rose of Sharon” and “lily of the valleys” teaches us to embrace our God-given beauty with humility. She doesn’t claim to be the most exquisite flower in the garden; she simply acknowledges that she is lovely in her own way. This reflects the biblical truth that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), yet called to humility (Philippians 2:3). As believers, we can celebrate our worth without falling into pride, knowing that our value comes from God.
Cherished Uniqueness
The beloved’s affirmation—“As a lily among brambles”—shows how love makes us feel uniquely cherished. In his eyes, the maiden is not just one among many; she is irreplaceable. This mirrors how God sees each of us. Ephesians 2:10 calls us God’s “workmanship,” created for a purpose. When we feel ordinary or overlooked, we can remember that in Christ, we are treasured beyond measure.
Love’s Beauty
The mutual admiration between the maiden and her beloved reflects God’s design for relationships. In a healthy marriage, partners honor and uplift each other, just as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25-28). This challenges us to nurture love that builds up rather than tears down, affirming the beauty and worth of those we care for.
Purity’s Call
The lily’s association with purity invites us to pursue holiness in our lives and relationships. In a world that often cheapens love, Song of Solomon reminds us that true love is marked by purity and respect. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12, we are to be examples “in purity,” reflecting Christ’s spotless love for the church.
Trust in God’s Provision
Jesus’ teaching about the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30) assures us that God cares for our needs. Just as He clothes the flowers in splendor, He will provide for us. This frees us from anxiety, allowing us to rest in His faithful care.
These lessons are not just abstract ideas; they are invitations to live out our faith in practical ways. Whether in our relationships, our self-perception, or our trust in God, the imagery of the rose and the lily calls us to embrace humility, cherish others, pursue purity, and rest in God’s provision.
Conclusion
Song of Solomon 2:1-2 unveils a love story where humility meets affirmation, beauty shines amid thorns, and purity blooms in the valleys. Through the “Rose of Sharon” and the “Lily of the Valleys,” we glimpse God’s heart for relationships and His transformative gaze upon us. As evangelicals, let’s cherish this Scripture, allowing its lessons to shape our lives. May we reflect the beauty of God’s love, trusting the One who makes us lovely in His sight. And as we consider the lilies, may we rest in the knowledge that the God who adorns the flowers will surely care for us.
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