I Am A Meadow Flower From Sharon, A Lily From The Valleys

“I am a meadow flower from Sharon, a lily from the valleys. Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.” Song of Solomon 2:1-3 NET

This exquisite poetry from the Old Testament elegantly harnesses the beauty of nature to convey the most profound expressions of love and devotion. As the dialogue unfolds, a compelling question arises: Who is the speaker? In the opening verse, the Shulamite girl continues her passionate narrative from the end of Chapter One without indicating a shift in speaker. This bride-to-be, depicted as an enchanting young country girl, has fallen deeply in love with the illustrious King Solomon.

She articulates her feelings tenderly and vividly: “I am a meadow flower from Sharon, a lily from the valleys.” Some interpretations render her words as “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys,” evoking a sense of delicate beauty and purity. The imagery resonates with ideas of flourishing life and vibrant landscapes, where meadows bloom with wildflowers under the sun, and lilies stand regally in tranquil valleys.

In the New Testament, we often hear hymns that celebrate Jesus this way as the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star, and the fairest of ten thousand. These descriptions evoke an image of beauty that transcends ordinary understanding, and I wholeheartedly agree that Jesus embodies all these qualities, reflecting unparalleled beauty and worth. However, it is crucial to recognize that the poignant words of the first verse are not voiced by Solomon but rather by the young girl herself. Her heartfelt declarations—“I am a meadow flower from Sharon, I am the rose of Sharon, I am the lily of the valleys”—capture her innocence and sincere longing, painting a vivid word picture of her unyielding affection and desire to be cherished.

Now, in verse two, the Bridegroom is speaking, King Solomon, whom we have already learned is a Shepherd king. He responds to her by declaring that she is “like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.” Solomon clearly describes His perception of His darling, His love, among the maidens.

Then we go to verse three and return to the Shulamite girl speaking. She is talking about her lover, Bridegroom, King Solomon. “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men.” And then she adds, “I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.” The apple tree casts a pretty big shadow. Let’s get into the details of these verses a bit deeper and see what they reveal to us.

In verse one, the speaker beautifully identifies herself as “a meadow flower (rose) of Sharon.” The region of Sharon is situated in the Holy Land, characterized by its expansive and picturesque flatlands that stretch gracefully toward the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, lying to the west of the ancient city of Jerusalem in the Jordan Valley. This verdant area is renowned for its fertile soil. It nurtures a stunning array of wild roses that blossom in dazzling abundance, creating a breathtaking spectacle of color and fragrance that captivates the senses. The Sharon Valley, rich in agricultural potential, has long supported thriving communities, from ancient civilizations to modern settlements.

By proclaiming, “Of the thousands and thousands of roses in the valley, I am one,” she expresses a deep and profound sense of humility. This poignant declaration reveals that she perceives herself as unremarkable and ordinary amidst the vast multitude of exquisite roses. In her view, she lacks any extraordinary attributes that might distinguish her from the countless others that adorn the landscape. Rather than seeking to elevate herself, she embraces her plainness, conveying a spirit of humility that resonates through her words.

Further deepening this perspective, she asserts, “I am the lily of the valleys,” which expands her self-perception to encompass the region’s rich biodiversity. Israel is home to numerous valleys, each filled with various flora. Even in the seemingly inhospitable desert regions, resilient wildflowers flourish in the sheltered nooks and crannies of the valleys, adding bursts of color to the arid expanse. By claiming, “I am one of them,” she acknowledges her place within this vibrant mosaic of life, aligning herself with the delicate yet tenacious flowers that thrive in diverse and challenging environments.

Her perspective reflects a sincere humility, reminiscent of her earlier sentiments expressed in Chapter One, where she candidly describes herself as darkened by the sun and stained, feeling unworthy of notice or admiration. This self-effacing attitude underscores her genuine acknowledgment of her limitations and imperfections.

In a broader biblical context, the Apostle Paul embodies a profound humility in 1 Corinthians 15:9, where he candidly declares, “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” This powerful confession highlights his deep awareness of his previous life marked by zealous persecution of early Christians—a time when he was known as Saul of Tarsus, a fervent adversary of the faith. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus is a pivotal moment in his life, illustrating the transformative power of grace.

This parallel between Paul and other humble figures within Scripture enriches the narrative of redemption, emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging one’s flaws and the enabling grace that empowers individuals to pursue a higher calling, regardless of past mistakes. Paul’s message transcends his experience; it resonates universally, inviting all believers to reflect on their journeys. As Paul further matures in his faith, he expresses in Ephesians 3:8, “To me—less than the least of all the saints—this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.”

In this assertion, Paul not only views himself as the least among the apostles—a select group of twelve—but humbly identifies himself as “less than the least of all the saints,” illustrating his profound humility among countless believers who strive for holiness. This striking contrast speaks volumes about the nature of spiritual growth: the closer we draw to Jesus and His radiance, the more we become aware of our own frailty and our desperate need for His grace, and the smaller our estimations of ourselves become.

Ultimately, this recognition fosters a profound humility, inviting us to serve sincerely and passionately. It transforms our past mistakes into vital lessons that strengthen our commitment to sharing the gospel and Christ’s unfathomable riches with others. In embracing our smallness in the face of divine greatness, we find our true purpose and the boundless freedom from a life anchored in grace.

The Christian life is not merely centered on our actions for Jesus but on transforming our character and identity in Him. It invites us to reflect on who we are becoming as individuals—our values, relationships, and attitudes—through the lens of humility. This journey of faith forms us into the likeness of Christ, guiding us to embody His love, compassion, and grace in our everyday lives. As we cultivate a spirit of humility, we open ourselves to deeper connections with God and others, ultimately allowing His transformative power to work within us.

The Shulamite girl has gained profound insights throughout her journey. She likens herself to a beautiful flower—a rose of Sharon and a lily of the valley, standing out among countless others. The Hebrew root word for Sharon, “Yashar,” signifies being straight, right, or correct, which adds a deeper meaning to her identity. She may be expressing that although she is simply one of many vibrant roses blooming in the lush valley of Sharon, her life changed dramatically when she encountered the King—her Lord God and Savior, her Christ.

In this context, Christ is the one who set her life on the right course, guiding her straight towards righteousness and healing her Spirit. He took upon Himself her sins and shame through His sacrificial death on the cross, demonstrating His immense love and grace. By stepping down from His divine throne to save her, He not only transformed her but also reshaped the trajectory of her life, helping her flourish with renewed purpose and direction. Through this profound relationship, she has discovered a deeper purpose, royalty as the bride of the King, flourishing with renewed hope and a clear direction, grounded in the transformative power of His love.

“I am the lily of the valley.” The term “lily” is derived from the Hebrew word “shushan,” which appears as a superscript in Psalm 45, often referred to as the wedding Psalm. This Psalm depicts a grand wedding, where the King is marrying his bride, mirroring the themes of the Song of Solomon, a poetic celebration of love. The speaker humbly identifies herself as just one lily among countless others in the lush valleys of Israel. Yet, despite this multitude, she expresses her heartfelt desire to marry the King.

Similarly, when we encounter Jesus, our King, we may see ourselves as a single lily among a vast garden of others. Yet, He draws our attention, uniquely recognizing and enveloping us in His boundless love. He whispers affirmations of our beauty and embraces us just as we are. He extends a heartfelt invitation to us to enter into a profound relationship with Him, calling us to become His cherished bride. I am deeply thankful to be part of the Bride of Christ, which encompasses His Church—a vibrant and nurturing community where we grow in faith, love, and devotion together, reflecting the splendor of our King.

In the evocative phrase “a lily among thorns,” the thorns powerfully depict the burdens of sin, the trials life presents, and the antagonism from those who oppose God. Yet, the King, embodying divine grace and mercy, reassures her: “I know where you are, but you are beautiful, altogether lovely. You have been sent as a little lamb among wolves, a delicate lily blooming amid a harsh and prickly landscape.”

In the rich biblical imagery, lilies emerge in two strikingly contrasting colors: vibrant red and pure white, each laden with significant meaning. This profound symbolism is graphically captured in Isaiah 1:18, where the Lord calls His people to introspection: “Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.”

These colors weave together a narrative of our transformation from sin to redemption. Our sins manifested as glaring stains on our souls, boldly announcing our failures and moral shortcomings—like a scarlet flag unfurled for all to see. With clarity, we recognized the weight of our transgressions and the profound chasm they created between us and the divine. Yet, God reached out to us in His infinite mercy, His hand extended in grace. He cleansed our deeply stained hearts and lives, washing away our sins to leave us pure, gleaming like fresh snow glistening in the sunlight.

He rescued us from the shadows of our disobedience and despair. Powerless to save ourselves, lost in our choices, we find hope in Him. We place our complete trust in His ability to bring us salvation, transforming our lives in miraculous ways that we could never achieve on our own, nurturing us along an illuminated path from darkness into light.

The text evokes a powerful sentiment with the phrase, “so is my darling among the maidens.” This expression invites us to explore the profound comparisons, similes, and metaphors woven throughout. The speaker emphasizes that his beloved stands out unmistakably among the vast multitude of maidens, representing the daughters of Israel. In that moment, Israel could proudly claim thousands, even tens of thousands of daughters. Yet, the speaker proclaims with heartfelt conviction that his girl, wife, and one true love are like a radiant lily blooming gracefully amidst a thicket of thorns. This striking imagery highlights her exceptional beauty and distinctiveness compared to the others around her. In this context, the Hebrew word for love is “raya,” which embodies romantic affection and the deep warmth of friendship, unwavering companionship, and steadfast partnership. She is more than just his love; she is his closest confidante, His lifelong companion, and His beloved wife, cherished above all the daughters of Israel, embodying a love uniquely hers and solely His.

She beautifully weaves her comparisons of her beloved by exclaiming, “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men.” In this vivid metaphor, the Hebrew word for ‘apple tree’ is ‘tappuah,’ a noun that conjures images of a tree bursting with life and sweetness. The verb form, ‘puah,’ which means to exhale or blow excessively to the point of complete deflation, is intricately linked to ‘ruach,’ the Hebrew word for Spirit, representing both breath and life itself.

By likening her beloved to an apple tree, she paints a picture of singular beauty and vitality, standing out in a dense forest of ordinary trees. This image reflects His distinctiveness and the nourishment and sustenance He provides to those around Him, much like the apples that nourish the body. The gentle, rustling breeze—symbolizing the breath of the Holy Spirit—whispers through the tree leaves, signifying the divine presence that permeates every moment of life.

The apple tree, renowned for its captivating fragrance, is equally celebrated for its crisp, juicy fruit’s irresistible sweetness and delightful flavor. Its branches, laden with ripe apples, create a picturesque scene, standing proudly among the rich tapestry of the forest’s diverse flora. When He declared, “You are the best among all the daughters of Israel,” it struck a chord deep within me, illuminating her extraordinary virtues and unmatched grace. She looks to Him in heartfelt response and proclaims, “You are the tree of trees, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings. You are my beloved, the source of joy and nourishment for my Spirit. You are my apple tree, embodying all that is most wonderful and admirable. Your greatness knows no bounds; you stand supreme and unrivaled among the other majestic trees of the forest, drawing me to you like bees drawn to the sweetest blossoms in the warm sunlight.”

I am reminded of Psalm 1:1-4, which beautifully illustrates the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It paints a vivid picture of a person who embodies righteousness, describing them as a tree firmly rooted by nourishing streams of water. The passage begins, “Blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers. Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts. Not so with the wicked! Instead they are like wind-driven chaff.”

In parallel, the Holy Spirit’s presence or’ fragrance’ profoundly influenced everything Jesus undertook during His time on earth. Each miracle and teaching was steeped in the guidance and empowerment only the Holy Spirit could provide. Jesus was infused with divine wisdom and insight, never walking alone but constantly accompanied by the Holy Spirit, who served as His steadfast companion. Moreover, His miraculous birth resulted from the Holy Spirit’s supernatural intervention, while His sacrificial death and resurrection were made possible through the omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit.

This profound and transformative relationship is poignantly captured by Paul in Romans 8:11, where he states, “Moreover, if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you.” This verse emphasizes the awe-inspiring power of the Holy Spirit. It offers believers a profound promise: the same life-giving Spirit that resurrected Jesus dwells within us, imbuing our lives with hope, purpose, and vitality.

You are the lush apple tree, a magnificent symbol of abundant sweetness, exuding a delicate fragrance that dances on the breeze. Just as the apple tree stands as a serene refuge, providing shade and comfort, so does my beloved shine brightly among the young men, unmistakably unique. The term “beloved,” derived from the Hebrew word “dod,” which we previously explored, carries a rich meaning. Its root verb signifies an intense, boiling passion—a fervent love that surges through my very being for the one I cherish deeply, with all my heart and soul.

In this exquisite imagery, He tenderly refers to her as his friend, companion, and lover—bestowing upon her a sweet and cherished name of lover that captures the essence of their profound connection. The term ‘raya’ resonates with the idea of a shepherd, drawing a beautiful parallel to the comforting words of Psalm 23, which states, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” This illustrates how He diligently watches over her, guiding her with a watchful eye, providing safety and a refuge filled with warmth and assurance.

In sweet reciprocity, she affectionately calls Him beloved “dode,” enveloping her love for Him in the language of boiling fiery passion. With heartfelt sincerity, she proclaims, ‘You are more precious to me than all the young men,’ highlighting the extraordinary place He occupies in her heart. In this tender exchange, He has celebrated her beauty and worth, and she lovingly offers her own praise in return, weaving a mutual admiration and an unwavering bond that flourishes with every moment they share.

“I delight to sit in his shade.” This evocative phrase beautifully illustrates the intimate fellowship and profound communion that can flourish in our relationship with the Lord Jesus. It’s essential to pause and reflect on what she is not conveying: she doesn’t describe a sense of anxious pacing or the frenzied activity of juggling numerous responsibilities. Instead, she expresses a serene contentment as she sits down, enveloped in the gentle embrace of her King and Shepherd’s shade.

This imagery invites us to consider the profound significance of rest and solitude in our spiritual lives. As a comparative example, in Mark 6:31, we encounter Jesus with His disciples, surrounded by a relentless throng of people clamoring for His attention. Understanding their exhaustion, He said to them, “Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest a while.” (for many were coming and going, and there was no time to eat). This invitation to retreat is not solely about physical rest; it is a sacred call to withdraw from the tumult of daily life and enter a tranquil space where they can rejuvenate their weary souls and rekindle their connection with Him.

Amid the clamor of voices vying for their attention, the disciples find solace in this moment of stillness. The crowd’s demands are palpable, with people incessantly coming and going, leaving the disciples with little time for nourishment. Jesus recognizes their fatigue and gently encourages them to prioritize their well-being by resting in His comforting presence, allowing them to renew their strength and find peace in His presence.

She nestled beneath His shade, a serene refuge symbolizing unwavering comfort and divine protection, beautifully captured in Psalm 121:5-8: “The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will watch over your life. The Lord will keep watch over you in all your endeavors, now and forevermore.”

Her decision to rest under His shade is not fueled by obligation or mere routine or law; rather, it blossoms from a profound delight in His presence. The Hebrew word for delight, “chamad,” conveys an intense yearning—a longing that ignites a passionate desire for a close relationship with her King. This word appears four times throughout the Bible, and in one instance, it takes on an impassioned meaning, translated as “lust.” Yet in this sacred context, my longing is pure, a heartfelt pursuit of the love and warmth found in her King. She might say, “I yearn to be enveloped in His fragrant essence, feeling an almost magnetic pull toward Him.” This isn’t simply a desire; it’s a vital need for connection. She refuses to settle for anything less than a vibrant, deeply personal relationship with Him. This boiling passion means I crave His favor, sweetness, and communion, choosing to linger joyfully in His shade.

“And His fruit was sweet to my taste.” The Hebrew word for fruit, “peri,” translates to reward in the King James Bible, perfectly capturing the gifts bestowed upon those who love and follow the Savior. This relationship surpasses knowing Him merely as a Savior; it encompasses encountering Him as a cherished friend, an adoring lover, a devoted bridegroom, and a gentle shepherd who lovingly keeps His eye on His flock. He is always watchfully present, offering the richest fellowship. His fruit, this exquisite reward, is undeniably sweet—sweeter than honey dripping from the comb, or the finest nectar straight from nature. This is the very nature of our Savior; He brings a delightful sweetness to our lives.

The Hebrew concept of taste, “khehk,” resonates deeply with the idea of the English word “palate,” symbolizing a personal and intimate experience of flavor. He lovingly dispenses His sweetness upon my palate, transforming His presence into a delightful aspect of my spiritual nourishment. Psalm 34:8 beautifully articulates this sentiment: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the one who takes shelter in Him.” In the gentle embrace of His love and assurance, this Shulamite girl savors every moment beneath the apple tree, fully immersed in the richness and sweetness of His divine Kingly presence.

This text profoundly represents Jesus, who radiates the essence of perfect beauty and unconditional love. His life unfolds as a masterclass in grace and compassion, evident in the gentle manner in which He engages every soul that crosses His path. Each interaction is imbued with warmth, making His presence irresistibly captivating and inviting. Jesus embodies the deepest qualities of hope and redemption, shining like a beacon of light amidst darkness, imparting a profound sweetness that resonates within our palettes. If we only pause to truly savor His love and teachings, we would discover an overwhelming sense of peace and transformation that is impossible to resist. His message calls us to embrace a life enriched with hope, purpose, and renewal, urging us to reach out and experience the depths of His grace.

Stephen Barnett