And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about. - Exodus 28:33
Highly esteemed by Israelites, the pomegranate was believed to be the "original forbidden fruit" in the Garden of Eden. It was also one of the seven species brought back by the spies to show how fertile the Promised Land was. Carved figures of the pomegranate were principal ornaments adorning stately columns and pillars in Solomon's temple as well as worn on the High Priests garments symbolizing life.
The Hebrew word for "pomegranate" is
Ramam, which means "to rise up" or "to be mounted up."
In Song of Solomon 4:3, Solomon describes his bride's "temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks."
Solomon uses the pomegranate theme for her temples to show fertility of the mind, where good seed is planted and a harvest is sure. Her thoughts are on what is pure, lovely, and of good report. She is the true bride, with the mental state that matches the King's. Here the Holy Spirit finds a welcome depository for "things that are to come."
Here the words of Yeshua are quickly brought to mind. She has the mind of Christ.
The pomegranate fruit, in relation to our temples, signifies that it is now the "fruit of the Spirit" that controls our lives (mounts or raises us up or above) rather than the lust of the flesh. The phrase "within thy locks" shows that she bears spiritual fruit that is veiled and hidden from the world for only the Lord to behold.
Some interpreters believe the reference to pomegranates is a symbol of fertility. On a holy theme, greater significance might point to the use of the pomegranate as it relates to the skirt of the high priest. At the bottom of the high priest's robe were pomegranates interspersed with bells. With every step, the ringing of bells with the symbol for "fertility of life" bore witness to sight and sound to declare life. Life and abundance characterizes the Savior's bride.
For more information about the spiritual significance of the fragrances of the bible, visit our website at
http://www.healwithoil.com or purchase a copy of Rebecca's book, The Fragrance of the Bride online at bookstores everywhere.
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