Pomegranate

This was a fruit of Palestine, beautiful in its appearance, and very pleasant in its taste; and therefore Christ, in celebrating the loveliness of the church, compares her temples to "a piece of pomegranate within her locks." (Song 4: 3.) And the church, speaking of the glories of her Husband, saith, I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house; I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate." (Song 8. 2.) The sense is, the church would treat Jesus with her best fare. And as every thing she had and was came from her Lord, surely her Lord should have the best of his own gifts and graces. In a spiritual sense, believers may be said to entertain Christ when, in their exercises of faith in any of the gracious, or providential dispensations of the Lord, our sorrows are so sweetly tinged with the presence and sanctifying blessings of the Lord, that they are like to spiced wine in which is infused the juice of the pomegranate. Jesus sweetens all, as the bitter waters at Marah were sweetened by the tree cast into them. (Exod. xv. 23 - 25.)

רמון , Num 13:23; Num 20:5; 1Sa 14:2, &c, a low tree growing very common in Palestine, and in other parts of the east. Its branches are very thick and bushy; some of them are armed with sharp thorns. They are garnished with narrow spear-shaped leaves. Its flowers are of an elegant red colour, resembling a rose. It is chiefly valued for the fruit, which is as big as a large apple, is quite round, and has the general qualities of other summer fruits, allaying heat and quenching thirst. The high estimation in which it was held by the people of Israel, may be inferred from its being one of the three kinds of fruit brought by the spies from Eshcol to Moses and the congregation in the wilderness, Num 13:23; Num 20:5; and from its being specified by that rebellious people as one of the greatest luxuries which they enjoyed in Egypt, the want of which they felt so severely in the sandy desert. The pomegranate, classed by Moses with wheat and barley, vines and figs, oil olive and honey, was, in his account, one principal recommendation of the promised land, Deu 8:8. The form of this fruit was so beautiful, as to be honoured with a place at the bottom of the high priest’s robe, Exo 28:33; Sir 45:9; and was the principal ornament of the stately columns of Solomon’s temple. The inside is full of small kernels, replenished with a generous liquor. In short, there is scarcely any part of the pomegranate which does not delight and recreate the senses.

The pomegranate is a native of Asia; and we may trace it from Syria, through Persia, even to the mountains of Northern India. It is common in Northern Africa, and was early cultivated in Egypt: hence the Israelites in the desert complain (Num 20:5), ’It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates.’ Being common in Syria and Persia, it must have early attracted the attention of Eastern nations. In the present day it is highly valued, and travelers describe the pomegranate as being delicious throughout Persia. The late Sir A. Burnes states that the famous pomegranates without seeds are grown in gardens under the snowy hills, near the River Cabul. The bright and dark-green foliage of the pomegranate, and its flowers conspicuous for the crimson color both of the calyx and petals, must have made it an object of desire in gardens; while its large reddish-colored fruit, filled with numerous seeds, each surrounded with juicy pleasant-tasted pulp, would make it still more valuable as a fruit in warm countries. The pulpy grains of this fruit are sometimes eaten by themselves, sometimes sprinkled with sugar; at other times the juice is pressed out and made into wine, or one of the esteemed sherbets of the East. This seems also to have been the custom in ancient times, for it is said in Son 8:2, ’I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.’

The pomegranate was well known to the Greeks. It was employed as a medicine by Hippocrates, and is mentioned by Homer. Various parts of the plant were employed medicinally, as, for instance, the root, or rather its bark, the flowers, and the double flowers; also the rind of the pericarp. Some of the properties which these plants possess, make them useful both as drugs and as medicines. We have hence a combination of useful and ornamental properties, which would make the pomegranate an object sure to command attention: and these, in addition to the showy nature of the flowers, and the roundish form of the fruit, crowned by the protuberant remains of the calyx, would induce its selection as an ornament to be imitated in carved work. Hence we find frequent mention of it as an ornament on the robes of the priests (Exo 28:33; Exo 39:24); and also in the temple (1Ki 7:18; 1Ki 7:20; 1Ki 7:42; 2Ki 25:17; 2Ch 3:16; 2Ch 4:13). It might, therefore, well be adduced by Moses among the desirable objects of the land of promise (Deu 8:8): ’a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig-trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil-olive and honey.’

Grained apple, the Punica Granatum of Linnaeus; called also Malum Granatum, in French pomme granate, whence its English name. The tree grows wild in Persia and Syria, as generally in the south of Europe and north of Africa. It is low, with a straight stem, reddish bark, many and spreading branches, dark green lancet-formed leaves, and large and beautiful crimson blossoms. The fruit is of the size of an orange, of a tawny brown, with a thick astringent coat, containing an abundance of seeds, each enveloped in a distinct, very juicy, pink coat, whose flavor, in a wild state, is a pure and very strong acid; but in the cultivated plant, sweet and highly agreeable. The ripe pulp was eaten by itself or with a sprinkling of sugar; or its juice was made into a sherbet. The value of the fruit and the beauty of the flower made the pomegranate welcome in gardens, Son 4:13 6:7,11 8:2 Joe 1:12 . It was abundant in Palestine, Num 13:23 Deu 8:8 . Artificial pomegranates were used as ornaments on the robe of the high priest, Exo 28:33, and also as an architectural ornament, 1Ki 7:18 .\par

Pomegranate. The pomegranate tree, Punicu granatum, derives its name from the Latin, pomum granatum, "grained apple". The Romans gave it the name of Punica, as the tree was introduced from Carthage. It belongs to the natural order Myrtaceae, (Myrtle), being, however, rather a tall bush than a tree.

The foliage is dark green, the flowers are crimson, the fruit, which is about the size of an orange, is red when ripe, which, in Palestine, is about the middle of October. It contains a quantity of juice. Mention is made in Son 8:2, of spiced wine of the juice of the pomegranate. The rind is used in the manufacture of morocco leather, and together with the bark, is sometimes used medicinally.

Mr. Royle, (Kitto’s Cyclopedia, article "Rimmon"), states that this tree is a native of Asia and is to be traced from Syria through Persia, even to the mountains of northern India. The pomegranate was early cultivated in Egypt; hence, the complaint of the Israelites in the wilderness of Zin, Num 20:5, this "is no place of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates."

Carved figures of the pomegranate adorned the tops of the pillars in Solomon’s Temple, 1Ki 7:18; 1Ki 7:20; etc.; and worked representations of this fruit, in blue, purple and scarlet, ornamented the hem of the robe of the ephod. Exo 28:33-34. A fragment of the fruit with its pearly seeds, imbedded in ruby liquid, is very beautiful. "Thy cheeks are like a piece of pomegranate" is the allusion of the poet to the fine transparent tint. Son 4:3.

rimmon. The tree and the fruit. In Egypt (Num 20:5), and in Palestine (Num 13:23; Deu 8:8). Rimmon, Gathrimmon, and En-rimmon, were called from the pomegranate. The cheeks (KJV "temples," i.e. the upper part of the cheek near the temples) of the bride are "like a piece of pomegranate within her locks" (Son 4:3). When cut it displays seeds in rows, pellucid, like crystal, tinged with red. The church’s blush of modesty is not on the surface but within, which Christ sees into (Son 4:13). Her "plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits," not merely flowers (Joh 15:8); Son 8:2, "spied wine of the juice of my pomegranate."

The cup of betrothal He gave her at the last supper, the marriage cup shall be at His return (Mat 26:29; Rev 19:7-9). "Spices" are only introduced in the Song of Solomon when he is present, not in his absence. The pomegranate was carved on the tops of the pillars in Solomon’s temple (1Ki 7:18; 1Ki 7:20), and on the hem of the robe of the ephod (Exo 28:33-34). The fruit is surmounted with a crown-shaped (compare spiritually 2Ti 4:8; 1Pe 5:4; Jas 1:12) calyx. The name is from pomum granatum "grained apple," called "Punic" by the Romans as they received it from Carthage. The rind abounds in tannin, which the Moors used in preparing "morocco" leather; the Cordovaners of Spain learned the art from the Moors; hence our word "cordwainers." The order is the Myrtacae; the foliage dark green, flowers crimson; the fruit (like an orange) ripens in October.

Pomegranate (pum-gran’nate). The pomegranate has been cultivated from early times in Syria, Num 13:23; Deu 8:8, and the warmer regions of the east. It rarely exceeds ten feet in height, and has small lance-shaped, glossy leaves, of a reddish-green when young, but becoming pea-green and remaining alive through the winter. The flowers are of a brilliant scarlet or orange, and in August or September the fruit ripens. This is of the size of an orange, flattened at the ends like an apple, is of a beautiful brown-red color, Son 4:3; Son 6:7, has a hard rind and is filled with pulp of a highly grateful flavor. The abundant juice was made into wine, Son 8:2, and used for a cooling drink. Some cultivated trees bear sweet and some sour fruit, while the wild pomegranates yield only a small and worthless apple.

(: Punica Granatum):

By: Emil G. Hirsch, Immanuel Benzinger

A tree of the myrtle family. The pomegranate was carried into Egypt in very early historic times (comp. Num. xx. 5), and was also cultivated in Palestine, Assyria, and most of the countries bordering the Mediterranean. The spies brought pomegranates, grapes, and figs as signs of the fertility of Canaan (ib. xiii. 23). Several Biblical passages indicate that the pomegranate was among the common fruit-trees of the country (Deut. viii. 8; Joel i. 12; Hag. ii. 19). A famous pomegranate-tree grew at Gibeah in the time of Saul (I Sam. xiv. 2). Pomegranate-groves, as well as the beautiful flower of the tree, are mentioned in the Song of Solomon; and the fruit furnishes similes (Cant. iv. 3, 13; vi. 7, 11; vii. 13). The pomegranate was used in art. The two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, were ornamented with a representation of it (I Kings vii. 18); and pomegranates were embroidered on the garment of the high priest (Ex. xxviii. 33).

Throughout the East the pomegranate is the symbol of luxuriant fertility and of life. Pomegranates are eaten raw, their acid juice being most refreshing (comp. Cant. iv. 3). They are also dried (comp. Ma'as. i. 6). The juice mixed with water is to-day a favorite drink in the East; in former times it was also prepared as a kind of wine (Cant. viii. 2; Pliny, "Hist. Naturalis," xiv. 19).

POMEGRANATE (rimmôn, Arah. rummân).—Tree and fruit (Exo 28:33 f., Exo 39:24-26, Num 13:23; Num 20:5, Deu 8:8, 1Sa 14:2; 1Sa 14:1 k 7:18, 20, 42, 2Ki 25:17, 2Ch 3:16; 2Ch 4:13, Son 4:3; Son 4:13; Son 6:7; Son 7:12; Son 8:2, Jer 52:22 f., Joe 1:12, Hag 2:19). The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is one of the familiar fruit trees of the OT; it is usually a shrub, hut may attain the height of a tree (1Sa 14:2); it was much admired for its beauty (Son 4:3; Son 6:11), and its flower was copied in ornamentation (Exo 28:33, 1Ki 7:13). Its dark green leaves and brilliant scarlet blossom make it a peculiarly attractive object, especially when growing in orchards (Son 4:13), mixed with trees of other shades of green; its buds develop with the tender grapes (Son 7:12), and the round, reddish fruit, with its hrilliant crimson, juicy seeds, ripens at the time of the vintage. The fruit is a favourite food, and the hark a valued astringent medicine.

E. W. G. Masterman.

pom´gran-ā́t, pom-gran´ā́t, pum´gran-ā́t (רמּון, rimmōn (tree and fruit); the Hebrew name is similar to the Arabic, Aramaic and Ethiopic; ῥόα, rhóa):

1. A Tree Characteristic of Palestine:

One of the most attractive and most characteristic of the fruit trees of Syria, probably indigenous to Persia, Afghanistan and the neighborhood of the Caucasus, but introduced to Palestine in very ancient times. The spies brought specimens of figs and pomegranates, along with grapes, from the Vale of Eshcol (Num 13:23). Vines, figs and pomegranates are mentioned (Num 20:5) as fruits the Israelites missed in the wilderness; the promised land was to be one “of wheat and barley, and vines and fig-trees and pomegranates” (Deu 8:8), a promise renewed in Hag 2:19. In the lamentation in Joe 1:11, Joe 1:12 we have the pomegranate, the palm tree and the apple tree represented as withered, “for joy is withered away from the sons of men.”

2. The Fruit:

The pomegranate tree, Punica granatum (Natural Order, Granateae) occurs usually as a shrub or small tree 10-15 ft. high, and is distinguished by its fresh green, oval leaves, which fall in winter, and its brilliant scarlet blossoms (compare Son 7:12). The beauty of an orchard of pomegranates is referred to in Son 4:13. The fruit which is ripe about September is apple-shaped, yellow-brown with a blush of red, and is surmounted by a crown-like hard calyx; on breaking the hard rind, the white or pinkish, translucent fruits are seen tightly packed together inside. The juicy seeds are sometimes sweet and sometimes somewhat acid, and need sugar for eating. The juice expressed from the seeds is made into a kind of syrup for flavoring drinks, and in ancient days was made into wine: “I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, of the juice (margin “sweet wine”) of my pomegranate” (Son 8:2). The beauty of a cut section of pomegranate - or one burst open naturally, when fully ripe - may have given rise to the comparison in Son 4:3; Son 6:7: “Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate.” The rind of the pomegranate contains a very high percentage of tannic acid, and is employed both as a medicine and for tanning, particularly in making genuine morocco leather.

Whether the pomegranate tree in Migron under which Saul is said (1Sa 14:2) to have abode with his 600 men was really a tree or a place, Rimmon, is doubtful. See RIMMON.

3. The Pomegranate in Art:

A large number of references to the pomegranate are to the use of the form of the fruit in ornamentation, in which respect it appears among the Hebrews to have something of the position of the lotus bud as a decorative motive in Egypt. It was embroidered in many colors on the skirts of Aaron’s garments, together with golden bells (Exo 28:33 f; Exo 39:24-26; compare Ecclesiasticus 45:9). Hiram of Tyre introduced the pomegranate into his brass work ornamentation in the temple: “So he made the pillars; and there were two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the capitals that were upon the top of the pillars” (margin “So the Syriac The Hebrew has ’pomegranates’“) (1Ki 7:18). “And the pomegranates were two hundred, in rows round about upon the other capital” (1Ki 7:20; compare also 1Ki 7:42; 2Ki 25:17; 2Ch 3:16; 2Ch 4:13).

Exo 28:34 (c) This fruit was and still is an emblem of fruitfulness. This fruit is quite filled with seeds so that it is able to reproduce itself in a multitude of new plants. It is also a type of sweetness and of satisfaction. These are a fruit of the Spirit of GOD in the life, bringing about these lovely results. (See Son 4:13).

Son 4:3 (c) Solomon is describing the beauty of the church and indicates that the thoughts in the minds of GOD’s people would be beautiful ones and fruitful ones. This of course is true, and perhaps this is the lesson intended.

Pomegranate. A round, sweet fruit about ten centimeters (four inches) across with a hard rind. It is green when young and turns red when ripe. There are numerous edible seeds inside the pomegranate.

The pomegranate tree has been cultivated in Palestine and Egypt since ancient times ( Num 13:23; Deu 8:8). It grew as a bush or small tree, sometimes reaching a height of about 9 meters (30 feet) with small, lance-shaped leaves. The blossoms were bright red. The fruit usually ripened in August or September.

Pomegranates were highly esteemed during Bible times. The hem of Aaron’s robe was decorated with blue, purple, and red pomegranates ( Exo 28:33-34; Exo 39:24-26). It was listed among the pleasant fruits of Egypt ( Num 20:5). Solomon decorated the Temple with the likeness of the pomegranate ( 1Ki 7:18; 1Ki 7:20). A spiced wine was made from the juice ( Son 8:2).

A red fruit filled with tiny

seeds, each covered with a sweet, juicy

part of the fruit.