Consider the Lilies

Taking a deeper look at where lilies are mentioned in the Bible

One of Jesus’ most famous sayings goes like this, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Luke 12:27).

Jesus uses the lilies as an example of His good creation that is beautiful without effort, gorgeous without worry.

So, how else are lilies used in the Bible? Is there more significance to Jesus’ example than simple what we see at face value? Let’s look deeper.

A quick search shows us that “lily” is mentioned only 7 times in the Bible while “lilies” is only mentioned 11 times. So, we don’t have many examples.

Three of the 11 lilies references are the tune of three different Psalms (45, 69, 80) so those really don’t count for much.

Two of the lilies references are the Luke text above and its Matthew counterpart.

Four of the lily references are in describing Solomon’s temple. Two refer to pillar work that is etched with lilies. Two refer to the sea Solomon creates in the temple that held 12,000 gallons of water. This pool’s brim is described to be like a lily.

One mention is in the final chapter of Hosea describing how Israel will blossom and flourish like a lily.

The rest are all from one book: Song of Solomon. A total of 8 of the 15 references (excluding the Psalm tunes) are from this often overlooked book.

This unique Scriptural book reads like a play with two main characters who are lovers with a crowd interjecting cheers and questions every once in a while. The “He” character is often said to be grazing among the lilies. His lips are described as lilies. The “She” character’s belly is described as “a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies.”

In all these references, there is not much that can be said other than lilies are clearly thought of as beautiful and good.

What I find interesting is that Jesus says that Solomon was not arrayed as beautifully as a lily. Solomon writes of lilies in poetic style. He even utilizes lilies in the temple he builds, adding ornate beauty to the Lord’s house.

As we consider Jesus’ words in encouraging us to contemplate the lilies, perhaps this journey can also lead us to contemplate how we are God’s temple. How we are of more value than birds or lilies, and God clearly takes care of these. How much more will God care for us, His temples of living stones, each with a beauty surpassing that of the lilies.

Finally, it’s worth noting that many Christian scholars interpret Song of Solomon as a prophetic description of Jesus and the church. If you read through the book with such a lens, you will find some compelling connections. In Song of Solomon 6:1-3, for example, we find a search for the Christ character. Where has He gone? To His garden, to the beds of spices, to graze in the gardens and gather lilies.

Consider this in light of Jesus death and burial. Jesus says to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” the word for paradise is the word for garden. It may just as well be translated “Today you will be with me in the garden.”

As Jesus is buried, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus anoint Jesus’ body with 75 pounds of spices. Jesus lies on a “bed of spices” as He is buried.

Then, He rises and when Mary Magdalene finds Him, she supposes Him to be who? The gardener. I cannot help but wonder if there were lilies where Jesus walked on that Easter morning.

I’m not positive, but I’m guessing this is at least part of the theological reason behind lilies being the flower of choice for Easter.

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Be Curious. Ask Questions.

Andy