Topical Bible: Flowers: Sweet

◄ Flowers: Sweet ►

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In the Bible, flowers often symbolize beauty, transience, and the glory of God's creation. The sweet fragrance of flowers is frequently used as a metaphor for spiritual truths and divine blessings. While the Bible does not specifically mention "sweet flowers," the concept of sweetness in relation to flowers can be inferred from various passages that highlight the beauty and fragrance of flora.

Symbolism and Imagery

Flowers are emblematic of the fleeting nature of life and the splendor of God's handiwork. In Isaiah 40:6-8 , the prophet declares, "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This passage underscores the temporary nature of human life compared to the eternal word of God, using the imagery of flowers to convey this truth.

The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and beauty, frequently references flowers. In Song of Solomon 2:1 , the beloved says, "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley." These flowers are often associated with sweetness and beauty, symbolizing the beloved's charm and allure.

Fragrance as a Metaphor

The sweet fragrance of flowers is used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the pleasing nature of righteous deeds and the presence of God. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 , Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." Here, the "sweet aroma" signifies the impact of believers' lives as they reflect Christ's love and truth.

In the Old Testament, the offerings made to God were often described as having a "pleasing aroma" (e.g., Leviticus 1:9). This concept parallels the idea of sweet-smelling flowers, suggesting that just as a flower's fragrance is delightful, so too are the sacrifices and lives of the faithful when offered in sincerity and devotion.

Divine Provision and Beauty

The beauty and provision of flowers are also seen as a testament to God's care for His creation. In Matthew 6:28-30 , Jesus teaches, "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" This passage highlights God's provision and the inherent beauty He bestows upon even the simplest of His creations, encouraging believers to trust in His care.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "sweet flowers," the themes of beauty, fragrance, and divine provision associated with flowers are woven throughout Scripture. These elements serve as powerful reminders of God's creative power, the transience of earthly life, and the enduring nature of spiritual truths.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 5:13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What the Flowers Say.
... their looks and their tempers. Make up your minds, dear little ones, to
be, by God's help, sweet flowers, not stinging nettles. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxi what the flowers.htm

God Cares for Birds and Flowers. --Luke, xii. 24-27.
... God cares for Birds and Flowers."Luke, xii.24-27. Flowers grow in sweet societies,.
O'er meadow, hill, and dale; Mingle their colours to our eyes,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cclxxvii god cares for.htm

The Story of a Cup of Water
... Many of you have brought here offerings of flowers, sweet and fit for this
day and place and purpose. Some may have brought them ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the story of a cup.htm

"The Earth was Invisible and Unfinished. "
... of the earth is its perfect finishing; growth of all kinds of plants, the upspringing
of tall trees, both productive and sterile, flowers' sweet scents and ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ii the earth was.htm

Basil -- the Creation of the World
... of the earth is its perfect finishing; growth of all kinds of plants, the up-springing
of tall trees, both productive and unfruitful, flowers' sweet scents and ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/basil the creation of.htm

The Preaching of Nature.
... work for God or my fellow man, but I will try by purity, by cheerfulness, by thought
for others, to make my home sweet. And once more, the flowers teach us to ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon l the preaching of.htm

To Scatter Flowers
... roses sweet before Thy Cross divine; By their plucked petals fair, my hands so gladly
bring,. I long to dry Thine every tear! To scatter flowers!"that means ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/to scatter flowers.htm

1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me...
... 4. Just as the bee collects the sweet juice of the flowers and turns it into honey
without injuring their colour or fragrance, so the man of prayer gathers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section iii 1 to pray.htm

A Provision Ground
... whose roots are excellent. The plot of creeping convolvulus-like plants,
with purple flowers, is the Sweet, or true, Potato. {313g}. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvi a provision ground.htm

To Gregory xi
... Therefore, I beg you, sweet my father, to use the instrument of your power and virtue ...
Do you uproot in the garden of Holy Church the malodorous flowers, full of ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to gregory xi 3.htm