The Hebrew word shûwshan, represented by H7799, is a term for the lily. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its use and origin, it signifies a lily, often noted for its whiteness, and is applied both as a flower in nature, an element of architectural ornament, and a term for a trumpet or musical direction, "Shoshannim."
In biblical usage, H7799 appears in several distinct contexts. In the Song of Solomon, it is a recurring symbol of love and beauty. The beloved is described as one who "feedeth among the lilies" Song of Solomon 2:16 and is compared to a "lily among thorns" Song of Solomon 2:2. The physical attributes of the lovers are likened to the flower, such as lips "like lilies" Song of Solomon 5:13. The word also describes architectural details in the temple, where the tops of the pillars featured "lily work" (1 Kings 7:19, 1 Kings 7:22) and the brim of the molten sea was wrought "with flowers of lilies" 1 Kings 7:26. In the Psalms, it appears as "Shoshannim" in the titles, likely as a musical notation (Psalms 45:1, Psalms 69:1).
Several related words help illustrate the lily's symbolic environment:
- H1314 besem (smell, spice, sweet (odour)): This word for fragrance is closely associated with the garden imagery where lilies are found. The beloved is said to go to "the beds of spices" to "gather lilies" Song of Solomon 6:2.
- H2261 chăbatstseleth (rose): This term appears directly alongside lily in a declaration of identity and beauty: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys" Song of Solomon 2:1, showing their parallel use as symbols of natural splendor.
- H6525 perach (blossom, bud, flower): This general term for a flower is used to specify the "flowers of lilies" that adorned the brim of the cup in the temple, linking the specific lily form to the broader concept of a blossom 2 Chronicles 4:5.
The theological and symbolic weight of H7799 is significant. It is used to convey concepts of divine blessing, purity, and sacred beauty.
- Symbol of Restoration: The prophet Hosea uses the lily as a direct metaphor for God's promise to restore Israel. God declares, "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily" Hosea 14:5, connecting the flower's growth to national renewal.
- Emblem of Purity and Love: Throughout the Song of Solomon, the lily represents a pure and cherished love, set apart from the ordinary. The lover is unique, "as the lily among thorns" Song of Solomon 2:2, and the setting for their intimacy is a place where they "feed among the lilies" Song of Solomon 4:5.
- Sanctified Beauty: By incorporating "lily work" into the design of the temple pillars and vessels (1 Kings 7:19, 1 Kings 7:26), natural beauty is brought into the place of worship, signifying that the elegance of God's creation has a role in glorifying Him.
In summary, H7799 is far more than a simple botanical term. It serves as a powerful and versatile symbol within Scripture. From its use as a metaphor for divine restoration in prophecy to its role as an emblem of pure love in poetry and a motif of sanctified beauty in temple architecture, shûwshan illustrates how a single image from the natural world can convey profound spiritual and aesthetic meaning.
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