What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)?

Response

The Song of Solomon is an extended love poem. In Song of Solomon 2:1, the woman proclaims, “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” Subsequently, the man confirms in verse 2, “Like a lily among thorns is my beloved among the young women.” Then in verse 3, the woman replies, “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men.”

In the initial verse, the woman describes herself as a rose of Sharon and a lily of the valleys. Various plants have been referred to as a rose of Sharon, and the specific species mentioned here is unknown. There is also uncertainty about the identification of the lily of the valley. Suggestions include wild anemone, hyacinth, tulip, iris, and gladiolus. Nonetheless, the lily of the valley was a lovely and aromatic plant. Within the context of Song of Solomon, it is possible that the woman is likening herself to some common wildflowers that may not be perceived as valuable or beautiful when compared to cultivated flowers.

Conversely, the man views his beloved as a lily among thorns. Thorns are unsightly, unattractive, and unwelcoming. Yet, his beloved is a lily among the thorns—she stands out in his eyes, and her beauty surpasses that of all other women. Similarly, the woman regards her groom as an apple tree among the other trees in the forest—he is distinctive and precious in her sight.

The essence of the matter appears to be that each lover considers the other superior to all other choices. The bride is a lily, distinct from thorns. The groom is an apple tree, distinct from the other forest trees. While there may be numerous large and tall trees in the forest—such as the mighty oak or the cedar of Lebanon—a relatively small, scraggly apple tree may not seem very significant in comparison. However, when one considers the fruit that the apple tree produces, it is exceptional. A person might cut down aAny number of trees can be used for firewood, lumber, etc., but one would most likely choose to save an apple tree because of the fruit.

The point being made is that comparing a beloved with others is all a matter of perspective. A lily of the valley may seem rather insignificant when compared to cultivated flowers, but when compared to the thorns that grow around it, it appears beautiful. An apple tree may not be the grandest tree in the forest, but when you consider the fruit it bears, it is indeed a wonderful tree.

This is the attitude that married individuals need to adopt when looking at each other. Each spouse should focus on the positive qualities of the other. If one spouse starts comparing themselves to others who may seem more attractive, successful, wealthy, powerful, talented, or capable, they may start feeling inadequate or unworthy. It is the duty and privilege of the other spouse to highlight their strengths and show that “I only have eyes for you.” If a spouse falls into the trap of negatively comparing their partner to others, problems can arise quickly. Pornography and much of what the popular media portrays as beautiful, sexy, or successful can be harmful to marriages as they establish unrealistic, artificial standards that a real-life spouse is unlikely to meet.

Every husband should see his wife as the lily of the valley and be grateful to God for the beautiful and delightful blossom He has provided in the wilderness.