During the spring in Israel the fields and roadsides are filled with little flowers. They often grow among the stones of an ancient site. Our photo below was made May 8 at Khirbet Qeiyafa (the Elah Fortress) overlooking the Valley of Elah.
Flowers of the field at Khirbet Qeiyafa overlooking Elah Valley. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Many readers will think of the statement of Jesus:
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 ESV)
The NET Bible uses the term flowers instead of lilies. A Translator’s Note says,
Traditionally, “lilies.” According to L&N [Louw-Nida] 3.32, “Though traditionally kri,non has been regarded as a type of lily, scholars have suggested several other possible types of flowers, including an anemone, a poppy, a gladiolus, and a rather inconspicuous type of daisy.” In view of the uncertainty, the more generic “flowers” has been used in the translation.
I observe that Bauer (Arndt-Gingrich-Danker) comments:
in this connection the principal opinions include the autumn crocus, Turk’s cap lily, anemone, or gladiolus, but the data do not permit certainty. Perh. Jesus had no definite flower in mind, but was thinking of all the wonderful blooms that adorn the fields of Galilee.
Enjoy the beauty and think of God’s care for you. A larger image is available by clicking on the photo.
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