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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Pomegranate
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rimmon. The tree and the fruit. In Egypt (), and in Palestine (; ). Rimmon, Gathrimmon, and En-rimmon, were called from the pomegranate. The cheeks (KJV "temples," i.e. the upper part of the cheek near the temples) of the bride are "like a piece of pomegranate within her locks" (). When cut it displays seeds in rows, pellucid, like crystal, tinged with red. The church's blush of modesty is not on the surface but within, which Christ sees into (). Her "plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits," not merely flowers (); , "spied wine of the juice of my pomegranate."
The cup of betrothal He gave her at the last supper, the marriage cup shall be at His return (; -9). "Spices" are only introduced in the Song of Solomon when he is present, not in his absence. The pomegranate was carved on the tops of the pillars in Solomon's temple (; ), and on the hem of the robe of the ephod (-34). The fruit is surmounted with a crown-shaped (compare spiritually ; ; ) calyx. The name is from pomum granatum "grained apple," called "Punic" by the Romans as they received it from Carthage. The rind abounds in tannin, which the Moors used in preparing "morocco" leather; the Cordovaners of Spain learned the art from the Moors; hence our word "cordwainers." The order is the Myrtacae; the foliage dark green, flowers crimson; the fruit (like an orange) ripens in October.