Behold the rose of Sharon

The prophet Isaiah sees beyond human seeing. His vision takes our breath away as he describes a desert (or solitary place) transformed: blooming with beauty and perfumed like a rose: 

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. (Isa 35:1,2)

Chapter 2 of this month's book, Song of Solomon, mentions the "rose of Sharon": 

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. (Song 2:1)

A little research tells us that this flower was almost definitely not a rose, but was probably some sort of lily. (The Hebrew translated in the King James Version as "rose" - chavatzelet - may have referred to a crocus or a lily.) 

Various sources tells us that some varieties of hibiscus are now identified as Rose of Sharon.

In his famous novel The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck names one of his characters "Rose of Sharon" (said as Rosasharn). 

Many writers consider the Rose of Sharon to be a symbol of the Christ. Sue H. Mims has a lovely article titled "A Holy Purpose", (April 22, 1911 Christian Science Sentinel) which includes this passage: 

"...behold the 'rose of Sharon', the Christ-idea, sending out the fragrance of Spirit and filling earth with its celestial balm."

This reminds me of a verse in Mary Baker Eddy's poem "Christ My Refuge" - 

And wake a white-winged angel throng
Of thoughts, illumed
By faith, and breathed in raptured song,
With love perfumed.
(Hymn. 253:2)

Julie Swannell