Topical Bible: Wine: from Pomegranates

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Topical Encyclopedia

Wine, a significant element in biblical times, was often made from grapes, but there is evidence in Scripture and historical records that wine could also be produced from other fruits, including pomegranates. Pomegranates, known for their rich symbolism and nutritional value, were a common fruit in the ancient Near East and held a place of importance in Israelite culture.

Biblical References and Context

While the Bible does not explicitly mention wine made from pomegranates, it does highlight the fruit's significance. Pomegranates are frequently mentioned in the context of the Promised Land's abundance. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the land is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." This verse underscores the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing.

The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and beauty, makes several references to pomegranates, often in metaphorical language. For instance, Song of Solomon 4:3 compares the beloved's temples to "a slice of pomegranate behind your veil," suggesting beauty and allure. While these references are metaphorical, they indicate the fruit's esteemed status.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In ancient times, pomegranates were not only consumed as fresh fruit but also processed into juice and possibly fermented into wine. The process of making wine from pomegranates would have been similar to that of grape wine, involving the fermentation of the fruit's juice. Pomegranate wine, like grape wine, would have been used in various social and religious contexts.

The pomegranate's symbolic significance extended beyond its physical properties. It was often associated with fertility, life, and abundance, themes that resonate with the biblical narrative of God's provision and blessing. The fruit's numerous seeds made it a natural symbol of fertility and prosperity, which may have contributed to its use in religious and cultural rituals.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of pomegranates and their products, including potential wine, can be seen as a reflection of God's creation and the diversity of His provision. The fruit's presence in the Tabernacle and Temple decorations, as described in Exodus 28:33-34 and 1 Kings 7:18, further emphasizes its sacred significance. These references highlight the pomegranate as a symbol of beauty and divine craftsmanship.

In the broader biblical narrative, wine often symbolizes joy, celebration, and covenantal blessings. If pomegranate wine was indeed part of ancient Israelite culture, it would have shared in these symbolic meanings, representing the joy and abundance that come from God's hand.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention wine made from pomegranates, the fruit's frequent appearance in Scripture and its cultural significance suggest that it may have been used in various forms, including as a fermented beverage. The pomegranate's rich symbolism and its association with fertility, abundance, and divine blessing make it a fitting element in the biblical portrayal of God's provision and the joy of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Songs 8:2
I would lead you, and bring you into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause you to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Wine of the Grape is the Proper Matter of this Sacrament?
... Therefore this sacrament can be celebrated in any kind of wine, such as of pomegranates,
or of mulberries; since vines do not grow in some countries. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether wine of the grape.htm

I Will Lay Hold Upon Thee and Bring Thee into My Mother's House ...
... hold upon thee and bring thee into my mother's house; there thou shalt teach me,
and I will give thee a bowl of spiced wine, and new wine of my pomegranates. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/2 i will lay hold.htm

The Wine of Prayer
... We heard of the fruits of Canaan long before we arrived. There were grapes of Eschol,
pomegranates, milk and honey, and the old corn and wine of the land. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter twelve the wine of.htm

Chapter viii.
... hold upon thee and bring thee into my mother's house; there thou shalt teach me,
and I will give thee a bowl of spiced wine, and new wine of my pomegranates. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter viii.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... hold upon thee and bring thee into my mother's house; there thou shalt teach me,
and I will give thee a bowl of spiced wine, and new wine of my pomegranates. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

Chapter iv.
... thy breasts are fairer than wine, and the smell of thine ointments than ... Thy plants
are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphor with spikenard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

The Lord and the Little Ones --Leaving Galilee.
... They brought oil, and wine, and wheat, and barley; dates, pomegranates, and
figs"something of all they had gathered, and while they marched toward the holy ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxviii the lord and.htm

Fruits of Recognized Union
... To see whether the vine budded. And the pomegranates were in flower. ... God gave to
man for use and sustenance. Corn, wine, and oil, and each of these is good: ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section v fruits of recognized.htm

Chapter vii
... that are asleep to speak.9. Thy throat is like the best wine fit for ... see if the vine
flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vii.htm

The Gospel Feast
... a land of wheat and barley, and vines, and fig-trees, and pomegranates; a land ... the
corn, oil, and honey, of the good land promised; water, for the wine and milk ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xii the gospel feast.htm