Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas). “Consider the lilies of the field, and how they grow; they toil not…And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as like one of these.” – Matthew 6:28-29

Much like the anemones, the corn poppy is identified as one of the “lilies of the field.” Jesus uses the “lilies of the field” as an example of God’s promise to man. Despite the hard times, God will always be there to protect his people.

This red-flowered annual may be one of the “lilies of the field”. It grows abundantly in the Holy Land in fields and on hillsides.

Crown Daisy (Chrysanthemum coronarium). “But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.” – James 1:10

The crown daisy is also referred to as one of the wild flowers among the “flowers of the field.” It is the larger one compared to the corn marigold.

A common wild flower in the Holy Land, this species must be one of the “flowers of the field” mentioned in the scriptures: Isaiah 40:6; James 1:10; and I Peter 1:24-25. See the shorter corn marigold above. The crown daisy is commonly grown in the United States and Europe.

“And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs of water, and three score and ten palm-trees; and they encamped there by the waters.” – Exodus 15:27

“Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit?” – Qur’an II:266

The date palm, or palm tree, has always been seen around desert oases. It is a source of life and hope in the midst of a desert of persecution or despair. It provides a nearby water source, which symbolizes the renewing waters of baptism in the church.

Egyptian Mint (Mentha niliaca). “But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” – Luke 11:42

Mint was highly valued because for its aroma and sweet taste. It was also tithed to the Pharisees in place of money.

Notice the scientific name means “mint from the Nile.” The plant spreads rapidly, and is what gardeners call “invasive.” Many bees and butterflies can be seen on the flowers.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum). “And it shall be that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, while they minister in the gated of the inner court, and within.” – Ezekiel 40:3

This plant has been used for thousands of years to make linen cloth. Flax seeds, the source of linseed oil, are sometimes sprinkled on loaves of fine breads. No wonder the plant was given the name usitatissimum, meaning "most useful." We are using plants grown from seeds from Switzerland of a blue-flowered perennial kind, and seeds from France of a red-flowered one.

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra). “And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight; and thou shalt make of it incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy” – Exodus 30:34

Frankincense was used in the Bible much like all the other perfumes used. Frankincense was more precious than others such as aloe. The reason it was more precious was because it was foreign and show that there was international trade and relations even in Biblical times.

Dried resin from this tree can be burned as an incense. Our images include a package of this resin, bought here in San Antonio at Habiba International Market. Frankincense was a much prized object of trade imported to the Holy Land from farther south in Africa. Our plant is kept in a ceramic pot, so we can keep it indoors during cold weather.

“I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.” – Psalms 37:35

Grecian laurels are like evergreens in the north. They thrive in many parts of the Middle East. The green bay trees (laurels) were seen as a virtue of prosperity by David. This scripture compares the enemy to a green bay and that we must stay on guard and protect God’s children from the rising power of the wicked.

Dried “bay leaves” used as an herb in cooking come from this small tree.

The sweet-smelling plants refer to Rehan, or sweet basil. It is seen as a gift from God because it provides food and also fragrant flowers.