As we look at the tabernacle description in the Pentateuch one image we hear often is the fruit pomegranates. Embroidered on the priestly clothes between bells and chiseled into Solomon’s temple the pomegranate is on full display. But why?
Popular Jewish tradition says that it represents Israel. With it’s tough leathery skin, it’s abundance of seed (life), and it’s crown on its head it proclaims the divine status of the nation. As well, Jewish tradition claims that there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate which represents the 613 commandments of God in the Mosaic law!
But as a Christian I would place on the table that, as everything in the tabernacle, it points to Redemption, specifically, Redemption through Jesus Christ! How? The tough leathery scarred skin represents the broken body of Christ. The crown a top its head of two fold. It represents the crown of thorns he wrote on Calvary and His eternal divine crown of righteousness. When the skin is shred it reveals no flesh as most fruits but only seed. For there is no life in the flesh! As the skin is broken out pours a crimson flow, representing the blood of redemption flowing from Immanuel’s. This crimson flow from the humble pomegranate stains anything it touches, the blood of Christ claims every soul it touches!
Throughout the Old Testament the pomegranate is a symbol of life and prosperity! From the priestly garments to the the Temple decor to the Song of Solomon it declares life!
