The word “Sharon” in Hebrew (שָׁרוֹן, Sharon) means “a level plain” or “flat land.” In biblical times, Sharon referred to a fertile, coastal region in ancient Israel, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the central hill country. Though the Bible does not provide exhaustive details about it, Sharon was widely recognized for its natural beauty, lush vegetation, and rich pastures. It symbolized fruitfulness, peace, and blessing—a stark contrast to the wilderness or desolate places that often represented judgment or spiritual dryness.
Biblical Mentions of Sharon
1 Chronicles 5:16 (NIV)
“The people of Gad lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended.”
This verse shows Sharon as a region with extensive pasturelands, suitable for livestock. It was part of the inherited territory for some of the Israelite tribes, suggesting God’s provision of fertile land.
1 Chronicles 27:29 (NIV)
“Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon, and Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.”
Sharon was agriculturally productive, sustaining large herds. Specific officials were appointed to manage resources there, pointing to its economic and strategic value in Israel.
Isaiah 33:9 (NIV)
“The land mourns and wastes away, Lebanon is ashamed and withers; Sharon is like the Arabah, and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves.”
Here, Sharon is used symbolically. Its once fertile land becomes barren due to divine judgment, representing how even the most prosperous places are not exempt from God’s wrath when people turn from Him.
Isaiah 65:10 (NIV)
“Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.”
This prophecy points to restoration. For those who seek the Lord, He promises peace and provision. Sharon, once desolate, becomes a place of renewed blessing.
Acts 9:35 (NIV)
“All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
In the New Testament, Sharon is still a recognizable region. It becomes a place of spiritual revival, as people witness the miraculous healing of Aeneas and turn to Christ. Sharon thus becomes a symbol of the transformative power of the gospel.
The Rose of Sharon: A Picture of Christ
One of the most beautiful references to Sharon comes in a poetic and symbolic form in the Song of Songs, a book traditionally attributed to Solomon. The speaker, likely the bride (or representing Israel or the Church), compares herself to a flower of the plain:
Song of Songs 2:1–2 (NIV)
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.”
While the phrase “Rose of Sharon” has often been interpreted devotionally as referring to Jesus Christ, the text itself is poetic and romantic. Yet, in Christian tradition, Jesus is seen as the true Rose of Sharon—humble, yet beautiful; common, yet unique; flourishing in a broken world. Just as a flower blossoms in the plain, Christ came into a spiritually barren world, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
His beauty is not outward but redemptive. Isaiah prophesied:
Isaiah 53:2 (NIV)
“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him…”
Yet, it is this unassuming servant who became our Savior, radiating divine beauty through His sacrificial love.
Personal Reflection
Have you encountered this “Rose of Sharon”? Have you received Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior?
John 14:6 (NIV) – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
There is no other way to God but through Christ. Human effort, morality, or religion cannot earn God’s favor. Only Jesus, who came down into the plains of this broken world, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins, can bring us near to God.
Mark 8:36 (NIV) – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
If you have everything this world offers but lack Christ, you’ve lost everything. But if you have Christ, even if you have nothing else, you possess everything that truly matters.