The pomegranate and the sanctuary

This text is dealing with the significance of the pomegranate fruit as part of the sanctuary symbolism and how observation and modern science is adding a deeper understanding for why the pomegranate was chosen by God for the high priest's robe.

The pomegranate and the sanctuary – What is its significance?

Some thoughts on the symbol of the pomegranate as part of the sanctuary

The pomegranate is a specific detail as part of the robe of the high priest that has attracted my attention and raised questions in my head as to why this fruit was chosen by God to be featured. Why not a cluster of grapes, an olive, or a fig that were so often used as symbols and parables to describe God, the Israelites, the gentiles, and the plan of salvation. Since the sanctuary and every part of it is a symbol for the plan of salvation, why was the pomegranate chosen over the other fruits?

A general opinion about the symbolism of the pomegranate is linked to it being a symbol of the promised land with it's associated prosperity, fruitfulness and blessings (Numbers 13:23-27, Deuteronomy 8:8+9, Haggai 2:19). Other theories can be found online, where the pomegranate is linked to royalty. Some sources mention that the pomegranate contains 613 seeds, one for each of the 613 commandments (Mosaic law).

One night, when putting my little girl back to sleep, the above thoughts, stored away since some time and not thought about sprang to my mind and the below is the outcome of this thought process. A mix of science, the Word of God and observation which together could give a partial explanation as to why the pomegranate was chosen over all of the other symbolic laden fruits for the robe of the high priest ministering in the earthly sanctuary.

The observational symbolism

Looking at the pomegranate fruit itself with its shape and features, several symbolisms can be identified. The pomegranate is characterised by a thick skin, protecting all contained, individual seeds, hinting to a symbolism of Christ’s righteousness covering and protecting His people, very much like the fine linen that separated the sanctuary from the camp of the Israelites. Looking at the pomegranate’s flower, we can observe a fascinating transformation. The living flower, which is coloured bright red transforms, when it dies following pollination, into the calyx, a structure made out of 5 to 7 sepals which form the shape of a crown. A potential symbolism of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross (blood red flower) through which He was crowned King of kings and Lord of lords (calyx in the shape of a crown; 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16). Furthermore, the pomegranate has the very particular shape of a rounded hexagon. The hexagon, a geometric shape with six corners, therefore representing the number six. The number six has important significance in the Bible, representing amongst other things human imperfection and the need for an external purifying force.

The scientific symbolism

The pomegranate fruit is known for a wide range of beneficial health effects from anti-viral effects to the treatment of urinary infections. One specific lesser known health benefit of the pomegranate is its potential to harmonise the water balance of the body. Pomegranate extract has properties that are favouring the elimination of excess water from tissues to reinstate a harmonious water balance in the body. Looking into the mode of action, as to how pomegranate extract is capable of promoting this water balance,  it was found that pomegranate extract has a significant impact on the expression and proper function of cellular water channels, so called aquaporins. As part of the research that we carried out in our laboratories into the effect of pomegranate extract on aquaporins, we found that the expression of a specific type of aquaporin, called aquaporin type 3 (AQP-3) was strongly affected by pomegranate extract. AQP-3 is a special aquaporin since it is classified as a “gated aquaporin”. This gated property of AQP-3 is a mechanism that distinguishes it from most other orthodox aquaporins which typically lack gating. AQP-3 needs a prerequisite in order to open the door for the water and ions to flow between the extra- and intracellular space. This prerequisite or gate opener, are protons H+, a nucleic component of the smallest unit of matter, the atom. However, when this prerequisite is met, AQP-3 acts like a door that allows the free passage of water in and out of the cell. Unlike other transmembrane proteins like ion pumps that require cellular energy (energy/effort/work that the cell has to invest) in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; an energy dense molecule which cells use to store and provide energy to cellular processes), aquaporins are energy independent channels that enable free movement of water molecules with an osmotic gradient.

Under healthy conditions, the function and number of aquaporins is sufficient to uphold the harmonious water exchange between the extra- and intracellular space. However, with age and under certain physiological conditions, an imbalance in hormonal levels can block aquaporins and reduce their expression. In this case, the extract of the pomegranate is capable of deblocking blocked aquaporins, increase synthesis of these water channels and thereby re-instate the previous healthy conditions. Interestingly, we found that the biological activity of the extract for the synthesis and proper function of aquaporins is derived from the fruit skin and not from the seeds. A significance that becomes evident when considering the symbol of the fruit skin and the seeds.

An application of the observational and scientific symbolisms to the sanctuary
The observational symbolism is hinting towards the pomegranate being a representation of Christ’s sacrifice and His righteousness, as well as His intercessory work for His people/church. Starting to go through the life of the pomegranate fruit chronologically, the living, red coloured flower, as a symbol for Christ’s life and His sacrifice on the cross is following this symbolism. The red colour of the flower acts as a symbol for the blood of the Saviour which was given on the cross, while the death of the flower (the death of Christ on the cross) is giving birth to the pomegranate fruit. Christ at His resurrection is considered the first fruit. This fruit can only be brought forth through the death of the flower and interestingly, only the death of flower brings forth a crown in its place which is attached to the fruit. This transformation is representing the acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice by the Father and Christ being crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. The fruit that develops following the death of the flower features a particularly thick skin which is protecting a large number of individual seeds on the inside. This thick skin is representing the righteousness of Christ which is protecting His people/the church from the condemnation of the law. From the death on the cross (alter of sacrifice; dying flower), the resurrection/first fruit (laver; forming of the fruit), the righteousness of Christ (fine linen fence around the sanctuary; the thick skin protecting the seeds) to Christ becoming our high priest and King (intercessory work of Christ in the holy and most holy place; the calyx crown), the pomegranate fruit is in harmony with the symbolism of the sanctuary.

In addition to this observational symbolism, the scientific symbolism is in harmony with the intercessory work of Christ in the sanctuary: Water has a significant role as part of the Bible and the sanctuary. Besides of being a symbol for baptism and resurrection in the laver of the sanctuary, water is also used in the Bible as a symbol for Jesus Christ, the living water, and the Holy Spirit that we receive through His intercessory work in the sanctuary (John 4:10). Considering that, as explained above, the extract or essence of the fruit skin representing Chrit’s righteousness, is yielding biologically active molecules that have beneficial effects linked to the water exchange between cells and the extracellular space, we can see a symbolism linked to the righteousness of Christ through which we can receive the Holy Spirit. To better understand the symbolism behind this, we have to look at Romans 12:4 where Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, described Christ’s church to be part of one body but having not the same office. Common interpretation of this passage applies these “parts of the body” to the eyes, the hand, the foot, etc. which all render service to the body and all have their individual function. However, we could also consider that each member of Christ’s church/body represents a living cell in this body, rather than an external member. There are many different types of specialised cells, each cell fulfilling their task in a harmonious service to the body. Given this interpretation of Romans 12:4, we can further expand on the scientific symbolism. After Christ’s death and resurrection, He went on, to start His work as our high priest in the holy place. Here, His role is to act as a mediator between fallen humanity and God the Father through His sacrifice by which He can impart on us His righteousness and bring us back into harmony with the Father through the forgiveness of our sins and the process of sanctification. The scientific symbolism is speaking to this ministerial work of Christ on our behalf and is emphasizing Christ as the bridge builder, the channel between the Father and humanity. For the following interpretation we remember the following:

-        Each member of the church of Christ, as proposed above, is represented by a cell in the body of Christ.

-        Water is a symbol for the Holy Spirit

-        Each cell is surrounded by a semi-permeable membrane that is, however, impermeable to water. The cell cannot receive external water by itself

-        The only way for water to flow into the cell is through the specialised water channels, the aquaporins

-        The special characteristic of AQP-3, which’s expression and function is strongly affected by the extract of the pomegranate skin is its gated nature that needs a pre-requisite to open and allow the free flowing of water into the cell

-        Aquaporins can become blocked and inefficient through physiological imbalances

-      The extract of the skin of the pomegranate fruit which we identified as Christ’s righteousness, restores the healthy expression and proper function of aquaporins

We can therefore propose the following interpretation for the scientific symbolism in relation to Christ’s intercessory work in the sanctuary: Adam and Eve in their sinless state (healthy situation of the body) had direct communion with God and were filled with the Holy Spirit through Christ (well working aquaporins). However, with the fall of humanities parents, this direct link broke and sin blocked and reduced the flowing of the Holy Spirit (imbalance in the body leading to aquaporin blocking and reduced expression). The dependence on a mediator to the source of life for Adam and Eve after their fall, as well as the members of Christ’s church (cells of the body) became evident. After the fall, humanity is unable to receive the Holy Spirit (water from the extracellular space) through direct communication with God due to sin, but needs an intercessor that acts as a channel (aquaporins) between the source of the Holy Spirit (extra cellular space) and the receiving end (the cell). This intercessory work is based on the righteousness of Christ (extract from the fruit skin) which can remove the effects of sin (physiological disbalance and blocking of the aquaporins) and present us pure (healthy state) before the Father. However, the righteousness of Christ can only be claimed through a condition (gated nature of AQP-3) which is faith (H+). Interestingly, the proton (H+) is considered in the common understanding as the smallest building block of matter. Likewise, faith has been compared to a mustard seed (“If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…” (Matthew 17:20)) which is referred to as the smallest of all seeds when it is sown (Mark 4:31). As the mustard seed is not actually the smallest seed on earth, also the proton is not the smallest building block of the atom (quarks, strings) but as the mustard seed is the smallest seed that is sown by the farmer, so is the proton the smallest building block of the atom as commonly known without special scientific education. Once the prerequisite of faith is met, the Holy Spirit (water) is flowing freely from the source to the believer. There are no works (no need for cellular energy) that a believer can present in order to merit the reception of the Holy Spirit but it is given freely and without measure.

To get a better understanding of the sanctuary and its deep symbolism for the plan of salvation have a look at the link below:

View or download by clicking on the document below.

Explore more contents