Shadows of Messiah – Azaleas

Open Bible on a bench surrounded by pink and white flowers in a sunny garden

The azalea gets its name from the Greek ἀζαλέος ‘azaleos’ meaning to “dry up” or “ashes.” Yet this beautiful flower points to the promise of Messiah: beauty for ashes (Isa 61:3). The Hebrew word for beauty פּאר ‘pe’er’ and ashes אפר ‘epher’ both come from the root פר ‘par’ — picturing fruitfulness coming forth from … Continue reading Shadows of Messiah – Azaleas