Apple 蘋果 《聖經植物:第6筆》 廿劃 屬性:蘋果在主前一世紀才引進巴勒斯坦,而且引進後生長不良,巴勒斯坦本地的野生蘋果則是又小又酸,所以大多數的考證認為聖經中所稱的蘋果樹,應是屬於薔薇科的杏桃樹 (Prunus armeniaca)。杏桃樹較符合聖經中有香味 (歌7:8)、甘甜 (歌2:3,珥1:12)、還可以遮蔭 (歌2:3)的描述。不過也有人認為橘子也符合這樣的描述,因為橘子是以色列主要的外銷品之一。杏桃樹高可達9公尺,樹幹與枝條的樹皮均紅褐色,有光澤。葉子為暗綠色,卵形至圓形,葉緣有細齒。花5瓣,粉紅或白色,初春先開花後長葉。金黃色可食的果實稱為杏桃,核內有白色種仁。經意:杏桃是好吃的水果,其種仁提煉出來的油可製洗面皂和清潔霜,是極佳的天然洗面劑。申命記32章10節「眼中的瞳人」,其實是指「眼中的蘋果」,象徵我們在神眼中是多麼地珍貴 (詩17:8,哀2:8,亞2:8)!產地:原產於亞美尼亞 (現今蘇聯、土耳其和伊朗),如今也在巴勒斯坦種植極多。字源追溯:吹 (to puff), an apple (from its fragrance)對等譯字:EXPAND 一致譯字:apricot 欽定本譯:apple, apple tree 和合本譯:蘋果,蘋果樹 經文出處:申32:10耶和華遇見他在曠野荒涼野獸吼叫之地,就環繞他,看顧他,保護他,如同保護眼中的瞳人。箴25:11一句話說得合宜,就如金蘋果在銀網子裡。歌2:3我的良人在男子中,如同蘋果樹在樹林中。我歡歡喜喜坐在他的蔭下,嘗他果子的滋味,覺得甘甜。相關經文:詩17:8,歌7:8,哀2:18,亞2:8。
March 31 "The wind was contrary."(Matt. 14:24.) RUDE and blustering the winds of March often are. Do they not typify the tempestuous seasons of my life? But, indeed, I ought to be glad that I make acquaintance with these seasons. Better it is that the rains descend and the floods come than that I should stay perpetually in the Lotus Land where it seems always afternoon, or in that deep meadowed Valley of Avilion where never wind blows loudly. Storms of temptation appear cruel, but do they not give intenser earnestness to prayer? Do they not compel me to seize the promises with a tighter hand grip? Do they not leave me with a character refined? Storms of bereavement are keen; but, then, they are one of the Father's ways of driving me to Himself, that in the secret of His presence His voice may speak to my heart, soft and low. There is a glory of the Master which can be seen only when the wind is contrary and the ship tossed with waves. "Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms. He has never promised you an easy passage, only a safe landing." Oh, set your sail to the heavenly gale, And then, no matter what winds prevail, No reef can wreck you, no calm delay; No mist shall hinder, no storm shall stay; Though far you wander and long you room Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam, No wind that can blow but shall speed you Home. ─Annie Johnson Flint.