Judean Iris: Bloom Where You are Planted

BP IMAGE INSIGHT: I can’t believe I’m writing this. I’m not really a flower enthusiast, but this delicate flower from Israel has an important lesson for living life. It’s known as the Black Iris, and it is a part of a rare and legally protected family of irises found only in an area east of the Mediterranean.

Judean Iris of the same Family of the famous Gilboa Iris in Israel

Among the most popular and well-known is the Gilboa Iris found on the Gilboa mountain range mentioned in the Bible. Some argue that it is the lily referred to in scripture by both Jesus and Solomon.

These beautiful Irises come in a variety of colors and patterns and thrive best in areas with well-drained loam or sandy soil which has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Their optimal temperature range is from 59°F to 75°F, so the higher elevations of Mount Gilboa, and Mount Hermon are, in the spring of the year, some of the best places to find this great example of God’s handiwork.

However, some species of irises, though rare, can adapt to the hot and dry climate of the desert. Our Image Insight photo above, taken in southern Israel at the ancient city of Arad is a great example of how this flower has done just that.

Judean Iris just outside the Bronze Age wall at Arad in the Biblical Negev

Located near the Negev desert, the average temperature and rainfall of this place is much harsher than the temperate environments of Gilboa, and especially Hermon. It may not be the ideal environment, yet this stunning handiwork of God has learned to bloom where it was planted.

Like this iris of Israel, have you ever found yourself in an environment that was less than ideal?

Are you living in a place where you don’t want to live? Working in a job you don’t really enjoy? Limited by resources and time that prevent you from doing what you want to do? In a relationship that is challenging and difficult? Enduring an illness that is painful and humbling? Surrounded by people who are not like you? Placed in a position that was not of your choosing?

Confronted by a circumstance that was not what you expected?

Has your life ended up looking nothing like you hoped it would? If so, learn a lesson from the Iris of Israel. Look for the beauty that you can provide and the inspiration that you can be for those who are, like you, living in the desert.

Despite your disappointment, take advantage of your surroundings. Refuse to allow the enemy to plant bitterness in your heart—instead, make full use of your situation by helping others to see the goodness of God. Be an example of the handiwork of God. Decide to be the one who shines the light of the Lord rather than one who exudes an aura of discontent.

Some of the most amazing stories of achievement and accomplishment have occurred while suffering saints learned to bloom in the desert.

While a refugee living in the cave of Adullam, King David gave strength to the weak. During his exile to the wilderness, he wrote poetry that brings comfort to us still.

Near Adullam in the Judean Shephelah between the Hill Country and Coastal Plain

In prison, Paul and Silas sang hymns which were heard by other prisoners.

In grief, the widow Anna became an exemplar of faith and devotion.

Though exiled in shame, Aquilla and Prisicilla worked diligently with their hands to further the cause of Christ.

While hanging on a cross, Jesus showed compassion to his tormentors, extended grace to a thief, and demonstrated love to his mother. The beauty of his actions and the fragrance of his life bloomed like the Iris at Arad.

So, while it may sound like a simple, pithy statement, learn to bloom where you are planted. Take advantage of difficulties to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8) even—or, especially—in our challenges. Take off your blinders and discover that the Lord is in the wilderness with you.

Like a flower in a barren place, you too can be the one who brings a fragrance of goodness and beauty to a harsh and difficult place.

The beautiful Iris of Israel that blooms where it is planted is yet another powerful connection between faith and fact in the land of the Bible.

By John W. Moore

Scripture References:

Gilboa – 2 Samuel 1:21; Arad - Numbers 21:1; Handiwork of God – Ephesians 2:10; David in a Cave and in the wilderness – 1 Samuel 22 -25; Paul and Silas – Acts 16; Anna – Luke 2:36-38; Aquilla and Priscillia – Acts 18; Jesus on the Cross Matthew 27:27-56, Mark 15:16-41; Luke 2:26-46; John 19:16-30.

Resources:

- illustrated Guide to Biblical Geography: Reading the Land, by Pau H. Wright

- Sapir, Y. et al. 2002. Morphological variation of the Oncocyclus irises (Iris: Iridaceae) in the southern Levant Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 139:369–382.

- The Times of Israel – “Abundant Rainfall Helps Endangered Gilboa Iris Spring Back” by Sue Surkes (April 9, 2024)

- Zondervan Atlas of the Bible by Carl Rasmussen