Sharon(saron)
“A plain, level country”
Summary
The fertile coastal plain of Palestine stretching from Joppa to Mount Carmel, celebrated for its lush pastures, flowers, and oak forests, symbolizing beauty and abundance in Scripture.
☩Geography and Features
Sharon was the fertile plain running along the Mediterranean coast from approximately Joppa northward to Mount Carmel, spanning about fifty miles with a width of eight to twelve miles. The soil is deep, rich loam favorable to cereals, vines, and olives. Four perennial streams water the plain, and water can be found by digging almost anywhere. In ancient times, dense oak forests covered the northern portion, accounting for the Greek term drumos ('woodland') applied to the region. The many-colored wildflowers that bloom in spring create scenes of remarkable beauty.
☩Biblical References
The name Sharon always appears with the definite article ('the Sharon'), indicating a specific well-known district like 'the Arabah' or 'the Shephelah.' David's royal herds grazed under Shitrai the Sharonite. Isaiah prophesied that Sharon's excellency would be given to the redeemed, and that in restoration 'Sharon shall be a fold of flocks.' The 'rose of Sharon' in Song of Solomon became a symbol of beauty and beloved identity, though scholars debate which flower is meant.
☩New Testament Period
In Acts, the inhabitants of Sharon (here called 'Saron' in Greek) witnessed the healing of Aeneas at Lydda and turned to the Lord. The plain remained agriculturally productive through the Roman period, with its cities—Joppa, Lydda, Caesarea—becoming important Christian centers. The region's fertility and pastoral character continued to make it valuable territory, and its towns featured prominently in the spread of the early church.
Related Verses7 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sharon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sharon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sharon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).