The hidden treasures of a pomegranate: What it means to “taste and see that the Lord is good”

My first experience with a pomegranate was unpleasant. 

While growing up in South Mississippi, I had a neighbor who had a pomegranate “tree” (which was more of a large shrub). I tried taking a bite of the inside of the fruit and immediately spat it out and threw it away. 

I formed a quick opinion about pomegranates based on my first experience, and it was not until my adult years—when someone showed me the correct way to eat one—that I discovered they are very tasteful and healthy. 

Had I not learned how to eat a pomegranate, I would never have discovered the abundance of goodness and benefits found inside.

What does it mean to “taste and see”?

Recently, I was removing the edible seeds from a pomegranate (there are lots!) when my husband commented on how tedious it looked and offered to help. 

I told him that it was like finding hidden treasures. 

There’s a lot of truth there that can be applied to our spiritual life. 

David encourages us to “taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:8). 

Metaphorically, to taste means to experience. 

You will not know the goodness of God, the benefits of God, unless you experience them for yourself. 

Before I began eating pomegranates, I did some research about their nutritional values (there are many) and uncovered some other interesting facts relating to the Bible. 

It is indeed a most-interesting fruit.

The biblical background of the pomegranate

Jewish traditions hold that the fruit has 613 seeds, which correspond to the laws in the Torah. 

Many believe the pomegranate represents Israel. It is used as a symbol for Rosh Hashana. 

Some theologians believe the pomegranate mentioned in Scriptures is symbolic of fruitfulness, blessing, and prosperity (Numbers 13:23; Deuteronomy 8:8), or a nation’s wealth (Joel 1:12; Haggai 2:19). 

Pomegranates were also sewn to the hem of the robe of the high priest, along with bells (Exodus 28:33–35). 

I enjoyed learning some biblical background about the pomegranate and researching its benefits, but it was only when I tasted it correctly for myself that I experienced its goodness and reaped its benefits. 

Don’t we do that with God? 

Experience his fullness 

We read about God or hear people talk about him, but we may limit our experience with him. 

I like The Living Bible translation of David’s admonition in Psalm 34:8: “Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him.” 

The Apostle Paul tells us that it is through Jesus that we experience God: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation . . . in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:15, 19). 

He told the Christians in Colossae that he was praying they would “reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2–3). 

I found the hidden treasures in the pomegranate . . . oh, to find the treasures found in Jesus! 

Jesus says of himself “I came that [you] may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). 

He is the only way to experience the fullness of God. 

Discover for yourself the abundance and goodness that’s awaiting you.