In, Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word appropriately spoken, King Solomon give a description of what constitutes an appropriate word of teaching.
The word appropriately spoken as is observed by Bible commentators: an observation, caution, reproof, or advice, that comes in naturally, runs smoothly along, is not forced nor dragged in, that appears to be without design, to rise out of the conversation, and though particularly relative to one point, will appear to the company to suit all.
Here is another view. Asiatics excel in filigree silver work. Aben Ezra and Gershom envision a golden fruit which appears through the apertures of an exquisitely wrought basket made in the style of filigree works. The silver wire by which it is done forms into the appearance of numerous flowers through which wires are soldered everywhere at their junctions with each other. This is done with such delicacy and skill as to be scarcely perceptible at a distance. King Solomon seems to have this kind of work particularly in view. As one draws closer to admire the beautiful settings, the contrast of the golden fruit suddenly appears through the exquisitely wrought silver basket. This has a fine and pleasing effect upon the eye, as does the contained fruit upon the palate at an entertainment in a dry and dusty climate.
What Solomon may have been referring to was of the words within the words; a part of the 'sod' interpretation of the reading of the Torah; a level of interpretation which often reveals messianic truth. Indeed, like artfully wrought silver filigree work, the face value of the text of Torah teaches principles and lessons in themselves incomparable in wisdom. It gives hope, faith, strength, courage, and understanding. It teaches us about the true nature and character of our Maker. But whereas the text of the Bible, the natural weave of its beautiful story draws our attention, as we study it and come closer to its profound meaning, we realise that it contains an even more beautiful story, a story to feed a hungry thirsty soul in a parched desert: the messianic story.
It is the opinion of this writer that from the creation accounts in Genesis to the prophetic words of the Book of Revelation, this principle of the gold apple set in silver filigree work defines the text of our Torah. At face value, the Torah reveals to us the beautiful stories that exhales the character and nature of the Almighty. But as we draw closer to it, as we read of the carefree times when the Lord roamed the earth with man in the cool of the day at the beginning of time. The story tells us of
the sad divorce between God and man. It continues with HaShem pursuit of man to reestablish communication with him. Then it takes us to their restored relationship all the way to the restoration of their marriage in Revelation 19.
Until this day, the beautiful refreshing golden fruit of the messianic story of Hashem’s eternal love for us appears through the artful latticed work of the story of the Jewish people to please our eyes, quench our thirst, and bring joy, love, grace, and beauty to our souls.
I hope that it is that joy, love, grace and beauty that I express in these pages.
EXAMPLES OF FILGREE APPLES
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