# Behold the Lilies! explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

A poetic meditation on divine care and trust, drawing from the lilies of the field and the sparrow to affirm that God sees every sorrow and offers refuge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Divine Justice

The poem emphasizes trust in God's attentive care and mercy, affirming divine justice.

### Hope and Redemption

Offers hope through the assurance that God beholds all sorrow and provides refuge.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker reflects on God's omnipresent love and care.

### Sparrow

Mentioned as a symbol of God's attention to even the smallest creatures.

### Father

Addressed as 'our Father and our Friend,' the source of refuge and mercy.

## Key lines

> If not a sparrow falls to earth Unnoticed by His eye, Will He, our Father and our Friend Unheeded pass us by?

If God notices even a sparrow's fall, surely He will not ignore our suffering.

_Reinforces the theme of divine attentiveness and care._

> There’s not a care that weighs us down, Nor blinding tears that fall, Nor sorrow piercing to the heart But He beholds them all; And offers us with tender love, Mid dangers and alarms, A refuge for our souls within His everlasting arms.

Every burden, tear, and sorrow is seen by God, who lovingly offers us safety in His eternal embrace.

_Climactic assurance of God's refuge and compassion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/behold-the-lilies
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters