1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine;
3 Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.
4 Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you.
5 I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.
7 Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?
8 If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock and graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.
9 I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.
10 Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.
11 We will make for you ornaments of gold, studded with silver.
12 While the king was on his couch, my nard gave forth its fragrance.
13 As a sachet of myrrh, that lies between my breasts.
14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi.
15 Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves.
16 Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful. Our couch is green.
17 The beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are pine.
The True Meaning of Song Of Solomon 1
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a unique book in the Bible. It is believed to have been written by King Solomon, known for his great wisdom and wealth. This poetic work is a celebration of human love and the deep, passionate relationship between a man and a woman. The beloved couple and their growing affection for one another are introduced in this chapter. The woman, often referred to as the “Shulamite,” expresses her desire for her lover’s attention and affection. The man, in turn, praises her beauty and charm. We witness the blossoming of their romance and the joy they find in each other’s company as the chapter unfolds.
The imagery used in this passage is both sensual and symbolic, drawing from the natural world to convey the depth of their love. We see echoes of the creation story in Genesis, where God declares that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). The Song of Solomon reminds us that the gift of human love is a reflection of the love that God has for his people.
Song of Solomon 1:1-4
Solomon’s Song of Songs is in Song of Solomon 1:1-4. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you! Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.”
Starting with the first part of this passage, “The song of songs, which is Solomon’s,” immediately sets the tone for what is to come – this is a special song attributed to King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and known for his many wives, thus also indicating a theme of love and passion. The mention of Solomon here ties back to his reputation for wisdom and his authorship of many songs and proverbs in the Bible.
The following verses express a deep longing and desire for intimacy and closeness. The request to be kissed by the beloved “with the kisses of his mouth” conveys a desire for a deep, intimate connection with the beloved. This longing for closeness is a common theme throughout the Song of Solomon, symbolizing the deep desire for intimacy with God and the intense yearning for spiritual closeness that believers should have towards their Creator.
The comparison of the beloved’s love to wine and fragrance emphasizes the delight and pleasure that comes from experiencing the affection and presence of the beloved. This imagery of wine and perfume evokes sensory experiences, highlighting the beauty and sweetness of the beloved’s love. In a spiritual sense, believers can see joy and satisfaction in being in a close relationship with God, whose love surpasses all earthly pleasures.
The mention of the young women loving the beloved signifies the admiration and desirability of the beloved, possibly alluding to the allure of God’s love and the attractiveness of a deep, meaningful relationship with Him. This can be viewed as an invitation for believers to wholeheartedly seek and pursue God’s love, recognizing its surpassing value and desirability.
The final part of the passage, “Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers,” expresses a sense of urgency and longing to be in the presence of the beloved. This can symbolize the believer’s yearning to be in the presence of God, to dwell in His chambers and experience the richness of His love and intimacy. The imagery of being brought into the king’s chambers suggests a deep and intimate union with God, where believers can experience His presence in a profound and personal way. These verses from Song of Solomon 1:1-4 beautifully capture the depth of longing, desire, and intimacy in the relationship between the lover and the beloved. Through its vivid imagery and passionate language, this passage conveys the intensity of love and the profound joy that comes from being in a close relationship with the beloved, whether it be between lovers or symbolically between believers and their Creator. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the beauty of seeking a deep and intimate connection with God, whose love is more precious than anything this world has to offer.
Song of Solomon 1:5-7
The verse in Song of Solomon 1:5-7 can be broken down into several important sections that reveal deep insights into the relationship between the lovers in the book. The verse begins with the Shulamite woman speaking, “I am dark but lovely,” indicating that she was physically dark-skinned but beautiful. This declaration by the Shulamite woman is an expression of self-acceptance and confidence, regardless of societal standards of beauty. It conveys a powerful message about the importance of self-love and embracing one’s unique qualities, even if they differ from the conventional ideals of beauty.
The verse continues with the woman saying, “O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.” Here, the woman is likening her appearance to the tents of Kedar, which were known for their dark, goatskin material, and the curtains of Solomon, which were probably richly colored and beautiful. This comparison suggests that the woman is embracing her complexion and recognizing her own beauty, despite others possibly viewing her as different or less desirable. It highlights the theme of embracing one’s identity and finding beauty in diversity.
Furthermore, the verse states, “Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.” This part reveals more about the woman’s background and the challenges she has faced. The mention of her being made the keeper of the vineyards by her mother’s sons implies that she was given menial tasks and possibly neglected. This could symbolize the hardships and struggles she has endured, perhaps feeling unloved or undervalued by her own family.
The imagery of the vineyard is significant in biblical context as well. The Bible often uses vineyards to symbolize God’s people or the Promised Land. The woman expressing that she has not kept her own vineyard could represent neglecting her spiritual well-being or not attending to her own needs. This could serve as a reminder for readers to prioritize self-care and nurturing their relationship with God. Song of Solomon 1:5-7 conveys a message of self-acceptance, embracing one’s uniqueness, and overcoming challenges. It encourages readers to find beauty in diversity, value themselves despite societal expectations, and prioritize caring for oneself spiritually and emotionally. The verses in Song of Solomon, with its vivid imagery and intimate dialogue between lovers, capture the essence of love, faith, and the beauty of God’s creation.
Song of Solomon 1:8-11
Follow the tracks of the sheep and graze your young goats by the tents of the shepherds, most beautiful of women, if you do not know. I liken you, my darling, to a mare among pharaoh’s chariot horses. Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels. We will make you earrings of gold, studded with silver.” This section of the Song of Solomon is a continuation of the conversation between the beloved and the lover.
Firstly, the beloved is addressing the woman, comparing her beauty to that of a mare among Pharaoh’s chariot horses. Horses in ancient times were symbols of strength and majesty. The lover is expressing his admiration for the woman’s beauty and strength by likening her to a majestic horse. Throughout the Bible, horses are often used to symbolize power and victory, highlighting the significance of this comparison in praising the woman’s beauty.
The mention of sheep and young goats grazing by the tents of the shepherds is a pastoral image that evokes a sense of simplicity and tranquility. This imagery reflects the pastoral setting of the Song of Solomon, where the beauty of nature is often intertwined with the themes of love and desire. The shepherd motif in the Bible is also a recurring theme, symbolizing care, guidance, and protection. God as a shepherd is prevalent in the Old Testament, emphasizing His role in guiding and caring for His people.
Furthermore, the description of the woman’s adornments, such as earrings and strings of jewels, highlights the beauty and value placed on these material possessions. Jewelry in the Bible often symbolizes wealth, status, and beauty. These adornments serve to enhance the beauty and allure of the woman in Song of Solomon, further emphasizing the romantic and sensual nature of the passage.
The promise to make the woman earrings of gold, studded with silver, is a declaration of love and devotion. Ancient people considered giving jewelry a significant gesture of affection and commitment. This act of gifting precious earrings to the woman symbolizes the lover’s desire to adorn her with the finest possessions and express his deep love for her. This gesture reflects the biblical theme of sacrificial love and selflessness, as seen in verses like John 3:16, where God’s love is demonstrated through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. Song of Solomon 1:8-11 showcases a poetic and romantic exchange between the beloved and the lover, filled with imagery and symbolism that highlights the beauty, strength, and devotion present in their relationship. Through the use of pastoral imagery, comparisons to majestic horses, and expressions of love through precious adornments, this passage exemplifies the enduring themes of love, beauty, and devotion found throughout the Bible.
Song of Solomon 1:12-14
My perfume spread its fragrance while the king was at his table in Song of Solomon 1:12-14. My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts. My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. The speaker in the first part of this passage describes how her perfume spread its fragrance while the king was at his table. This imagery of perfume spreading its scent conveys a sense of beauty and allure. The reference to the king being at his table suggests a scene of luxury and abundance, highlighting the opulence of the setting. This juxtaposition of the speaker’s perfume with the king’s presence could symbolize her desire to be noticed and appreciated by him, possibly indicating a longing for his affection or attention.
Moving on to the next part, we encounter the speaker’s description of her beloved as a sachet of myrrh resting between her breasts. Myrrh was a valuable resin often used in perfumes and religious ceremonies in biblical times. It was also one of the gifts brought to Jesus at his birth, symbolizing his future sacrifice. The speaker is portraying her beloved as precious and valuable to her by comparing him to myrrh, someone whose presence brings her comfort and joy. The mention of the sachet resting between her breasts evokes intimacy and closeness, suggesting a deep emotional connection between the speaker and her beloved. The speaker likens her beloved to a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi in the final part of this passage. Henna was commonly used for its pleasant fragrance and dye properties in the ancient Near East. En Gedi was a region known for its fertile land and abundant plant life. The speaker emphasizes his beauty and vibrancy by describing her beloved as a cluster of henna blossoms from En Gedi. This comparison suggests that her beloved is not just physically attractive but also brings life and vibrancy to her world.
Throughout these verses, we see a theme of love, desire, and admiration. The speaker’s expressions of love towards her beloved are rich with symbolism and imagery that emphasize the depth of her emotions. This passage invites readers to reflect on the power of love and the beauty of intimate relationships, highlighting the importance of cherishing and celebrating the special connections we have with others. It also serves as a reminder of the value of love in our lives and the significance of expressing our affections for those we hold dear.
Song of Solomon 1:15-17
My darling, how beautiful you are! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant. The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs.”
Starting with the first part of these verses, we see a deep admiration and affection between the lovers in the Song of Solomon. The language used to describe the beloved here is meant to convey a sense of admiration and beauty that the lover sees in the beloved. The comparison of the eyes to doves signifies purity, gentleness, and peacefulness. Doves in ancient times were often symbolic of love and innocence, adding layers to the depth of emotions being expressed by the lover.
Moving on to the next part of the verses, the description of the beloved as handsome and charming highlights the mutual admiration and attraction between the lovers. The language used here is not just about physical appearance but about the overall allure and charisma of the beloved. This serves to show that in a loving relationship, it’s not just about the outward beauty that captivates, but also the inner qualities that make someone truly beloved.
The mention of the verdant bed and the beams of cedars and rafters of firs symbolizes a secure and flourishing relationship. Cedars in the Bible are often associated with strength, stability, and majesty. So, when the lover compares their bed and home to these strong, enduring materials, it signifies a strong foundation for their relationship. It also symbolizes growth and abundance, hinting at the fertility and prosperity that can come from a loving and committed union. These verses in Song of Solomon showcase the beauty and depth of love between the lovers, emphasizing qualities such as admiration, attraction, strength, and security. They remind us of the importance of mutual respect, admiration, and commitment in a loving relationship, qualities that are timeless and eternal, echoing sentiments expressed in other parts of the Bible such as 1 Corinthians 13 which speaks about the enduring nature of love.
After Song Of Solomon 1
The young woman’s longing for her beloved had been made clear. She yearned for his affection and presence, desiring to be with him. Yet, as the chapter drew to a close, a new challenge emerged. The young woman’s brothers had grown resentful, their hearts hardened against her. What would this mean for her pursuit of love? The path ahead was uncertain, but her determination remained steadfast. She navigates this new obstacle in the next chapter, guided by her faith and devotion to her beloved.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.