1 Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.
2 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young.
3 Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil.
4 Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.
5 Your stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its clusters.
6 Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.
7 You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; come with me from Lebanon. Depart from the peak of Amana, from the peak of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of lions, from the mountains of leopards.
9 You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.
10 How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils more than any spice!
11 Your lips drip nectar, O bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; and the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.
12 A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.
13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard,
14 nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the choicest spices.
15 A garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.
16 Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits.
The True Meaning of Song Of Solomon 4
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 chapter is a poetic expression of the deep love and desire between a man and a woman, often interpreted as a metaphor for the relationship between God and his people. The man, referred to as the “beloved,” praises the beauty and virtues of the woman, his “bride” in this chapter.” He uses vivid imagery and sensual language to describe her physical attributes and the joy he finds in her. This chapter foreshadows the consummation of their relationship, which will be explored in the following passages.
The language and imagery used in the Song of Solomon are quite different from the more straightforward narratives found in other books of the Bible. However, this chapter reminds us of the importance of love, intimacy, and the celebration of the physical and emotional bond between a husband and wife, as described in other biblical passages, such as Ephesians 5:25-33.
Song of Solomon 4:1-5
Certainly! Let’s break down Song of Solomon 4:1-5 into sections and provide commentary on each:
- “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead.”
This section praises the beauty of the bride, celebrating her attractiveness and charm. Beauty in the Song of Solomon often symbolizes purity, innocence, and grace. The imagery of eyes like doves and hair like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead conveys a sense of elegance and vitality. This verse highlights the beauty of God’s creation and the appreciation of His handiwork in the form of the beloved.
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“Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. The groom praises the bride’s smile by comparing her teeth to a flock of sheep that have just been cleaned in this part. This imagery conveys purity and cleanliness, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene and taking care of one’s appearance. Additionally, the mention of each tooth having its twin reinforces the idea of completeness and perfection in the beloved. This verse can also symbolize the unity and harmony between the bride and groom in a marriage, where they come together as a complete pair.
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“Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.”
Here, the groom admires the bride’s lips, describing them as a scarlet ribbon. The use of the color scarlet may symbolize passion, love, and desire. Furthermore, the comparison of her temples to the halves of a pomegranate suggests beauty and fertility. Pomegranates are often symbols of abundance and fruitfulness in the Bible, reflecting the potential for growth and creation within the marital relationship. This verse emphasizes the physical attraction and sensuality between the bride and groom.
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“Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. The groom in this section compares the bride’s neck to the tower of David, a strong and majestic structure. The tower of David was known for its fortification and protection, symbolizing security and stability. The mention of a thousand shields hanging on her neck further reinforces the idea of defense and valor. This imagery can represent the bride’s strength and resilience, as well as the honor and dignity she carries in the relationship. It also highlights the importance of mutual respect and admiration between the bride and groom.
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“Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies.”
The groom continues to praise the bride’s physical attributes by comparing her breasts to two fawns. Fawns are often seen as symbols of grace and beauty in the Bible, portraying innocence and gentleness. The imagery of fawns browsing among the lilies conveys a sense of delicacy and elegance. This verse underscores the beauty of God’s creation in the human form and celebrates the intimacy and tenderness shared between the bride and groom. These verses in the Song of Solomon illustrate the deep love and admiration between the bride and groom, highlighting the beauty, passion, and intimacy found in a loving relationship. The poetic language used in this passage conveys a sense of reverence and appreciation for the beloved, emphasizing the importance of valuing and cherishing one another in a union blessed by God.
The imagery and symbolism in these verses reflect the profound connection between Christ and His Church as well. Ephesians 5:25-33 compares the relationship between a husband and wife to that of Christ and the Church, highlighting the sacrificial love, care, and unity that should exist in marriage. The Song of Solomon, with its depiction of love and desire, can be seen as a metaphor for the deep spiritual connection between God and His people, emphasizing the unending love and devotion He has for us.
Song of Solomon 4:6-8
The passage in Song of Solomon 4:6-8 reads, “Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.” Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards.”
Breaking this verse into sections, we first encounter the image of the bridegroom expressing his intention to go to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense until the shadows disappear. Myrrh and frankincense were costly and precious spices, often used in the Bible for anointing, symbolizing purification and consecration. Here, the mountain and hill signify a place of sanctity and dedication, where the bridegroom seeks solace and strength until the darkness is dispelled by the light. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for seeking spiritual refreshment and guidance in times of trouble, reflecting the desire to be in a place of divine presence and protection.
The bridegroom then praises his beloved, declaring her beauty and perfection without blemish. This expression of admiration and love reflects the deep affection and admiration he has for his bride, seeing her as flawless and pure. Believers can liken this to the love Christ has for His church in the broader biblical context, seeing them as blameless and pure through His sacrifice. It echoes Ephesians 5:27, where the church is described as being presented to Christ without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish.
Furthermore, the bridegroom extends an invitation to his spouse to come with him from Lebanon, symbolizing unity and togetherness in their journey. Lebanon was known for its majestic mountains and lush forests, often representing beauty and strength. The mention of Amana, Shenir, and Hermon, known for their grandeur and significance, alludes to the bridegroom’s longing for his beloved to join him in experiencing the majestic views and overcoming challenges together. This invitation can be seen as a reflection of Christ calling His followers to walk with Him, symbolizing the intimate relationship and companionship He desires with His church. Song of Solomon 4:6-8 paints a picture of love, unity, and the pursuit of spiritual intimacy overall. It conveys the themes of devotion, purity, and the invitation to walk together in a journey of faith. Christ cherishes His church just as the bridegroom cherishes his bride, desiring a deep, unblemished relationship with His people.
Song of Solomon 4:9-11
The verses in Song of Solomon 4:9-11 read, “You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride.” You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than any spice. Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride. Honey and milk are under your tongue. Your clothes are scented like the cedars of Lebanon.”
Firstly, the speaker in these verses expresses deep love and admiration for his beloved, referring to her as his treasure and his bride. This illustrates the intimate and profound connection between the two individuals, with the speaker captivated by the beauty and essence of his beloved. The image of being captivated by a single glance or a piece of jewelry speaks to the power and intensity of love and attraction.
The comparison of the bride’s love to wine, perfume, spices, sweetness, and fragrance emphasizes the richness and delight that her love brings to the speaker. Wine was considered a symbol of joy and celebration in biblical times, and the reference to love being better than wine highlights the incomparable joy and fulfillment found in a loving relationship. Perfume and spices were highly valued for their pleasing aroma, suggesting the sensory satisfaction and allure of the bride’s love.
Further, the imagery of honey and milk under the bride’s tongue symbolizes the sweetness and nourishment that her words and affections bring to the speaker. Honey and milk are often associated with abundance and sustenance in the Bible, reflecting the idea that love can nourish and satisfy the soul. This metaphor underscores the enriching and fulfilling nature of love when expressed through words and actions.
Lastly, the mention of the bride’s scented clothes like the cedars of Lebanon evokes images of strength, beauty, and longevity. The cedars of Lebanon were prized for their durability and fragrance, suggesting that the bride embodies qualities of resilience, grace, and beauty. This comparison not only enhances the bride’s physical appeal but also alludes to her inner strength and enduring love. These verses from Song of Solomon paint a vivid picture of deep love, admiration, and delight in a relationship, emphasizing the beauty, richness, and satisfaction that love brings to the lovers. The imagery and metaphors used in these verses serve to convey the timeless message of the profound and transformative power of love in its various expressions, enriching the human experience and bringing joy and fulfillment to those who are fortunate to experience it.
Song of Solomon 4:12-15
Song of Solomon 4:12-15 reads, “A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. The speaker in these verses describes his sister and spouse as a garden enclosed, emphasizing her purity, beauty, and exclusivity. The garden is a metaphor for her being set apart and protected, much like a garden enclosed from the common public access. This imagery of the enclosed garden also symbolizes intimacy and exclusivity in their relationship. The speaker views his beloved in the same light as a garden, a place of beauty and growth.
The mention of various plants and spices in the orchard symbolizes the richness and beauty of the beloved. Pomegranates, known for their vibrant color and juicy seeds, represent fertility and abundance. Camphire, spikenard, saffron, calamus, cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, and aloes are all precious and aromatic spices, symbolizing the uniqueness and value of the beloved to the speaker. These exotic and valuable plants convey the idea of the beloved being a treasure to the speaker, cherished and admired for her exceptional qualities.
The description of the beloved as a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon further emphasizes her beauty, vitality, and refreshment. The speaker sees the beloved as a source of life and abundance, just as a fountain provides water for nourishment and sustenance. The mention of Lebanon, known for its majestic cedar trees and lush landscapes, adds to the imagery of strength, beauty, and grandeur associated with the beloved. The speaker in Song of Solomon highlights the deep love and admiration he has for his beloved in these verses. The imagery of the enclosed garden, exotic plants, and refreshing waters all serve to illustrate the beauty, purity, and exclusivity of their relationship. This passage emphasizes the importance of cherishing and honoring one’s partner, recognizing their value, uniqueness, and the life-giving qualities they bring to a relationship. The language and imagery used in Song of Solomon often symbolize the love between God and His people in the broader context of the Bible, with the bride and groom representing the relationship between Christ and the Church. The themes of love, intimacy, and devotion found in Song of Solomon echo the divine love and covenantal relationship between God and His creation. God cherishes and loves His people just as the speaker cherishes and values the beloved in Song of Solomon.
Song of Solomon 4:16
“Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits. A few key sections in this verse from Song of Solomon merit exploration. Firstly, the speaker calls upon the north wind and the south wind to awaken and blow on their garden. The imagery here is rich and symbolic, portraying a desire for refreshment and renewal. The winds are often seen as representing change and movement, and in this context, they are being summoned to breathe new life into the garden. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for seeking growth and transformation in a relationship or in one’s personal spiritual journey.
The second part of the verse speaks of the beloved coming into his garden to taste its choice fruits. This can be seen as an invitation for intimacy and connection. The garden is often a symbol of fertility, abundance, and beauty. The garden invites the beloved to taste its fruits, sharing the bounty and blessings that have been cultivated. This could signify a deepening of the relationship, where both parties are willing to be vulnerable and open with each other.
The entire verse is steeped in romantic and sensual imagery, depicting a deep longing for closeness and intimacy. It reflects the idea of partnership and mutual fulfillment within a relationship. The act of inviting the beloved into the garden can also be seen as an invitation for spiritual communion and unity. This garden in Song of Solomon symbolizes a sacred space where love and union are celebrated, just as the Garden of Eden was a place of harmony and connection between Adam and Eve before the fall. Gardens in the broader context of the Bible often associate themes of restoration, abundance, and new beginnings. The image of a garden being tended and flourishing can be traced back to the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis. God plants a garden in Eden in Genesis 2:8-9 and places Adam there to care for it, providing him with everything he needs. This imagery is echoed in Song of Solomon, where the garden represents a place of beauty and abundance that is meant to be shared and enjoyed with a beloved. Song of Solomon 4:16 encapsulates themes of longing, intimacy, and shared blessings within a relationship. It speaks to the importance of inviting our beloved into our lives, sharing the fruits of our labor, and cultivating a space of love and connection. The verse serves as a reminder of the deep unity and intimacy that can be experienced when two individuals come together in love and harmony.
After Song Of Solomon 4
The lovers’ intimacy had reached a new level. Their passion burned brighter than ever before. Yet, the young woman knew their journey was far from over. She sensed a shift on the horizon as she gazed into her beloved’s eyes. The path ahead would not be without its challenges, but with faith and devotion, they would navigate the uncertain terrain together. The next chapter would test the strength of their bond, revealing whether their love could withstand the trials that lay in wait.
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.