Song of Solomon7

The chapter opens with the beloved's detailed praise of the Shulamite's physical beauty, using rich metaphors from nature and architecture. He expresses his ardent desire to draw near to her and partake in her delights. The Shulamite then responds by affirming her devotion and inviting him to a rural setting to share their love amidst the flourishing vineyards and fragrant fruits.
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The Beloved Praises the Shulamite’s Beauty (The Wasf)

1
How beautiful are thy feet in sandals, O prince’s daughter! Thy rounded thighs are like jewels, The work of the hands of a skilful workman. ​
2
Thy body islikea round goblet, Wherein no mingled wine is wanting: Thy waist is like a heap of wheat Set about with lilies. ​
3
Thy two breasts are like two fawns That are twins of a roe.
4
Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; Thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looketh toward Damascus. ​
5
Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses thereof. ​

A Summation of Her Desirability

6
How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! ​
7
This thy stature is like to a palm-tree, And thy breasts to its clusters. ​
8
I said, I will climb up into the palm-tree, I will take hold of the branches thereof: Let thy breasts be as clusters of the vine, And the smell of thy breath like apples,
9
And thy mouth like the best wine, That goeth down smoothly for my beloved, Gliding through the lips of those that are asleep. ​

The Woman Affirms Mutual Love

10
I am my beloved’s; And his desire is toward me. ​

An Invitation to Intimacy in the Fields

11
Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; Let us lodge in the villages. ​
12
Let us get up early to the vineyards; Let us see whether the vine hath budded, Andits blossom is open, Andthe pomegranates are in flower: There will I give thee my love. ​
13
The mandrakes give forth fragrance; And at our doors are all manner of precious fruits, new and old, Which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. ​

Study Notes for Song of Solomon 7

Verse 1

This verse begins the final detailed descriptive poem (*wasf*) of the woman's body, structured unusually from the feet upward. Calling her 'prince's daughter' elevates her status, emphasizing her noble stature and grace.

Verse 2

The imagery here is rich with fertility. The navel (goblet) and belly (heap of wheat) surrounded by lilies symbolize abundance, nourishment, and fruitful potential, often associated with motherhood.

Verse 4

The comparison of her eyes to fishpools suggests clarity, depth, and tranquility. Her nose is compared to the imposing Tower of Lebanon, symbolizing majesty and strength.

Verse 5

Mount Carmel, known for its lush vegetation and commanding height, represents the richness and vitality of her hair and head. 'The king is held in the galleries' means the beloved is completely captivated and bound by her beauty.

Verse 6

This verse serves as a transition, moving from detailed anatomical description to an overall exclamation regarding her beauty and the delight she inspires in him.

Verse 7

The palm tree symbolizes uprightness, grace, and stately height in ancient Near Eastern culture. Her breasts are compared to the rich, clustered fruit of the palm.

Verse 9

Comparing her kisses and speech to the 'best wine' emphasizes their intoxicating and revitalizing effect. Such wine is so powerful it awakens even those who are weary or asleep.

Verse 10

This declaration is central to the book, affirming mutuality and ownership (cf. 2:16, 6:3). The word 'desire' (*teshuqah*) here is used positively, indicating that the man’s whole devotion is lovingly directed toward her.

Verse 11

The Shulamite initiates the next stage of their relationship, inviting her beloved away from the city and into the privacy of the countryside for renewed intimacy.

Verse 12

The couple seeks to observe the growth of the vineyards, linking their relationship to the natural cycle of fertility and maturation. 'There will I give thee my loves' indicates that the outdoor setting will be the place of their intimate union.

Verse 13

Mandrakes (*dudaim*) were renowned for their strong scent and were often associated with fertility and love potions (cf. Genesis 30:14). The 'pleasant fruits, new and old' symbolize the variety and enduring quality of the love she has preserved for him.

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