English · BSB

Song of Solomon2

The chapter opens with the Shulamite describing herself as the "rose of Sharon" and "lily of the valleys," while her beloved praises her singular beauty. She then extols her beloved, finding comfort and delight in his presence, and describes their intimate embrace under a "banner of love." Later, the beloved calls her to join him, celebrating the arrival of spring, and she affirms their mutual belonging, expressing a desire for his continued presence.
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The Shulamite's Declaration of Love

1
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley. ​
2
Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens. ​

The Beloved's Excellence

3
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. ​
4
He has brought me to the house of wine, and his banner over me is love. ​
5
Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. ​
6
His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. ​
7
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right. ​

The Arrival of the Beloved

8
Listen! My beloved approaches. Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. ​
9
My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. ​

A Summons to Love

10
My beloved calls to me, “Arise, my darling. Come away with me, my beautiful one. ​
11
For now the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. ​
12
The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land. ​
13
The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come away with me, my beautiful one.” ​

A Plea for Intimacy

14
O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely. ​

Protecting the Vineyards of Love

15
Catch for us the foxes— the little foxes that ruin the vineyards— for our vineyards are in bloom. ​

Mutual Possession and Delight

16
My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies. ​

Anticipation of Reunion

17
Before the day breaks and shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether. ​

Study Notes for Song of Solomon 2

Verse 1

The woman identifies herself as the 'rose of Sharon' and 'lily of the valleys,' common flowers, suggesting both beauty and humility. This likely indicates her awareness of her beauty in contrast to other women, yet also her commonness.

Verse 2

The woman's beloved responds, elevating her above other women. The comparison to a lily among thorns emphasizes her unique beauty and preciousness amidst potential dangers or less desirable surroundings.

Verse 3

The woman returns the compliment, comparing her beloved to an apple tree, providing shade and sweet fruit, signifying comfort and satisfaction. The imagery evokes a sense of refuge and nourishment found in their relationship.

Verse 4

The 'banqueting house' suggests a place of joyful celebration and intimacy, possibly alluding to the wedding feast. The 'banner over me was love' symbolizes the protection and triumph of their love.

Verse 5

The woman's plea to be sustained with 'flagons' and 'apples' illustrates the intensity of her love-sickness. This is not a literal illness but rather a profound emotional longing for her beloved.

Verse 6

This verse depicts intimate physical affection, conveying a sense of security and tenderness in their relationship. The imagery is gentle and respectful.

Verse 7

This is a recurring refrain in the Song of Solomon, urging restraint and patience in love. The daughters of Jerusalem are adjured not to prematurely awaken or disturb love before its time.

Verse 8

The woman eagerly anticipates the arrival of her beloved. His energetic approach, 'leaping upon the mountains,' symbolizes his passion and eagerness to be with her.

Verse 9

The imagery of the roe or young hart continues the theme of youthful vitality and grace. The beloved's presence 'behind our wall' and 'looking forth at the windows' creates a sense of anticipation and playful teasing.

Verse 10

The beloved calls his lover to 'rise up' and 'come away', initiating a new phase of their relationship. This is an invitation to leave behind the ordinary and embrace the joys of love.

Verse 11

The description of the passing winter and the arrival of spring symbolizes renewal and the blossoming of their love. The changing seasons mirror the changing stages of their relationship.

Verse 12

The imagery emphasizes the beauty and vibrancy of spring, representing the flourishing of their love. The 'voice of the turtle' (turtle dove) signifies peace and harmony in their relationship.

Verse 13

The budding fig tree and fragrant vines further reinforce the theme of new beginnings and the sweetness of their love. The sensory details enhance the experience of the season.

Verse 14

The beloved compares his lover to a dove hidden in the rocks, suggesting shyness or vulnerability. He longs to see her face and hear her voice, emphasizing the importance of communication and vulnerability in their relationship.

Verse 15

The 'foxes' represent anything that could damage or spoil their love. This verse highlights the need to actively protect and nurture their relationship from external threats or internal weaknesses.

Verse 16

This declaration of mutual belonging ('My beloved is mine, and I am his') expresses the deep commitment and intimacy within their relationship. The phrase 'He feedeth among the lilies' suggests that he finds nourishment and pleasure in her presence.

Verse 17

The woman longs for the 'day break' and the disappearance of shadows, symbolizing a time of greater clarity and fulfillment in their relationship. The comparison to a roe or young hart reiterates the theme of youthful energy and passionate longing.

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