Song of Solomon6

The chapter opens with the daughters of Jerusalem inquiring about the beloved's whereabouts, to which the bride responds that he has gone to his garden. She then declares her mutual possession with her beloved. The groom subsequently praises her beauty, comparing her to Tirzah and Jerusalem, and affirming her uniqueness above all other women.
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The Search and the Assurance

1
Where has your beloved gone, O most beautiful among women? Which way has he turned? We will seek him with you. ​
2
My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to pasture his flock in the gardens and to gather lilies. ​
3
I belong to my beloved and he belongs to me; he pastures his flock among the lilies. ​

The Groom Praises the Bride's Beauty

4
You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners. ​
5
Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead. ​
6
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin, and not one of them is lost.
7
Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate.
8
There are sixty queens and eighty concubines, and maidens without number, ​
9
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises. ​
10
Who is this who shines like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as the stars in procession? ​

The Bride's Sudden Return

11
I went down to the walnut grove to see the blossoms of the valley, to see if the vines were budding or the pomegranates were in bloom. ​
12
Before I realized it, my desire had set me among the royal chariots of my people. ​
13
Come back, come back, O Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you. Why do you look at the Shulammite, as on the dance of Mahanaim? ​

Study Notes for Song of Solomon 6

Verse 1

The Daughters of Jerusalem (the Chorus) pose this question, continuing the dialogue from Chapter 5. Their inquiry demonstrates their growing interest and commitment to helping the Bride.

Verse 2

The Beloved (Groom) is depicted as tending his garden, a place of intimacy and cultivation. This image confirms his presence and devotion, resolving the anxiety of the previous chapter.

Verse 3

This declaration of mutual possession is a central theme of the Song, affirming the security and intimacy of their commitment, regardless of temporary separation or doubt (cf. 2:16).

Verse 4

Tirzah was a beautiful royal city, and Jerusalem represented perfection and majesty. The comparison to an 'army with banners' emphasizes the Bride's awe-inspiring, majestic, and formidable power over the Groom’s heart.

Verse 5

The Beloved acknowledges that the Bride's beauty is so compelling ('overcome me') that he must turn away. The description of her hair repeats the imagery of enduring, dark beauty first mentioned in 4:1.

Verse 8

The mention of numerous queens and concubines sets the stage for the contrast in the next verse, highlighting the societal norms of a royal court (likely Solomon’s).

Verse 9

The core affirmation: the Bride is 'but one.' Her singularity and uniqueness are emphasized, demonstrating that true love elevates the beloved above all others, regardless of worldly status or number.

Verse 10

This rhetorical question summarizes the Bride's radiant beauty. The comparison to the sun, moon, and morning signifies her perfection and growing splendor, confirming the high praise given by the other women (v. 9).

Verse 11

The Bride explains she retreated to the garden (perhaps a metaphor for reflection or their shared inner life) to assess the vitality and fruitfulness of their love.

Verse 12

This verse describes a sudden, overwhelming, and irresistible impulse of passion. The reference to the 'chariots of Amminadib' likely refers to a famous or noble chariot, signifying rapid, powerful movement driven by love.

Verse 13

The Daughters of Jerusalem call the Bride, the 'Shulamite,' to return. The final phrase, 'company of two armies' (Heb. *Mahanaim*), is complex, possibly referring to a captivating, dance-like beauty or the tension and splendor of her presence.

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