English · CJB

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.

The Shulamite's Declaration of Love

1
I am but a rose from the Sharon, just a lily in the valleys. ​
2
[He] Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the other women. ​

The Beloved's Excellence

3
[She] Like an apple tree among the other trees in the forest is my darling among the other men. I love to sit in his shadow; his fruit is sweet to my taste. ​
4
He brings me to the banquet hall; his banner over me is love. ​
5
Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love. ​
6
[I wish] his left arm [were] under my head, and his right arm around me. ​
7
I warn you, daughters of Yerushalayim, by the gazelles and deer in the wilds, not to awaken or stir up love until it wants to arise! ​

The Arrival of the Beloved

8
The voice of the man I love! Here he comes, bounding over the mountains, skipping over the hills! ​
9
My darling is like a gazelle or young stag. There he is, standing outside our wall, looking in through the windows, peering in through the lattice. ​

A Summons to Love

10
My darling speaks; he is saying to me, "Get up, my love! My beauty! Come away! ​
11
For you see that the winter has passed, the rain is finished and gone, ​
12
the flowers are appearing in the countryside, the time has come for [the birds] to sing, and the cooing of doves can be heard in the land. ​
13
The fig trees are forming their unripe figs, and the grapevines in bloom give out their perfume. Get up, my love, my beauty! Come away!" ​

A Plea for Intimacy

14
[He] My dove, hiding in holes in the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, let me see your face and hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. ​

Protecting the Vineyards of Love

15
[She] "Catch the foxes for us, yes, the little foxes! They are ruining the vineyards when our vineyards are in bloom!" ​

Mutual Possession and Delight

16
My darling is mine, and I am his, as he pastures his flock among the lilies. ​

Anticipation of Reunion

17
Before the daytime breeze rises and the shadows flee, return, my love, like a stag or gazelle on the hills of Beter. ​

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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