English · CJB

Song of Solomon5

The chapter opens with the beloved inviting his spouse to partake of his garden's delights. The spouse then recounts a dream-like experience where she hesitates to open the door for her beloved, who subsequently departs. She suffers for her delay, is mistreated by watchmen, and then passionately describes her beloved's unparalleled beauty to the daughters of Jerusalem.

The King's Invitation to Intimacy

1
[He] My sister, my bride, I have entered my garden; I am gathering my myrrh and my spices; I am eating my honeycomb along with my honey; I am drinking my wine as well as my milk. [Chorus] Eat, friends, and drink, until you are drunk with love! ​

The Beloved's Hesitation and Regret

2
[She] I am asleep, but my heart is awake. Listen! I hear my darling knocking! [He] Open for me, my sister, my love, my dove, my flawless one! For my head is wet with dew, my hair with the moisture of the night. ​
3
[She] I've removed my coat; must I put it back on? I've washed my feet; must I dirty them again? ​
4
The man I love put his hand through the hole by the door-latch, and my heart began pounding at the thought of him. ​
5
I got up to open for the man I love. My hands were dripping with myrrh pure myrrh ran off my fingers onto the handle of the bolt.
6
I opened for my darling, but my darling had turned and gone. My heart had failed me when he spoke I sought him, but I couldn't find him; I called him, but he didn't answer. ​
7
The watchmen roaming the city found me; they beat me, they wounded me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls! ​
8
I charge you, daughters of Yerushalayim, that if you find the man I love, what are you to tell him? That I am sick with love. ​

The Daughters' Inquiry and the Beloved's Praise

9
[Chorus] How does the man you love differ from any other, you most beautiful of women? How does the man you love differ from any other, that you should give us this charge? ​
10
[She] The man I love is radiant and ruddy; he stands out among ten thousand. ​
11
His head is like the finest gold; his locks are wavy and black as a raven. ​
12
His eyes are like doves by running streams, bathed in milk and set just right. ​
13
His cheeks are like beds of spices, like banks of fragrant herbs. His lips are like lilies dripping with sweet myrrh. ​
14
His arms are rods of gold set with beryl, his body polished ivory adorned with sapphires. ​
15
His legs are like pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like the L'vanon, as imposing as the cedars. ​

The Summation of Love

16
His words are sweetness itself; he is altogether desirable. This is my darling, and this is my friend, daughters of Yerushalayim. ​

Study Notes for Song of Solomon 5

Verse 1

This verse depicts a consummation of love and an invitation to others to share in the joy. The imagery of the garden and shared delicacies suggests abundance and delight in their relationship.

Verse 2

This verse marks a turning point. The Shulamite hesitates to respond to her lover's call, setting in motion a series of events marked by longing and regret. The detail of the dew on his head emphasizes the urgency and discomfort of his waiting.

Verse 3

The Shulamite's excuses reveal a reluctance or complacency that contrasts with the eagerness previously displayed. This verse highlights the theme of missed opportunities and the consequences of procrastination in love.

Verse 4

The image of the beloved reaching through the door is a powerful expression of his persistence and desire. 'My bowels were moved for him' signifies a deep emotional stirring and a realization of her mistake.

Verse 6

The beloved's withdrawal is a direct consequence of the Shulamite's delay. This verse illustrates the pain of separation and the consequences of neglecting a relationship.

Verse 7

The encounter with the watchmen represents a vulnerable and exposed state. The violence inflicted upon her symbolizes the dangers and shame associated with seeking love outside of proper boundaries or with a lack of discretion.

Verse 8

The Shulamite's plea to the daughters of Jerusalem reveals the depth of her longing and regret. 'Sick of love' is a powerful expression of the emotional distress caused by separation from her beloved.

Verse 9

The daughters of Jerusalem's question prompts a detailed and passionate description of the beloved. This serves to elevate his character and beauty, justifying the Shulamite's intense longing.

Verse 10

The Shulamite begins her elaborate description of her beloved. 'White and ruddy' suggests a healthy and vibrant appearance, while 'chiefest among ten thousand' indicates his unparalleled excellence.

Verse 11

The description of his head as 'most fine gold' and his hair as 'black as a raven' emphasizes his regal and striking appearance. The contrast of colors enhances his beauty and desirability.

Verse 12

The description of his eyes as 'doves by the rivers of waters' conveys gentleness, purity, and peace. The imagery evokes a sense of tranquility and refreshment.

Verse 13

The comparison of his cheeks to 'a bed of spices' and his lips to 'lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh' emphasizes his attractiveness and the delightful nature of his presence. The imagery is rich and sensual.

Verse 14

The imagery of gold rings set with beryl and ivory overlaid with sapphires speaks to his great value and beauty. This reinforces the idea of the beloved as being precious and desirable.

Verse 15

Describing his legs as 'pillars of marble' and his countenance as 'Lebanon' conveys strength, stability, and majesty. These images portray the beloved as a figure of great power and dignity.

Verse 16

This verse summarizes the Shulamite's feelings for her beloved. 'He is altogether lovely' is the ultimate expression of her adoration and reinforces the perfection she sees in him. The final statement, 'This is my beloved, and this is my friend,' emphasizes both the romantic and intimate companionship they share.

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