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.

The Beloved Praises the Shulamite’s Beauty (The Wasf)

1
[He] How beautiful are your feet in sandals, you daughter of princes! The curves of your thighs are like a necklace made by a skilled craftsman. ​
2
Your navel is like a round goblet that never lacks spiced wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat encircled by lilies. ​
3
Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle.
4
Your neck is like a tower of ivory, your eyes like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bat-Rabbim, your nose like a tower in the L'vanon overlooking Dammesek. ​
5
You hold your head like the Karmel, and the hair on your head is like purple cloth — the king is held captive in its tresses. ​

A Summation of Her Desirability

6
How beautiful you are, my love, how charming, how delightful! ​
7
Your appearance is stately as a palm tree, with its fruit clusters your breasts. ​
8
I said, "I will climb up into the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches." May your breasts be like clusters of grapes, your breath as fragrant as apples,
9
and your mouth like the finest wine. [She] May the wine go straight to the man I love and gently move the lips of those who are asleep. ​

The Woman Affirms Mutual Love

10
I belong to my darling, and his desire is for me. ​

An Invitation to Intimacy in the Fields

11
Come, my darling, let's go out to the country and spend the nights in the villages. ​
12
We'll get up early and go to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, to see if their flowers have opened, or if the pomegranate trees are in bloom. There I will give you my love. The mandrakes are sending out their fragrance, all kinds of choice fruits are at our doors, fruits both new and old, my darling, which I have kept in store for you. ​
13
The mandrakes are sending out their fragrance, all kinds of choice fruits are at our doors, fruits both new and old, my darling, which I have kept in store for you. ​

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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