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.
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The King's Invitation to Intimacy

1
I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. ​

The Beloved's Hesitation and Regret

2
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. ​
3
I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? ​
4
My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. ​
5
I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
6
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. ​
7
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me. ​
8
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love. ​

The Daughters' Inquiry and the Beloved's Praise

9
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? ​
10
My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. ​
11
His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. ​
12
His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. ​
13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. ​
14
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. ​
15
His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. ​

The Summation of Love

16
His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. ​

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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