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
I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Friends Eat, friends! Drink, yes, drink abundantly, beloved. Beloved ​

The Beloved's Hesitation and Regret

2
I was asleep, but my heart was awake. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness of the night.” ​
3
I have taken off my robe. Indeed, must I put it on? I have washed my feet. Indeed, must I soil them? ​
4
My beloved thrust his hand in through the latch opening. My heart pounded for him. ​
5
I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh, on the handles of the lock.
6
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved left; and had gone away. My heart went out when he spoke. I looked for him, but I didn’t find him. I called him, but he didn’t answer. ​
7
The watchmen who go about the city found me. They beat me. They bruised me. The keepers of the walls took my cloak away from me. ​
8
I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, If you find my beloved, that you tell him that I am faint with love. Friends ​

The Daughters' Inquiry and the Beloved's Praise

9
How is your beloved better than another beloved, you fairest among women? How is your beloved better than another beloved, that you do so adjure us? Beloved ​
10
My beloved is white and ruddy. The best among ten thousand. ​
11
His head is like the purest gold. His hair is bushy, black as a raven. ​
12
His eyes are like doves beside the water brooks, washed with milk, mounted like jewels. ​
13
His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh. ​
14
His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl. His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires. ​
15
His legs are like pillars of marble set on sockets of fine gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. ​

The Summation of Love

16
His mouth is sweetness; yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, 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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