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
How beautiful are your feet in sandals, prince’s daughter! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a skillful workman. ​
2
Your body is like a round goblet, no mixed wine is wanting. Your waist is like a heap of wheat, set about with lilies. ​
3
Your two breasts are like two fawns, that are twins of a roe.
4
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bathrabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus. ​
5
Your head on you is like Carmel. The hair of your head like purple. The king is held captive in its tresses. ​

A Summation of Her Desirability

6
How beautiful and how pleasant you are, love, for delights! ​
7
This, your stature, is like a palm tree, your breasts like its fruit. ​
8
I said, “I will climb up into the palm tree. I will take hold of its fruit.” Let your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the smell of your breath like apples, Beloved
9
Your mouth like the best wine, that goes down smoothly for my beloved, gliding through the lips of those who are asleep. ​

The Woman Affirms Mutual Love

10
I am my beloved’s. His desire is toward me. ​

An Invitation to Intimacy in the Fields

11
Come, my beloved, let us go out into the field. Let us lodge in the villages. ​
12
Let’s go early up to the vineyards. Let’s see whether the vine has budded, its blossom is open, and the pomegranates are in flower. There I will give you my love. ​
13
The mandrakes produce fragrance. At our doors are all kinds of precious fruits, new and old, which I have stored up for you, my beloved. ​

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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