Song of Solomon1

The chapter opens with the Shulamite woman expressing her fervent desire for the king's love, which she finds more delightful than wine, and acknowledging his drawing power. She describes herself as dark-skinned from working in the vineyards but inherently beautiful, then seeks her beloved shepherd. The chapter concludes with the lovers exchanging tender praises, marveling at each other's fairness and the pleasantness of their shared intimacy.

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Title and Introduction to the Song

¶ The song of songs, which is Solomon's.

The Bride's Yearning for Intimacy

¶ Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

Self-Awareness and Beauty

I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

Seeking the Beloved

¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

Guidance and Reassurance

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

Praise of the Bride's Beauty

I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

Mutual Delight and Affection

¶ While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

Mutual Admiration Expressed

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.

Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.

A Home Built on Love

The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.

Study Notes for Song of Solomon 1

Verse 1

The phrase "Song of Songs" is a Hebrew superlative, meaning the most excellent or greatest song. Its attribution to Solomon suggests either authorship, dedication, or inspiration from his reign, known for wisdom and prosperity.

Verse 2

The bride expresses passionate desire for her beloved through evocative imagery. The comparison of his love to wine highlights its intoxicating and delightful nature.

Verse 3

The "savour of thy good ointments" and "thy name is as ointment poured forth" suggests the beloved's reputation and character are fragrant and attractive. This fragrance draws others, especially the virgins, to him.

Verse 4

"Draw me, we will run after thee" implies the bride's eagerness to be with her beloved. The mention of the king's chambers suggests a royal setting for their love.

Verse 5

The bride acknowledges her dark complexion, likely due to sun exposure from working in the vineyards. She compares herself to the "tents of Kedar" (known for their dark goat hair) and the "curtains of Solomon" (likely richly decorated), suggesting a contrast between outward appearance and inner beauty.

Verse 6

This verse explains why the bride is "black" – she was forced to work in the vineyards by her brothers. The statement "but mine own vineyard have I not kept" may suggest a neglect of her own well-being or personal life due to external pressures.

Verse 7

The bride expresses anxiety about finding her beloved, fearing she might be mistaken for a vagrant. Her question reveals a deep longing for reassurance and connection.

Verse 8

The beloved, or perhaps a chorus, advises her to follow the flocks and shepherds. This response suggests a simple, pastoral setting and encourages her to trust in the natural order to find him.

Verse 9

The beloved compares the bride to "a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots," an image of strength, beauty, and nobility. This likely refers to the horses' elegant trappings and powerful presence.

Verse 12

The bride's spikenard, a fragrant ointment, fills the air as the king is present, symbolizing the mutual delight and sensuality of their love. This highlights the sensual and reciprocal nature of their relationship.

Verse 13

The bride compares her beloved to a "bundle of myrrh," a precious and fragrant spice, that she keeps close to her heart. This symbolizes his constant presence and comforting influence in her life.

Verse 14

The "cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi" evokes a picture of beauty and abundance. Engedi was known for its fertile vineyards and fragrant plants.

Verse 15

The beloved affirms the bride's beauty, focusing on her "doves' eyes," often associated with gentleness and purity. The repetition emphasizes the intensity of his admiration.

Verse 16

The bride reciprocates the beloved's admiration, calling him "fair" and "pleasant." The mention of their "bed is green" suggests a natural, open-air setting, further emphasizing the pastoral imagery.

Verse 17

The description of their home's construction with cedar beams and fir rafters symbolizes strength, stability, and natural beauty. This image reinforces the idea of a love that is both enduring and rooted in nature.

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