TRV
Translation
Young's Literal Translation
The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters are firs, I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys!
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In the KJVVerse 17,555 of 31,102
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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Gregory of ElviraAD 392
EXPLANATION OF THE SONG OF SONGS 1:28
Kedar, from the Hebrew, is translated by the Latin word for dark (accordingly, Kedar among the city of the Gentiles at that time seethed with idolatry), for nothing is more forbidding than serving demons. Thus the Lord scolded the people of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah for abandoning the Lord and for worshiping idols made by Gentiles.… And Christ spoke in a prophetic way from the voice of the church that was to be gathered from the Gentiles, saying, “I am dark like the tents of Kedar,” that is, like the gathering of Gentiles.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
The Six Days of Creation
The cedar is suitable for hanging roofs, because this type of wood is tall and spacious, but not burdensome to the walls. The cypress is also suitable for ceilings and gables. Hence, the Church says in the Canticles: "The beams of our houses are made of cedar, our ceilings of cypress," explaining that the decorations of its structure are in these, as if the beams sustain the crown of the Church with their own strength and adorn its peak.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
The beams of our houses are of cedar, etc. Indeed, he calls his houses the various assemblies of the faithful throughout the world, from all of which the universal Church consists. However, the beams and ceilings designate the various orders of the faithful in these houses of the Church: for both are usually placed on high, but the beams are made for fortification, while the ceilings contribute more to the decor of the houses than to their fortification. Therefore, the beams signify the holy preachers, by whose word and example the structure of this same Church is supported so that it might stand, who by the strength of their doctrine withstand the storms of heretical attacks, lest they cast it down. The ceilings are likened to the simpler servants of Christ, who know rather to adorn the Church with their virtues than to defend it with words of doctrine and to fortify it against the onslaughts of perverse teachings. The ceilings, however, hang fastened to the beams, because it is necessary that whoever in the holy Church desires to shine with sublime virtues must cling with all their mind to the words and examples of the highest fathers, by which they are raised above earthly pursuits. And it is well said that these beams are cedar and the ceilings are cypress, because it is known that both trees possess the properties of incorruptible nature, exceptional height, and remarkable fragrance, which aptly befits those who can say with the Apostle, We are the good aroma of Christ to God (II Cor. II), and, Our conversation is in heaven (Philip. III), and, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? and the rest (Rom. VIII). But also this, that the scent of cedar is known to drive away serpents, as the poet has said, Learn also to kindle fragrant cedar in your stables, and with the smell of galbanum to drive away heavy snakes: it is fittingly attributed to the high ceilings, that is, to the teachers, who are accustomed by the power of the heavenly word to repel the poisonous doctrines of heretics, and to drive them away from misleading the simple. This too, that its resin, called cedar resin, is so useful in preserving books that when they are smeared with it, they suffer neither moths nor the decay of time, who does not see how well it fits those same holy preachers, by whose spiritual sense the Sacred Scripture was composed, which by no heretical cunning can be corrupted, nor can any age of the passing world consume it; so much so that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall pass from the law, until all things be fulfilled (Matt. V)? When the Lord said this about the law, how much more did He mean it to be understood about His Gospel? The cypress tree also, in that it is apt for healing the ailments of bodies, and that its graceful foliage is not displaced by any force of winds, expresses constancy, and the action of those who adorn the holy Church with higher virtues as ceilings do. Hence, the bride, that is, the holy Church, or any chosen soul, marvels at the beauty of her beloved; she praises the softness and cleanliness of the flowering bed; she proclaims the internal beauty of her houses, by which she suitably welcomes the beloved. But because toil rather than rest is fitting for the state of the present time, and in this life the elect, with Christ's help, are more engaged in pious deeds than enjoying peaceful leisure, he calls the bride to the exercise of labors and to enduring the companionship of the wicked, adding:
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:17 eloquently portrays the lovers' shared vision of a magnificent and enduring dwelling, transcending a mere physical description to symbolize the profound strength, beauty, and stability of their mutual affection. This verse, embedded within a poetic dialogue, speaks to the ideal environment where their love flourishes, characterized by shared ownership and a deep appreciation for natural splendor and robust construction, built upon precious and resilient foundations.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:17 is rich with Imagery and Symbolism. The entire verse functions as an extended Metaphor, where a physical dwelling ("our house") represents the intimate relationship between the lovers. The specific building materials, "cedar" and "fir," are not merely descriptive but are potent Symbols of the qualities desired in their love: strength, durability, beauty, fragrance, and permanence. The mention of "cedar" evokes the grandeur and lasting nature associated with royal buildings and sacred structures like the Temple, imbuing their relationship with a sense of majesty and divine favor. The collective pronoun "our" functions as a device of Shared Ownership and Unity, emphasizing the mutual investment and partnership in constructing and maintaining their bond. The detailed description of the house's components (beams, rafters) uses Merism to convey the completeness and thoroughness of their envisioned secure haven, from the foundational elements to the finishing details, suggesting that every part of their relationship is intentionally built with excellence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 1:17, with its imagery of a strong, beautiful, and enduring dwelling, resonates deeply with biblical themes of covenant, security, and the nature of God's dwelling with His people. Just as the physical house provides shelter and stability, the relationship described here offers a sanctuary of love and commitment, built on precious and lasting foundations. The choice of cedar and fir, materials used in sacred and royal architecture, subtly elevates the human love described to a level of divine blessing and significance, hinting at the sacredness of covenantal relationships. This verse speaks to the divine design for relationships to be robust, beautiful, and resilient, reflecting the steadfastness of God's own love and faithfulness. It foreshadows the ultimate dwelling place God prepares for His people, a place of perfect security and beauty, a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The metaphorical house in Song of Solomon 1:17 serves as a profound blueprint for building any relationship—be it marital, familial, or even our spiritual walk with God. The "beams of cedar" and "rafters of fir" call us to consider the quality of the materials we use in constructing our lives and relationships. Are we building on transient, flimsy foundations, or are we investing in qualities like integrity, unwavering commitment, open communication, mutual respect, and sacrificial love? Just as cedar resists decay and endures for centuries, our relationships are called to be resilient against the inevitable storms of life. This verse encourages us to actively cultivate an environment of security, beauty, and steadfastness, where love can not only survive but truly flourish and deepen over time. It reminds us that a truly beautiful and strong relationship is a shared endeavor, requiring both partners to contribute to its foundational strength and its aesthetic grace, creating a sanctuary where both souls can find rest, joy, and growth. It challenges us to assess if our relationships are built for fleeting moments or for an enduring legacy of love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Song of Solomon 1:17 primarily about a literal house or a metaphorical one?
Answer: While the verse uses concrete imagery of building materials for a house, its primary meaning within the Song of Solomon is widely understood to be metaphorical. The "house" represents the intimate relationship and shared life between the lovers. The luxurious and durable materials—cedar and fir—symbolize the strength, beauty, security, and lasting quality of their love. It's a poetic way of expressing their desire for a relationship that is as grand and enduring as a palace built from the finest woods, providing a secure and beautiful dwelling for their affection. The entire book often employs rich imagery to describe the multifaceted nature of love, moving beyond the literal to convey deeper emotional and spiritual truths about human intimacy and commitment.
Why are cedar and fir specifically mentioned, and what is their significance?
Answer: Cedar (specifically the Cedar of Lebanon) and fir (often identified as cypress or juniper) were highly prized and significant building materials in the ancient Near East. Cedar was renowned for its immense size, strength, durability, aromatic fragrance, and resistance to decay and insects. It was a symbol of majesty, permanence, and luxury, famously used in the construction of Solomon's Temple and his royal palace. Fir was also a strong, fragrant wood often used in conjunction with cedar for important structures. Their mention in Song of Solomon 1:17 signifies that the "house" of their love is built with the highest quality, most enduring, and most beautiful materials available. This choice underscores the lovers' desire for a relationship characterized by unyielding strength, lasting beauty, and a secure, luxurious environment where their love can thrive and endure through time, much like the majestic cedars of Lebanon that stand for centuries.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:17, with its imagery of a strong and beautiful dwelling, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ and His relationship with the Church. Just as the lovers envision a secure and magnificent "house" built with enduring materials, so too is the spiritual dwelling of believers founded upon the unshakeable person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "beams of cedar," the very foundation upon which all things are built, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:11: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The Church, as the Bride of Christ, is not merely a collection of individuals but a spiritual house, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). The strength and beauty of this spiritual house are derived from His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, which provide eternal security and an imperishable dwelling place for God's Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). Furthermore, Christ's love for His Church is the ultimate enduring and beautiful love, far surpassing any human affection, promising a future where He will bring His Bride to a glorious, eternal dwelling, the New Jerusalem, where God Himself will dwell with His people, as revealed in Revelation 21:3. Thus, the secure and beautiful house envisioned in Song of Solomon 1:17 prefigures the eternal security, majesty, and intimacy found in Christ and His everlasting covenant with His beloved Church.