Song Of Solomon 1:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Draw {H4900} me, we will run {H7323} after {H310} thee: the king {H4428} hath brought {H935} me into his chambers {H2315}: we will be glad {H1523} and rejoice {H8055} in thee, we will remember {H2142} thy love {H1730} more than wine {H3196}: the upright {H4339} love {H157} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take me with you. We will run after you." The king has brought me into his rooms. [Chorus] We will be glad and rejoice for you. We will praise your love more than wine. How right it is for them to love you!

Berean Standard Bible

Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.

American Standard Version

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 make mention of thy love more than of wine: Rightly do they love thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:4 beautifully articulates the fervent longing of the beloved for intimate communion with the King, a desire that is met with immediate and profound access. The verse captures a transformative journey from earnest yearning to fulfilled intimacy, culminating in a declaration of deep joy and the surpassing value of divine love, affirming that such profound affection is characteristic of those who walk in uprightness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 1:4 appears early in the book, following the Shulamite's initial expressions of longing for her beloved (Song 1:2-3). The opening verses establish a tone of intense desire and affection. Verse 4 marks a pivotal moment where the beloved's plea, "Draw me," is immediately answered by the King's action, "the king hath brought me into his chambers." This swift fulfillment of desire sets the stage for the intimate dialogue and expressions of love that characterize the rest of the book, moving from anticipation to the experience of presence and joy. The "we" in the verse suggests a communal aspect, perhaps the chorus of maidens (the "daughters of Jerusalem" mentioned in [Song of Solomon 1:5](/song_of_solomon/1-5 "Song of Solomon 1:5 - The Shulamite's Dark Beauty")) who share in her joy or witness her favored status, highlighting that true joy in the King's presence is not solitary.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon is set within an ancient Near Eastern context, likely during the Solomonic era, characterized by royal splendor and the celebration of love and marriage. The "king" (Hebrew: *melek*) refers to Solomon, a figure renowned for his wisdom and wealth, who would have had elaborate palaces with private "chambers" (Hebrew: *cheder*). These chambers would have been the most private, secure, and intimate spaces, symbolizing exclusive access and deep personal communion, often associated with bridal intimacy. Wine (Hebrew: *yayin*) was a staple of ancient banquets and celebrations, symbolizing joy, pleasure, and prosperity (as seen in [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Makes the Heart Glad")). By stating that the King's love is remembered "more than wine," the beloved elevates this relationship above all earthly delights and common sources of joy, emphasizing its unparalleled value and enduring satisfaction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Song of Solomon and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Human Response**. The beloved's cry "Draw me" acknowledges an initial need for external impulse, which is immediately met by the King's action, illustrating that genuine spiritual pursuit often begins with God's compelling grace, to which the soul then eagerly responds. This resonates with the New Testament concept that no one can come to Christ unless the Father draws them ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - God's Drawing Power")). Secondly, the verse underscores **Intimacy and Communion**, portraying the "chambers" as a metaphor for privileged, exclusive, and secure fellowship with the divine, a theme central to the believer's relationship with God ([Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - Desiring God's Dwelling")). Thirdly, it establishes the **Superiority of Divine Love**, asserting that the King's love provides a deeper, more lasting joy and satisfaction than any earthly pleasure, including wine. This theme emphasizes the surpassing worth of God's lovingkindness ([Psalm 63:3](/psalms/63-3 "Psalm 63:3 - God's Lovingkindness Better Than Life")). Finally, the phrase "the upright love thee" introduces the theme of **Righteousness and Reciprocal Love**, suggesting that a pure heart and a life aligned with God's will are prerequisites for experiencing and reciprocating such profound divine affection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Draw (Hebrew, _mâshak'_):** This primitive root (H4900) implies a powerful, compelling pull, to draw along, or even to drag. It suggests an irresistible attraction or a strong, deliberate act of drawing someone towards oneself, rather than a mere invitation. In this context, it speaks to the King's powerful and effective initiative in bringing the beloved into His presence.
* **Chambers (Hebrew, _cheder'_):** Derived from H2315, this word refers to an inner room, a private apartment, or even a bridal chamber. It signifies a place of deep privacy, security, and intimacy, inaccessible to outsiders. Its use here emphasizes the exclusive and profound communion granted by the King to the beloved.
* **Love (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** This noun (H1730), often translated as "love" or "beloved," stems from a root meaning "to boil," figuratively implying intense affection. It denotes a deep, passionate, and often reciprocal affection. In "thy love," it refers to the King's love, which is remembered and valued above all else by the beloved and her companions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Draw me, we will run after thee":** This opening clause expresses a profound spiritual dynamic. The beloved first acknowledges the need for the King's initiative ("Draw me"), implying a recognition that true pursuit of God begins with His sovereign grace. The immediate, enthusiastic response ("we will run after thee") signifies an eager, collective, and unhesitating pursuit once drawn, demonstrating a willing and joyful surrender to the divine pull.
* **"the king hath brought me into his chambers":** This statement marks the fulfillment of the initial longing. The King's action of bringing the beloved into His private "chambers" signifies a profound level of privileged access, intimate communion, and secure belonging. It denotes a transition from longing to an experience of deep, personal presence, far from public view.
* **"we will be glad and rejoice in thee":** The immediate and natural outcome of this intimacy is an overflowing of joy and delight. The "we" suggests a shared experience of gladness among the beloved and her companions, emphasizing that true joy is found not merely in the benefits received, but in the person of the King Himself. This joy is not fleeting but a deep, abiding contentment.
* **"we will remember thy love more than wine":** This powerful declaration highlights the surpassing value of the King's love. Wine, a common symbol of earthly pleasure and celebration, is here used as a benchmark. The King's love is not just comparable to wine, but superior to it, offering a more profound, lasting, and satisfying joy than any temporal delight. The act of "remembering" implies a conscious, sustained appreciation for this love.
* **"the upright love thee":** This concluding phrase serves as an affirmation of the character of those who truly love the King. "The upright" refers to those who are morally righteous, sincere, and walk in integrity. It suggests that genuine, pure love for the King is a hallmark of those whose hearts are aligned with His truth and righteousness, implying a reciprocal relationship between uprightness and the experience of divine love.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of longing, intimacy, and joy. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "the king hath brought me into his chambers." The "chambers" serve as a powerful metaphor for a place of ultimate intimacy, security, and exclusive communion, far beyond public observation. Similarly, "wine" functions as a **Symbol** of earthly pleasure and celebration, against which the King's love is measured and found superior, highlighting the **Hyperbole** in "we will remember thy love more than wine." This hyperbole emphasizes the incomparable and overwhelming nature of the King's love. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** in the expressions of joy ("we will be glad and rejoice in thee") and the collective response ("we will run after thee," "we will be glad and rejoice," "we will remember"), reinforcing the communal experience of delight in the King's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 1:4 offers profound theological insights into the nature of the relationship between God and His people. It beautifully illustrates the divine initiative in drawing humanity to Himself, emphasizing that our spiritual pursuit is always a response to His prior grace. The King's "chambers" symbolize the deep, personal, and secure intimacy God desires with each believer, a sacred space of communion where His presence brings unparalleled joy and satisfaction. This joy, born of His love, is portrayed as infinitely more valuable and enduring than any earthly pleasure or fleeting delight. The verse also underscores the reciprocal nature of this relationship, where genuine love for God is intrinsically linked to a life of uprightness, suggesting that purity of heart enables a deeper experience and appreciation of His divine affection.

* [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.")
* [Psalm 63:3](/psalms/63-3 "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.")
* [John 15:9-10](/john/15-9 "Abiding in Christ's Love and Keeping His Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:4 serves as a powerful spiritual allegory for the believer's journey with God. It reminds us that our spiritual walk begins not with our striving, but with God's gracious invitation to "Draw me," a divine pull on our hearts. Our eager response, "we will run after thee," reflects the joyful and unreserved pursuit of His presence. The King's act of bringing us "into his chambers" speaks to the profound intimacy and secure belonging that God offers through Christ—a privileged access to His very presence, whether in prayer, worship, or the study of His Word. This intimacy yields an overflowing gladness and rejoicing, a joy rooted in His person rather than in circumstances. The declaration that His love is remembered "more than wine" challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, recognizing that God's love provides a satisfaction that far surpasses any earthly pleasure or fleeting gratification. Finally, the verse calls us to a life of "uprightness," suggesting that a sincere heart and a walk of integrity are essential for experiencing and reciprocating the fullness of His love. It encourages us to cultivate a life that is both passionately devoted to God and consistently aligned with His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God "drawing" you into a deeper relationship with Him?**
* **What does "the King's chambers" signify for your personal walk with God, and how can you seek to enter that space of intimacy more regularly?**
* **What "wine" or earthly pleasures do you sometimes value more than God's love, and how can you re-prioritize His love above all else?**
* **How does living an "upright" life contribute to your capacity to love and experience God's love more fully?**

### FAQ

**Is Song of Solomon 1:4 to be interpreted literally or allegorically?**

Answer: Song of Solomon 1:4, like the entire book, is generally understood to have both a literal and an allegorical interpretation. Literally, it celebrates the beauty and intimacy of marital love between a man and a woman, specifically King Solomon and his beloved. Allegorically, it has been widely interpreted in Jewish tradition to represent the relationship between God and Israel, and in Christian tradition, the relationship between Christ and His Church, or the individual believer. The depth of the language, particularly phrases like "Draw me" and "into his chambers," lends itself powerfully to spiritual application, highlighting themes of divine initiative, spiritual intimacy, and the surpassing value of God's love. Both interpretations can enrich one's understanding, with the literal providing the foundation for the spiritual truths.

**Who is the "we" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "we" in "we will run after thee," "we will be glad and rejoice in thee," and "we will remember thy love" is often interpreted as the chorus of maidens or companions of the beloved (the "daughters of Jerusalem" mentioned in [Song of Solomon 1:5](/song_of_solomon/1-5 "Song of Solomon 1:5 - The Shulamite's Dark Beauty")). This suggests that the beloved's joy and experience of intimacy with the King are not isolated but shared, perhaps inspiring and drawing others into a similar appreciation for the King. In an allegorical sense, it can represent the collective body of believers, the Church, who together respond to Christ's drawing and rejoice in His presence.

**Why is the King's love remembered "more than wine"?**

Answer: Wine (Hebrew: *yayin*) was a common symbol of earthly joy, celebration, and pleasure in ancient cultures, often associated with feasting and merriment ([Ecclesiastes 9:7](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7 - Eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart")). By stating that the King's love is remembered "more than wine," the beloved is asserting the unparalleled and superior nature of this love. It signifies that the joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment found in the King's presence and love far exceed any temporal or material pleasure. This highlights the enduring, deep, and truly satisfying nature of divine love, which offers a contentment that earthly delights cannot match, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 4:7](/psalms/4-7 "Psalm 4:7 - You have put more joy in my heart than when their grain and new wine abound.").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The beloved's cry, "Draw me, we will run after thee," beautifully prefigures the Holy Spirit's work in drawing humanity to the Father through the Son. Just as the King draws the beloved, so too does Christ declare, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "God's Drawing Power")). This divine initiative is met with the eager response of those who, once drawn, joyfully "run after" Him, embracing His call to discipleship. The King's act of bringing the beloved "into his chambers" finds its spiritual reality in Christ's invitation to intimate communion with God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has opened the way for believers to enter the very presence of God, the "Holy of Holies," not just physically but spiritually ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). This access grants us profound joy and allows us to "be glad and rejoice in thee," finding our ultimate delight in Him who is the source of all life and light. Furthermore, the declaration that "we will remember thy love more than wine" points to Christ's sacrificial love, which is indeed a love that surpasses all earthly pleasures and understanding ([Ephesians 3:19](/ephesians/3-19 "To Know the Love of Christ")). His love, poured out on the cross, offers eternal satisfaction and joy that no temporal delight can rival. Finally, "the upright love thee" anticipates the New Covenant reality where those who are justified by faith in Christ are made righteous and empowered by the Spirit to genuinely love God and live lives pleasing to Him ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Justification by Faith")). Thus, Song of Solomon 1:4 paints a vivid picture of the believer's intimate, joyful, and transforming relationship with Christ, our true King and Beloved.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 11:4

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

John 6:44

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Psalms 45:14

She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

Psalms 45:15

With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

John 12:32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.

Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Song Of Solomon 3:4

[It was] but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.