Song Of Solomon 2:12

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

The flowers {H5339} appear {H7200} on the earth {H776}; the time {H6256} of the singing {H2158} of birds is come {H5060}, and the voice {H6963} of the turtle {H8449} is heard {H8085} in our land {H776};

the flowers are appearing in the countryside, the time has come for [the birds] to sing, and the cooing of doves can be heard in the land.

The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land.

The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land;

Song of Solomon 2:12 is a vibrant poetic verse from King Solomon's invitation to his beloved, the Shulamite woman, to join him as spring arrives. It paints a vivid picture of nature's awakening, signaling a time of renewal, joy, and the flourishing of life.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (Song of Solomon 2:8-14) where the lover, often identified as King Solomon, describes his arrival and calls his beloved to come away with him. Following a description of the harsh winter (Song of Solomon 2:11), this verse joyfully announces the complete transformation of the landscape. It sets a scene of idyllic beauty, emphasizing the perfect timing for their shared experience of love and delight in creation. While primarily a celebration of romantic love, many theological interpretations also see the Song of Solomon as an allegory for God's love for His people, or Christ's love for the Church, making this verse a metaphor for spiritual revival and new beginnings.

Key Themes

  • Renewal and New Life: The appearance of flowers and the return of the birds signify the end of winter's dormancy and the ushering in of a season of growth, beauty, and vitality. This imagery speaks to fresh starts and the promise of flourishing.
  • Joy and Celebration: The sounds of singing birds and the voice of the turtledove fill the air, creating an atmosphere of delight and celebration. It's a sensory experience that evokes happiness and contentment.
  • Invitation to Intimacy: As part of the lover's plea for his beloved to "rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away" (Song of Solomon 2:10), this verse highlights the beautiful setting for their shared love and companionship, inviting a deeper connection in a time of natural abundance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the voice of the turtle" refers specifically to the turtledove (Hebrew: tôr), a migratory bird whose return to Israel historically marked the arrival of spring. Its distinctive cooing call was a welcome sound after the winter months, making it a powerful symbol of the season's change, as noted in passages like Jeremiah 8:7. The imagery of "singing" and "flowers" bursting forth further emphasizes the vibrancy and sensory richness of this new season, underscoring the completeness of nature's reawakening.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 2:12 offers profound encouragement and a call to spiritual awareness:

  • Embrace New Seasons: Just as nature transitions from winter to spring, our lives experience seasons. This verse encourages us to look for and embrace periods of renewal, growth, and fresh starts, even after difficult times. It reminds us that God is always doing a "new thing".
  • Appreciate God's Creation: The detailed description of spring invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty and order in the natural world, recognizing it as a testament to the Creator's artistry and provision. Consider how God cares for even the birds of the air.
  • Respond to Divine Invitation: For those who interpret the Song of Solomon allegorically, this verse can be seen as Christ's invitation to His Church or to individual believers to experience deeper intimacy, joy, and spiritual vitality. It's a call to leave behind spiritual dormancy and step into a season of flourishing and communion with Him, becoming a "new creature" in Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 55:12

    For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Psalms 148:7

    ¶ Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

  • Psalms 148:13

    Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

  • Psalms 89:15

    ¶ Blessed [is] the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

  • Jeremiah 8:7

    Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

  • Isaiah 35:1

    ¶ The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

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