Song Of Solomon 2:4

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me [was] love.

He brought {H935} me to the banqueting {H3196} house {H1004}, and his banner {H1714} over me was love {H160}.

He brings me to the banquet hall; his banner over me is love.

He has brought me to the house of wine, and his banner over me is love.

He brought me to the banqueting-house, And his banner over me was love.

Song of Solomon 2:4 is a poetic declaration of love and security, expressed through the voice of the Shulamite maiden regarding her Beloved. This verse paints a vivid picture of intimacy and protection, where love is the overarching theme and defining characteristic of their relationship.

Context

This verse is part of a passionate dialogue between the Shulamite maiden and her Beloved, often interpreted on multiple levels: as a celebration of human marital love, an allegory for God's love for Israel, and profoundly, for Christ's profound love for His Church. The "banqueting house" (Hebrew: beth hayyayin, "house of wine") symbolizes a place of intimate celebration, joy, and fellowship, where the Beloved brings the maiden for a special encounter. It signifies a private, cherished space for their bond.

Key Themes

  • Intimacy and Delight: The Beloved initiates the encounter, bringing the maiden to a place specifically designed for feasting and enjoyment. This speaks to a desire for deep connection and shared joy.
  • Security and Protection: The "banner" (Hebrew: degel) typically refers to a military standard or flag, signifying ownership, allegiance, and protection. Here, it's not a banner of war but of love, implying a safe, declared, and protected relationship. The maiden is secure under his affection.
  • Declared Love: The most prominent theme is that the very standard under which the maiden finds herself is love. It is a public and undeniable declaration of the Beloved's affection and commitment, defining the nature of their bond.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "banqueting house" (Hebrew: beth hayyayin) literally translates to "house of wine." This signifies a place of abundance, festivity, and celebration, where joy and enjoyment are paramount. The word "banner" (Hebrew: degel) typically denotes a standard or ensign, often used by armies or tribes to identify themselves and rally their forces. In this context, its powerful imagery is repurposed to convey a public and unwavering declaration of the Beloved's affection and the secure identity of the maiden within that relationship. The phrase "his banner over me was love" emphasizes that love is not just a feeling, but a foundational truth and a visible standard.

Practical Application

For believers, Song of Solomon 2:4 beautifully illustrates the Christian's relationship with Christ. We are brought into a spiritual "banqueting house" of fellowship and communion with God, a place of abundant grace and joy. Over us, Christ's banner is unequivocally love. This assures us of His unwavering affection, His protective presence (compare with Psalm 91:4), and our secure identity in Him. Just as the Beloved's banner declared his love for the maiden, so Christ's love for His Church is a constant, visible truth that defines our relationship and provides ultimate security. It encourages us to rest in the certainty that we are loved, chosen, and protected by our King.

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.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:4

    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.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Romans 8:39

    Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • John 15:9

    As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

  • John 15:15

    Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

  • Revelation 3:20

    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • Romans 5:8

    But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

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