2:8

Song Of Solomon 2:9

2:10

My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

My beloved {H1730} is like {H1819} a roe {H6643} or a young {H6082} hart {H354}: behold, he standeth {H5975} behind {H310} our wall {H3796}, he looketh forth {H7688} at the windows {H2474}, shewing {H6692} himself through the lattice {H2762}.

My darling is like a gazelle or young stag. There he is, standing outside our wall, looking in through the windows, peering in through the lattice.

My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice.

My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: Behold, he standeth behind our wall; He looketh in at the windows; He glanceth through the lattice.

Commentary on Song of Solomon 2:9 (KJV)

Song of Solomon 2:9 presents a vivid and tender image of the beloved approaching, seen through the eyes of the Shulamite woman. This verse beautifully captures the excitement and anticipation of a lover's presence, even when not fully revealed.

Context

The Song of Solomon is a poetic book celebrating the beauty and power of romantic love between a man and a woman, often interpreted as King Solomon and a Shulamite woman. Within the broader narrative, this verse falls early in the book, following the woman's expressions of longing and her desire for intimacy with her beloved. It describes her perception of his arrival and his subtle, yet discernible, presence.

Culturally, the imagery of a wall, windows, and lattices speaks to the architecture of ancient homes, providing both privacy and opportunities for observation. The playful peek-a-boo nature of the beloved's appearance through the lattice adds to the charm and depth of their courtship.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation and Longing: The verse powerfully conveys the woman's eager expectation and the thrill of seeing her beloved, even from a distance. His partial visibility heightens her desire and attention.
  • Grace and Swiftness: Comparing the beloved to a "roe" (gazelle) or a "young hart" (young deer) emphasizes his agility, beauty, and the swiftness of his approach. This imagery paints a picture of a beloved who is both swift and graceful, a theme echoed later in the book as the Shulamite woman urges her lover to be like a roe or a young hart.
  • Subtle Presence: He is "behind our wall" and "shewing himself through the lattice," indicating his presence is near and observable, yet not fully unveiled. This creates a sense of playful mystery and gentle revelation.
  • Overcoming Barriers: The "wall" and "lattice" are slight barriers that do not impede the beloved's desire to be seen or the lover's ability to observe. They highlight the beloved's determination to connect.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "roe" (צְבִי - tsevi) and "young hart" (עֹפֶר - 'opher) both refer to graceful and swift deer-like animals, particularly gazelles. These creatures were admired for their beauty, agility, and quick movements, making them fitting metaphors for the beloved's attractive qualities and eager approach.

Spiritual Application

Beyond its literal romantic context, Song of Solomon 2:9 is frequently interpreted allegorically in Christian tradition. It can be seen as representing the relationship between Christ and His church, or between God and the individual believer. In this view:

  • Christ's Presence: The beloved's subtle appearance through the lattice can symbolize Christ's continual presence with His people, even when He is not fully seen or understood in His glory. He is always near, peeking through the 'windows' of our lives, circumstances, and revelations, reminding us of His nearness and faithfulness.
  • The Church's Longing: Just as the Shulamite longs for her beloved, the church (the Bride of Christ) longs for the full manifestation of her Bridegroom's presence and His eventual return.
  • God's Seeking Love: This verse also speaks to God's persistent and graceful pursuit of humanity, desiring to reveal Himself and draw us into deeper relationship, even when there seem to be 'walls' between us.

Practical Application

For modern readers, Song of Solomon 2:9 offers several practical insights:

  • Cherishing Anticipation: In relationships, there's a unique joy in the anticipation of meeting or seeing a loved one. This verse reminds us to savor these moments of longing and the subtle signs of affection.
  • Appreciating Subtle Gestures: Not all expressions of love are grand; sometimes they are quiet, observant, and gentle. Recognizing these subtle gestures can deepen appreciation for a relationship.
  • Patience in Waiting: The "wall" and "lattice" suggest that sometimes love involves a degree of waiting or seeing through partial views. This can encourage patience and trust in the beloved's eventual full presence.
  • Seeking God's Subtle Presence: In our spiritual lives, this verse encourages us to look for God's presence not just in dramatic revelations but also in the quiet, everyday moments where He "peeks" through the ordinary, inviting us to draw closer.
Note: Commentary is generated by a large language model with a directive for Biblical fidelity. While we find the analysis helpful, always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Song Of Solomon 8:14

    Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:17

    Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

  • Colossians 2:17

    Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

  • Luke 24:35

    And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

  • Hebrews 10:1

    ¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:12

    For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

  • John 12:41

    These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

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