Song Of Solomon 2:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 2:9 paints a vibrant picture of the beloved's approach, likened to a swift and graceful deer, subtly revealing himself from behind a wall, peeking through windows and lattices. This verse captures the Shulamite woman's intense anticipation and delight in her lover's presence, highlighting the playful and tender nature of their courtship as he makes himself known in a partial yet captivating manner, heightening her longing and affection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the early chapters of the Song of Solomon, a poetic dialogue between the Shulamite woman and her beloved, often identified as King Solomon. Following the woman's expressions of longing for intimacy and her deep admiration for her lover in [Song of Solomon 1](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon 1 - The Woman's Longing"), and her declaration of his unique beauty in [Song of Solomon 2:1-8](/song_of_solomon/2 "Song of Solomon 2 - The Lovers' Dialogue"), verse 9 marks a pivotal moment: the beloved's active presence and approach. It sets the stage for his subsequent invitation to her in [Song of Solomon 2:10-14](/song_of_solomon/2-10 "Song of Solomon 2:10-14 - The Beloved's Invitation"), where he calls her to come away with him, emphasizing the arrival of spring and new life. The imagery of the swift deer and partial revelation underscores the dynamic and engaging nature of their relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of walls, windows, and lattices reflects the architectural norms of ancient Near Eastern homes, which often featured enclosed courtyards and windows that might be covered with decorative or protective screens (lattices). These structures provided privacy and security but also offered controlled views of the outside world or between different parts of a dwelling. The act of "looking forth at the windows" or "shewing himself through the lattice" would have been a common, yet intimate, way for individuals to observe or interact from within their homes. The comparison to a "roe" (gazelle) or "young hart" (young deer) draws upon the familiarity of these graceful and swift animals in the region, admired for their beauty and agility, making them fitting metaphors for an attractive and eager beloved. This scene evokes a sense of traditional courtship, where glimpses and subtle interactions were highly valued.

* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 2:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. The primary theme is **Anticipation and Longing**, as the woman's vivid description of her beloved's approach underscores her eager expectation and the thrill of his presence, even when partially obscured. This partial visibility amplifies her desire and focused attention, a motif echoed in her later yearning for him in [Song of Solomon 3:1-4](/song_of_solomon/3-1 "Song of Solomon 3:1-4 - The Woman Seeks Her Beloved"). Another key theme is **Grace and Swiftness**, conveyed by the simile of the "roe" or "young hart." This imagery emphasizes the beloved's attractive qualities—his beauty, agility, and the eagerness of his approach, a characteristic that reappears when the woman urges him to be like a swift deer in [Song of Solomon 8:14](/song_of_solomon/8-14 "Song of Solomon 8:14 - The Woman's Final Plea"). Finally, the theme of **Subtle Presence and Revelation** is central, with the beloved "behind our wall" and "shewing himself through the lattice." This suggests a presence that is near and observable, yet not fully unveiled, creating a sense of playful mystery and gentle, progressive revelation that deepens their bond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e., (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle. In this context, it refers to the Shulamite woman's cherished lover, emphasizing the deep affection and intimate bond between them. The term conveys not just a romantic partner but one who is utterly adored and held in high esteem.
* **wall (Hebrew, _kôthel'_):** From an unused root meaning to compact; a wall (as gathering inmates). This refers to a physical barrier, likely part of a house or courtyard, which provides a boundary or enclosure. In the verse, it signifies a point of separation that the beloved transcends, highlighting his proximity and determination to be seen, even if not fully entering.
* **shewing himself (Hebrew, _tsûwts'_):** A primitive root; to twinkle, i.e., glance; by analogy, to blossom (figuratively, flourish). This word suggests a quick, fleeting glimpse or a subtle appearance, akin to a sparkle or a blossom unfolding. It implies a deliberate, yet perhaps playful, act of revealing himself partially, drawing attention and building anticipation rather than a full, immediate disclosure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My beloved is like a roe or a young hart:"** The Shulamite woman immediately likens her lover to a graceful, swift, and beautiful animal. This simile conveys his agility, elegance, and the quickness of his approach, suggesting a vibrant and captivating presence. The choice of a roe or young hart (a type of deer or gazelle) highlights his youthful vigor and attractive qualities.
* **"behold, he standeth behind our wall,"** This clause introduces the beloved's physical proximity. He is near, just beyond a barrier, indicating he has arrived at her dwelling. The "wall" signifies a boundary, yet his presence behind it implies a deliberate, perhaps patient, waiting or a subtle, unannounced arrival. The exclamation "behold" draws the reader's attention to this significant moment.
* **"he looketh forth at the windows,"** This describes his action of peering through openings in the dwelling. The windows offer a partial view, allowing him to observe and be observed. This action suggests a longing to connect and a desire to make his presence known, even if not fully entering the private space. It's an act of seeking visual contact.
* **"shewing himself through the lattice."** This final phrase refines the previous image, specifying the manner of his revelation. A lattice, a screen or grating, would further obscure a full view, allowing only glimpses. His "shewing himself" through it implies a deliberate, yet playful and perhaps teasing, act of partial disclosure. This creates an air of mystery and heightens the woman's anticipation and delight in catching these fleeting glimpses of her beloved.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:9 is rich with **Imagery**, vividly painting a scene of the beloved's approach. The comparison of the beloved to a "roe or a young hart" is a clear **Simile**, emphasizing his grace, swiftness, and beauty. The description of him "standing behind our wall," "looking forth at the windows," and "shewing himself through the lattice" employs **Personification** of the beloved's actions, making his subtle appearance dynamic and engaging. The "wall," "windows," and "lattice" serve as **Symbols** of the boundaries between the lovers, which paradoxically facilitate a more intimate and anticipated revelation. The partial visibility through these structures creates a sense of **Mystery** and **Anticipation**, building tension and heightening the emotional impact of his presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While primarily a celebration of human love, Song of Solomon 2:9, like the entire book, has often been interpreted allegorically in Christian tradition to describe the relationship between Christ and His church, or between God and the individual believer. In this theological lens, the beloved's subtle, yet persistent, appearance through the "windows" and "lattice" can symbolize Christ's ever-present, yet often veiled, presence in the lives of His people. He is always near, actively seeking to engage and reveal Himself, even when we don't fully comprehend His glory or discern His hand in every circumstance. This verse speaks to the divine initiative in seeking relationship, a God who patiently and gracefully draws near, inviting His beloved into deeper fellowship.

* [Psalm 42:1](/psalm/42-1 "The Soul's Thirst for God")
* [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Christ Knocks at the Door")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:9 offers profound insights into the nature of love, both human and divine. It reminds us that true affection often thrives not just on grand gestures, but on the subtle, persistent, and even playful ways we make our presence known and felt by those we cherish. The Shulamite's delight in catching glimpses of her beloved, even through barriers, encourages us to cultivate an appreciative heart, recognizing and savoring the quiet, everyday expressions of love that might otherwise go unnoticed. In our spiritual walk, this verse prompts us to look for God's subtle presence in the ordinary, in the "windows" and "lattices" of our daily lives—in moments of beauty, unexpected kindness, answered prayers, or quiet contemplation. It challenges us to remain attentive and expectant, knowing that our Beloved is always near, seeking to reveal Himself and draw us into deeper intimacy, even when His full glory is not yet unveiled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically perceive the presence of loved ones in your life, and what small gestures do you cherish most?**
* **In what "windows" or "lattices" of your daily life might God be "shewing himself" to you, and how can you become more attentive to these subtle revelations?**
* **How does the anticipation of seeing a loved one, or the anticipation of Christ's return, shape your current perspective and actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of comparing the beloved to a "roe" or "young hart"?**

Answer: The comparison of the beloved to a "roe" (gazelle) or "young hart" (young deer) is highly significant. These animals were renowned in the ancient Near East for their grace, beauty, agility, and swiftness. By using this simile, the Shulamite woman emphasizes several attractive qualities of her lover: his physical beauty and elegance, his youthful vigor, and the eagerness and speed with which he approaches her. It conveys a sense of vibrant energy and an almost ethereal quality to his movements, making his arrival all the more captivating and desirable. This imagery is a recurring motif in the Song of Solomon, often used to describe the beloved's swiftness, as seen in [Song of Solomon 8:14](/song_of_solomon/8-14 "Song of Solomon 8:14 - The Woman's Final Plea").

**What do the "wall," "windows," and "lattice" represent in this verse?**

Answer: The "wall," "windows," and "lattice" are literal architectural features of ancient homes, but they also carry symbolic weight within the context of the poem. They represent the boundaries or slight barriers that exist between the lovers, or perhaps the private space of the Shulamite woman. However, rather than being insurmountable obstacles, they become conduits for connection. The beloved's ability to "stand behind our wall," "look forth at the windows," and "shew himself through the lattice" signifies his determination to bridge any distance, his playful persistence, and his desire to make his presence known without fully intruding. They create a dynamic of partial revelation, heightening anticipation and emphasizing the intimacy of catching glimpses of one another, much like the way God often reveals Himself in part before a fuller disclosure, as discussed in [1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Through a Glass Dimly").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 2:9, when viewed through a Christ-centered lens, beautifully foreshadows the nature of Christ's relationship with His church, His Bride. Just as the beloved swiftly and gracefully approaches the Shulamite, so too does Christ, our ultimate Bridegroom, draw near to His people. He is not distant or aloof but actively seeks to reveal Himself. The imagery of Him "standing behind our wall" and "shewing himself through the lattice" speaks powerfully to His Incarnation, where the infinite God veiled His glory in human flesh, allowing us to "look forth at the windows" of His earthly life and ministry, catching glimpses of His divine nature through His words and deeds ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Even now, He is present with us, not always in full, unveiled glory, but through the "windows" of the Holy Spirit's presence, the Sacraments, the preached Word, and the fellowship of believers ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus Promises His Presence")). He is the one who "stands at the door, and knocks," patiently and persistently seeking to enter into deeper communion with us ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door")). The Shulamite's longing for her beloved mirrors the church's eager anticipation for the full and final revelation of Christ at His second coming, when we will see Him "face to face" and know Him fully, just as we are fully known ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Through a Glass Dimly")). Thus, Song of Solomon 2:9 is a tender depiction of the divine initiative, the loving pursuit of our Lord, and the blessed anticipation of His full and glorious presence.

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

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.