Song Of Solomon 3:6

KJV

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is this that cometh {H5927} out of the wilderness {H4057} like pillars {H8490} of smoke {H6227}, perfumed {H6999} with myrrh {H4753} and frankincense {H3828}, with all powders {H81} of the merchant {H7402}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is this, coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, chosen from the merchant's crushed spices?

Berean Standard Bible

Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant?

American Standard Version

Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all powders of the merchant?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 3:6 presents a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene, introducing a magnificent procession emerging from the wilderness. The rhetorical question, "Who is this?", immediately captures the reader's attention, highlighting the splendor and mystery of the approaching figure. Described with vivid sensory imagery, the procession ascends "like pillars of smoke," redolent with the precious aromas of myrrh and frankincense, and laden with every conceivable exotic powder available from merchants, underscoring the immense wealth, status, and ceremonial significance of the one being presented.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within Song of Solomon, specifically following the Shulamite's restless search for her beloved in the night (Song of Solomon 3:1-5). Having found him and brought him to her mother's house, the narrative shifts from an intimate, personal quest to a grand, public spectacle. Song of Solomon 3:6-11 describes a royal procession, widely interpreted as King Solomon's wedding procession, emphasizing his splendor, his royal litter, and the accompanying guard. This grand public display serves as a counterpoint to the more private expressions of love and longing found elsewhere in the book, showcasing the beloved's exalted status and the magnificence of their union. The "Who is this?" question echoes similar exclamations of wonder at the beloved's beauty and presence found throughout the Song, such as in [Song of Solomon 6:10](/song_of_solomon/6-10 "Song of Solomon 6:10 - Who is she that looketh forth as the morning?").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal processions were elaborate affairs designed to display power, wealth, and prestige. Kings and dignitaries traveled with large retinues, often accompanied by musicians, soldiers, and servants carrying precious goods. The "wilderness" (Hebrew: _midbar_) from which the procession emerges refers not to a desolate wasteland but to the open, uncultivated countryside surrounding settled areas, a natural approach for a large party traveling to a city like Jerusalem. Myrrh and frankincense were highly prized commodities, imported from regions like Arabia and Africa, and were essential in ancient economies for their use in perfumes, anointing oils, medicines, and religious rituals. Their presence signified immense wealth and luxury, often associated with royalty and sacred ceremonies. The "powders of the merchant" further emphasize the global trade networks and the availability of exotic, expensive aromatics to those of high status.

* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 3:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Foremost is the theme of **Majesty and Grandeur**, as the verse vividly portrays a scene of extraordinary pomp and ceremony, underscoring the high status and dignity of the one arriving, often identified as King Solomon himself. This grand entrance elevates the love story to a royal, almost mythical, level. The **Anticipation and Awe** theme is immediately established by the opening rhetorical question, inviting the reader to share in the astonishment and wonder of the onlookers, building suspense for the revelation of the beloved. Furthermore, the emphasis on "perfumed with myrrh and frankincense" highlights the theme of **Beauty and Fragrance**, which is pervasive throughout the Song, symbolizing the captivating and delightful essence of the beloved. This aligns with other descriptions of the beloved's alluring qualities, such as her pleasant aroma in [Song of Solomon 4:10-11](/song_of_solomon/4-10 "Song of Solomon 4:10-11 - The Fragrance of the Beloved"). Ultimately, this verse serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for the **Royal Procession** and the celebration of a powerful and celebrated union.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr_):** From H4057, meaning a pasture or open field, by implication a desert. While often associated with barrenness, here it denotes the uncultivated, open country outside a city, from which a large procession would naturally approach. It suggests an emergence from the vast, untamed world into the realm of civilization and ceremony.
* **perfumed (Hebrew, _qâṭar_):** From H6999, a primitive root meaning "to smoke," specifically to turn into fragrance by fire, often as an act of worship. This word indicates that the scents of myrrh and frankincense are not merely present but are actively being released through burning, creating a pervasive, ascending aroma, suggesting a ceremonial or even sacred atmosphere.
* **merchant (Hebrew, _râkal_):** From H7402, a primitive root meaning "to travel for trading." This term highlights the commercial origin of the "powders," emphasizing that these are not common local products but exotic, costly goods acquired through extensive trade, further signifying the immense wealth and global reach associated with the procession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness":** This rhetorical question immediately establishes a tone of wonder and curiosity. It draws the audience's attention to an approaching figure or group, whose emergence from the open, uncultivated country signals a significant arrival. The question implies an unexpected or unusually grand sight.
* **"like pillars of smoke":** This striking simile describes the visual impact of the procession. It suggests tall, rising columns, possibly from burning incense carried aloft, or perhaps the dust kicked up by a large retinue, forming impressive, towering shapes against the horizon. It conveys a sense of majesty, scale, and perhaps a ceremonial or even divine presence, reminiscent of the pillar of cloud that guided Israel.
* **"perfumed with myrrh and frankincense":** This clause appeals to the sense of smell, indicating that the procession is enveloped in rich, costly aromas. Myrrh and frankincense were highly valued aromatic resins, used for luxury, beauty treatments, and religious incense. Their presence signifies immense wealth, status, and the special, perhaps sacred, nature of the occasion.
* **"with all powders of the merchant?":** This final phrase emphasizes the lavishness and abundance. "All powders" suggests a profusion of every imaginable expensive spice and aromatic powder available through trade, highlighting the extravagant preparation and the preciousness of the one arriving, implying a collection of the finest and most exotic fragrances.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Sensory Imagery**, particularly visual ("pillars of smoke") and olfactory ("perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders"). This appeals directly to the reader's senses, immersing them in the scene. The opening "Who is this?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to build suspense and emphasize the awe and wonder inspired by the approaching spectacle. The phrase "like pillars of smoke" is a clear **Simile**, comparing the rising spectacle to a familiar, impressive natural phenomenon. The inclusion of "all powders of the merchant" borders on **Hyperbole**, suggesting an exhaustive collection of every available aromatic, further emphasizing the extreme lavishness and extravagance of the procession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while rooted in an ancient love poem, resonates with profound theological themes when interpreted allegorically, as is common in Christian tradition, representing the relationship between Christ and His Church. The majestic arrival from the wilderness, enveloped in precious fragrances, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the glorious and anticipated coming of a divine figure. It speaks to the inherent preciousness and value of the beloved in the eyes of the lover, reflecting God's profound love and esteem for His people, whom He adorns with His grace and presence. The lavishness of the perfumes signifies the richness of God's blessings and the beauty of His holiness.

* [Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - Pillar of Cloud and Fire")
* [2 Corinthians 2:14-16](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14-16 - The Aroma of Christ")
* [Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 3:6 invites us to ponder the nature of anticipation, beauty, and the profound value placed on the beloved. Spiritually, it can encourage us to cultivate a life that emits the "fragrance of Christ," where our character and actions are so permeated by His presence that they become a pleasing aroma to God and a compelling witness to the world. It also reminds us of the grandeur and majesty of God's approach in our lives, whether through His Word, His Spirit, or His providential care. Just as the onlookers marveled at this procession, we are called to live with a sense of awe and wonder at the unfolding of God's plan and His glorious presence. On a personal level, it celebrates the dignity and splendor of a committed relationship, reflecting God's design for love and marriage as something beautiful, precious, and worthy of celebration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "pillars of smoke" and rich perfumes challenge or expand your understanding of spiritual beauty or divine presence?**
* **In what ways can your life be described as "perfumed" with the virtues or character of Christ?**
* **What "wilderness" might you be emerging from, and how can you invite God's grandeur into that transition?**

### FAQ
**Who is "this" figure described in Song of Solomon 3:6?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name the figure, the immediate literary context in [Song of Solomon 3:7](/song_of_solomon/3-7 "Song of Solomon 3:7 - Behold his bed, which is Solomon's") strongly suggests that "this" refers to King Solomon. Many commentators interpret this passage as describing King Solomon's magnificent wedding procession, likely as he approaches Jerusalem or his beloved. The grandeur, the royal guard, and the luxurious items mentioned all align with the status of a king.

**What is the significance of "myrrh and frankincense" in this verse?**

Answer: Myrrh and frankincense were extremely valuable aromatic resins in the ancient world, often used for perfumes, anointing oils, and incense. Their inclusion in [Song of Solomon 3:6](/song_of_solomon/3-6 "Song of Solomon 3:6 - The Royal Procession") signifies immense wealth, luxury, and high status. Myrrh was also associated with beauty treatments (as seen in [Esther 2:12](/esther/2-12 "Esther 2:12 - Esther's Purification")) and embalming, while frankincense was a key component of the holy incense for Temple worship ([Exodus 30:34](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34 - The Holy Incense")) and one of the precious gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi ([Matthew 2:11](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - The Magi's Gifts")). Their presence here underscores the preciousness and ceremonial importance of the procession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 3:6, with its depiction of a majestic and perfumed procession, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the beloved emerges from the wilderness with awe-inspiring grandeur, so too did Christ emerge from obscurity to begin His public ministry, heralded by John the Baptist as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "pillars of smoke" can symbolize the divine presence and glory that attended Christ, reminiscent of the cloud that overshadowed Him at the [Transfiguration](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration"). The precious myrrh and frankincense, costly gifts fit for a king, prophet, and priest, foreshadow the gifts brought to the infant Jesus by the [Magi](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - The Magi's Gifts"), acknowledging His royal and divine identity. More profoundly, Christ Himself is the ultimate "perfume" or "aroma" of God, His life, death, and resurrection being a [fragrant offering and sacrifice to God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"). As the Bridegroom, Christ comes for His Church, His beloved, not with earthly pomp but with heavenly glory, preparing her to be presented without spot or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ and the Church")). His ultimate return will be a glorious and majestic coming, where every eye will see Him, fulfilling the ultimate anticipation and awe described in this verse, as He comes to claim His bride for the eternal [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

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 8:5

¶ Who [is] this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth [that] bare thee.

Song Of Solomon 4:6

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Song Of Solomon 1:13

A bundle of myrrh [is] my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

Revelation 12:14

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.

Song Of Solomon 5:13

His cheeks [are] as a bed of spices, [as] sweet flowers: his lips [like] lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.