Song Of Solomon 3:6

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

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}?

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?

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?

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

Context

Song of Solomon 3:6 introduces a majestic and eagerly anticipated scene, shifting from the Shulamite's dream of seeking her beloved (Song of Solomon 3:1-5) to a grand public display. This verse begins a vivid description, generally understood by commentators as the magnificent procession of King Solomon, possibly on his wedding day, as he approaches Jerusalem or his beloved. The collective question, "Who is this?", highlights the awe and wonder inspired by this splendid arrival.

Meaning and Imagery

The imagery in this verse paints a picture of unparalleled grandeur and sensory delight:

  • "Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness": The "wilderness" (Hebrew: midbar) here likely refers to the open, uncultivated country surrounding the city, from which a large procession would naturally emerge. The question itself builds suspense and emphasizes the striking nature of the approaching figure.
  • "like pillars of smoke": This evocative phrase suggests columns rising into the sky, possibly from burning incense carried aloft, or perhaps the dust kicked up by a large retinue, forming impressive, towering shapes. It conveys a sense of majesty, scale, and perhaps even a divine or ceremonial presence, reminiscent of the pillar of cloud that guided Israel in the wilderness.
  • "perfumed with myrrh and frankincense": Myrrh and frankincense were highly valued and costly aromatic resins in the ancient world, used for perfumes, anointing oils, and incense. Myrrh was often associated with luxury and beauty treatments, as seen in Esther's purification rites, and also had medicinal and embalming uses. Frankincense was a key component of the holy incense for Temple worship (Exodus 30:34) and was among the precious gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus. Their presence signifies immense wealth, status, and the sacredness or specialness of the occasion.
  • "with all powders of the merchant?": This phrase emphasizes the lavishness, implying a profusion of every imaginable expensive spice and aromatic powder available through trade. It highlights the extravagant preparation and the preciousness of the one arriving.

Key Themes

  • Majesty and Grandeur: The verse vividly portrays a scene of extraordinary pomp and ceremony, underscoring the high status and dignity of the one arriving.
  • Anticipation and Awe: The opening question, "Who is this?", invites the reader to share in the astonishment and wonder of the onlookers.
  • Beauty and Fragrance: The emphasis on rich perfumes highlights the captivating and delightful essence of the beloved, appealing to the senses.
  • Royal Procession: In its immediate context, this verse serves as the introduction to King Solomon's grand procession, symbolic of a powerful and celebrated union.

Linguistic Nuances

The Hebrew term for "wilderness," midbar (מִדְבָּר), often refers to an uninhabited or sparsely populated area, but here it simply denotes the open country from which a journey would commence. The phrase "pillars of smoke," timarot ashan (תִּימָרוֹת עָשָׁן), literally means "palm-tree columns of smoke," suggesting tall, straight, and impressive plumes. The specific mention of mor (מוֹר, myrrh) and levonah (לְבוֹנָה, frankincense) underscores their high value and common use in ancient Near Eastern luxury and religious practices.

Spiritual and Practical Application

While primarily a love poem, Song of Solomon is often interpreted allegorically to represent God's love for His people, or Christ's love for the Church. In this light:

  • This verse can symbolize the glorious and majestic coming of Christ, whether in His first advent or His future return, heralded with heavenly splendor.
  • It speaks to the preciousness and value of the beloved in the eyes of the lover, reflecting how deeply God values His chosen ones.
  • The "perfumed" aspect can also remind believers that they are to be the "aroma of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15), spreading the beautiful fragrance of His presence and character to the world.
  • On a personal level, it celebrates the beauty, dignity, and anticipation that can characterize a pure and devoted relationship between a man and a woman, reflecting a portion of God's design for love and marriage.
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 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.

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