Song Of Solomon 3:9

KJV

King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.

KJV (with Strong's)

King {H4428} Solomon {H8010} made {H6213} himself a chariot {H668} of the wood {H6086} of Lebanon {H3844}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo made himself a royal litter of wood from the L'vanon.

Berean Standard Bible

King Solomon has made his carriage out of the timber of Lebanon.

American Standard Version

King Solomon made himself a palanquin Of the wood of Lebanon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 3:9 describes a magnificent, custom-built conveyance crafted by King Solomon from the highly prized wood of Lebanon. This opulent "chariot," more accurately understood as a royal palanquin or litter, serves as a vivid symbol of Solomon's immense wealth, power, and the profound honor and security he bestows upon his beloved. It is a testament to the unparalleled grandeur associated with the king and the extraordinary provision made for a significant occasion, likely his wedding procession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 3:9 is situated within a broader description of a royal procession (Song 3:6-11), which many scholars interpret as Solomon's wedding procession, marking the culmination of the bride's search for her beloved in the preceding verses (Song 3:1-5). The passage begins with a question about "who is this coming out of the wilderness" (Song 3:6), leading into a detailed account of the king's majestic arrival. The "chariot" (or palanquin) described in verse 9 is the centerpiece of this grand display, emphasizing the splendor and security prepared for the king and, by extension, for his bride. This section transitions into a description of the king's crown and the joy of his wedding day (Song 3:11), firmly rooting the verse within the celebration of marital union and royal splendor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for his unparalleled wisdom and immense wealth, as extensively detailed in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit and Solomon's Wealth"). His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing for grand architectural projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and his own lavish palace. The "wood of Lebanon," specifically cedar, was the most coveted building material of the era, imported at great expense due to its durability, aromatic qualities, and resistance to decay. Its use in this "chariot" signifies ultimate luxury and status, reflecting the king's ability to procure the finest materials for his personal use and for significant events. In this cultural setting, a "chariot" (Hebrew: *appiryon*) would likely refer to an elaborate, covered sedan chair or palanquin, carried by men or animals, used for royal or noble transport, distinct from the military chariots mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as those described in [1 Kings 10:26](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Song of Solomon and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Royal Magnificence and Wealth**, showcasing Solomon's unparalleled riches and the lavishness of his court. The use of Lebanon cedar underscores this theme, as it was a material reserved for the most important structures and objects, including the [Temple of the Lord](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). Secondly, it speaks to **Love, Honor, and Devotion**, as such an exquisite conveyance is prepared for a procession involving his beloved, signifying the immense value and respect the king places on her. The security measures described in the preceding verses (Song 3:7-8), with sixty mighty men guarding the procession, further emphasize the **Protection and Security** Solomon provides, ensuring his beloved's safety and comfort within this grand display. These themes collectively paint a picture of a relationship characterized by lavish provision, profound care, and ultimate security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This word (H4428) denotes a sovereign ruler, emphasizing Solomon's supreme authority and regal status. In this context, it highlights that the "chariot" is not just any conveyance, but one befitting the most powerful and wealthy monarch of his time, underscoring the grandeur and importance of the event and the person for whom it is intended.
* **chariot (Hebrew, _ʼappiryôwn'_):** This unique term (H668), likely of foreign origin, refers to a palanquin or sedan chair, a highly ornate and covered litter designed for comfortable and luxurious transport, rather than a military vehicle. Its singularity in the Old Testament suggests a specialized, perhaps imported, piece of royal furniture, further emphasizing its exclusivity and the lavishness of Solomon's court.
* **wood (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** While a general term for tree or wood (H6086), its specific pairing with "Lebanon" here is crucial. It refers to the timber itself, which, when sourced from Lebanon (H3844, from "white mountain" due to snow), specifically means the prized **cedar of Lebanon**. This wood was highly valued for its beauty, aromatic qualities, resistance to decay, and impressive size, making it a symbol of strength, durability, and ultimate luxury. Its use signifies the highest quality and expense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"King Solomon made himself":** This phrase emphasizes the personal initiative and immense resources of Solomon. It signifies that this was not merely a purchased item, but a bespoke creation, commissioned and crafted under the king's direction, reflecting his personal taste and the grandeur he commanded. It speaks to the intentionality and lavishness of the preparation.
* **"a chariot":** As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, this refers to a luxurious, ornate palanquin or litter, designed for royal transport in a procession. It evokes an image of a richly decorated, possibly gilded and upholstered, covered conveyance, carried by attendants, rather than a wheeled vehicle. Its purpose is display and comfort, not warfare.
* **"of the wood of Lebanon":** This specifies the material, highlighting its supreme value and symbolic significance. Lebanon cedar was the most prestigious timber available, known for its beauty, fragrance, durability, and rarity. Its use here immediately communicates immense wealth, exquisite taste, and the highest possible quality, underscoring the unparalleled splendor of the king's procession.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid mental picture of a magnificent, custom-built conveyance crafted from the most prized wood, immediately evoking a sense of luxury and grandeur. The specific mention of "wood of Lebanon" functions as **Symbolism**, where the material itself symbolizes wealth, strength, beauty, and permanence, associating these qualities with King Solomon and the object he created. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the description, as the sheer opulence implied by such a construction from such material suggests a level of splendor that borders on the extraordinary, emphasizing the king's unparalleled status and the significance of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple description of royal luxury, carries profound theological and thematic weight within the broader biblical narrative. It speaks to the theme of divine provision and the lavishness of God's grace. Just as Solomon, in his earthly kingship, spares no expense to prepare a magnificent conveyance for his beloved, so too does God, the ultimate King, prepare and provide for His people with unparalleled care and generosity. The "chariot of the wood of Lebanon" can be seen as an earthly reflection of the glorious provisions God makes for those He loves, demonstrating His commitment to honor, protect, and cherish them. It underscores the value God places on His covenant relationship, preparing a secure and glorious dwelling or future for His chosen ones.

* [Psalm 84:11](/psalms/84-11 "Psalm 84:11 - God as Sun and Shield")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 3:9 invites us to reflect on the nature of true devotion and the value we place on relationships. If an earthly king would go to such lengths to honor his beloved, how much more does our Heavenly King, God Himself, value and provide for us? This verse can serve as a powerful reminder of God's lavish love and His commitment to our well-being and security. It encourages us to recognize the immense worth God places on His relationship with humanity, a worth that is not based on our merit but on His unconditional love. We are called to respond to such extravagant love with our own devotion, trust, and worship, understanding that in Christ, we are cherished and provided for beyond measure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of King Solomon's magnificent "chariot" challenge or expand your understanding of God's provision and care for you?**
* **In what ways might you be overlooking or underestimating the "lavishness" of God's grace and provision in your own life?**
* **How can reflecting on the honor and security Solomon provided for his beloved inspire you to cultivate deeper trust in God's protective presence?**

### FAQ
**Was this "chariot" a war vehicle?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word *ʼappiryôwn* (H668) is unique in the Old Testament and is best understood as a highly ornate, covered palanquin, sedan chair, or litter, rather than a military chariot. Unlike the war chariots frequently mentioned in books like [1 Kings](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen") or [Exodus](/exodus/14-7 "Exodus 14:7 - Pharaoh's Chariots"), this conveyance was designed for luxurious transport and display in a royal procession, emphasizing comfort and splendor rather than combat. The context of a wedding procession further supports this interpretation, highlighting its ceremonial and celebratory purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 3:9 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as King Solomon, in his earthly splendor, prepared a magnificent "chariot" for his beloved, so too does Christ, the true and eternal King, prepare a glorious future and an eternal dwelling for His Bride, the Church. The lavishness of the "wood of Lebanon" and the meticulous craftsmanship of Solomon's conveyance foreshadow the unparalleled beauty, security, and honor that Christ bestows upon those He loves. His love is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound commitment, demonstrated by His ultimate sacrifice on the cross (as seen in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He is actively preparing a place for His people (as promised in [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")), ensuring their eternal security and joy in His presence. The "chariot" of Solomon, a temporary earthly display, points to the eternal reality of Christ's kingdom and the glorious union awaiting His redeemed, a union described in the imagery of a "new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (from [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")).

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 3:7

¶ Behold his bed, which [is] Solomon's; threescore valiant men [are] about it, of the valiant of Israel.

Revelation 14:6

¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.