Song Of Solomon 4:5

Context

Song of Solomon 4:5 is part of a passionate and highly descriptive praise poem spoken by the lover, traditionally identified as King Solomon, to his beloved, often referred to as the Shulamite woman. This verse occurs within a larger passage (Song of Solomon 4:1-7) where the lover meticulously details and extols various aspects of her physical beauty, moving from her eyes and hair to her teeth, lips, temples, and now her breasts. The entire book, also known as the Song of Songs or Canticles, is a celebration of romantic and marital love, expressed through rich, evocative, and often symbolic imagery from the natural world.

Key Themes

• Beauty and Admiration: The primary theme is the deep admiration and appreciation the lover has for his beloved's physical beauty. The detailed description underscores the intensity of his affection.
• Intimacy and Affection: This verse, like many in Song of Solomon, speaks to the profound intimacy and tender affection shared between the couple within the bounds of their relationship.
• Natural Imagery: The use of "two young roes that are twins" and "lilies" highlights the natural, pure, and graceful qualities of the beloved, connecting her beauty to the idyllic scenes of creation.
• The Sanctity of Marital Love: The Song of Solomon affirms the goodness and beauty of physical attraction and intimacy within marriage, presenting it as a God-ordained delight.

Linguistic Insights and Symbolism

The imagery in this verse is central to its poetic power:

• "Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins": The Hebrew word for "roes" (tseviyah) refers to gazelles or deer, creatures known for their grace, beauty, and delicate movements. The comparison to "twins" emphasizes symmetry, youthful vibrancy, and a delightful, harmonious form. This conveys a sense of natural elegance and alluring charm.
• "Which feed among the lilies": Lilies (shoshannim) are frequently used in biblical poetry to symbolize purity, beauty, fragrance, and thriving life. The image of graceful gazelles feeding among lilies evokes a peaceful, idyllic, and enchanting scene. It suggests a natural, untainted beauty and perhaps a delightful, refreshing presence, much like the pleasantness of a garden where lilies grow. This idyllic setting further enhances the lover's perception of his beloved's allure, similar to how he describes her as belonging to a garden of spices and lilies in other passages.

Cross-References & Connections

This verse is a continuation of the lover's extensive praise found throughout Song of Solomon, emphasizing different aspects of the beloved's attractiveness. For instance, earlier in the chapter, he praises her eyes and hair in Song of Solomon 4:1, and later her stature and embrace in Song of Solomon 7:7. The consistent theme is the profound admiration and delight found within a committed relationship.

Practical Application

While the language of Song of Solomon 4:5 is specific and intimate, its broader message holds timeless relevance for relationships:

• Appreciation in Marriage: It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing and verbally affirming a spouse's beauty and worth, both inner and outer, within a marital relationship.
• The Value of Expressive Love: The poetic and passionate language demonstrates the power of articulate and heartfelt expression in deepening intimacy and affection between partners.
• God's Affirmation of Marital Joy: The presence of such a book in the biblical canon affirms that physical attraction and the delights of marital intimacy are good and blessed by God, a theme echoed in Hebrews 13:4, which states that "marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled."