Song Of Solomon 5:14

Commentary on Song of Solomon 5:14

Song of Solomon 5:14 continues the Shulamite's passionate and highly detailed description of her beloved, the King, in response to the daughters of Jerusalem who asked, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?" Her reply in verses 10-16 paints a vivid picture of his extraordinary beauty and perfection, using rich, natural imagery and precious materials.

Context

This verse is part of a larger poetic segment (Song of Solomon 5:10-16) where the Shulamite extols the virtues and physical attractiveness of her beloved. After describing his head, hair, eyes, and cheeks, she moves to his hands and torso, emphasizing his overall splendor. This passage serves to express the depth of her admiration and love, portraying him as unparalleled in beauty and value.

Key Themes

• Exquisite Beauty and Perfection: The verse uses comparisons to precious materials like gold, beryl, ivory, and sapphires to convey an image of flawless and magnificent beauty. Each element contributes to a portrait of ideal physical form.
• Preciousness and Value: The mention of gold, beryl, ivory, and sapphires highlights the immense worth and esteem the Shulamite places on her beloved. He is not merely attractive, but incredibly valuable and cherished, akin to rare treasures.
• Deep Admiration and Adoration: The meticulous and effusive nature of the description reveals the profound level of love and admiration the Shulamite holds for her beloved. It's a testament to how deeply she is captivated by him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text employs rich, sensual imagery characteristic of ancient Near Eastern love poetry. The phrase "gold rings set with the beryl" (gullilei zahav meshuvaṭim betarshish) suggests not just the appearance of rings, but perhaps the rounded, adorned form of his hands, or fingers adorned with valuable jewels. The term for "belly" (מֵעִים - me'im) can refer to the inner parts, bowels, or more generally the torso or midsection, here conveying a sense of his strong, smooth, and regal physique, shining like "bright ivory overlaid with sapphires." The combination of ivory (symbolizing purity, smoothness, strength) and sapphires (deep blue, symbolizing royalty, depth, and brilliance) creates an image of majestic beauty.

Related Scriptures

The entire Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty and joy of marital love. This verse is part of a broader declaration of his overall attractiveness, culminating in her summary statement in Song of Solomon 5:16, "Yea, he is altogether lovely." The concept of the human body as a beautiful creation is also echoed in passages like Psalm 139:14, which speaks of being "fearfully and wonderfully made."

Practical Application and Reflection

This verse, within the broader context of the Song of Solomon, offers several layers of insight:

• Celebration of Marital Beauty: It affirms the legitimacy and beauty of physical attraction within the bounds of a committed, loving relationship. It encourages partners to appreciate and articulate the qualities they admire in one another.
• Depth of Love and Admiration: The Shulamite's detailed praise demonstrates how true love sees and cherishes every aspect of the beloved, finding extraordinary beauty even in what might seem ordinary to others. It invites us to cultivate a deep, appreciative gaze in our own relationships.
• Allegorical Significance: For those who interpret the Song of Solomon as an allegory for the love between Christ and His Church, this verse speaks to the unsurpassed beauty, perfection, and majesty of Christ. His "hands" symbolize His powerful and gracious works, and His "belly" (or being) represents His pure, holy, and glorious nature, adorned with all divine excellencies.

Ultimately, Song of Solomon 5:14 is a testament to the power of love to transform perception, making the beloved appear supremely precious and exquisitely beautiful.