Song Of Solomon 5:7

KJV

The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

The watchmen {H8104} that went about {H5437} the city {H5892} found {H4672} me, they smote {H5221} me, they wounded {H6481} me; the keepers {H8104} of the walls {H2346} took away {H5375} my veil {H7289} from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

The watchmen roaming the city found me; they beat me, they wounded me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls!

Berean Standard Bible

I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city. They beat me and bruised me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls.

American Standard Version

The watchmen that go about the city found me, They smote me, they wounded me; The keepers of the walls took away my mantle from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:7 vividly portrays the Shulamite's harrowing encounter with the city watchmen as she desperately searches for her absent beloved. Having delayed in opening the door for him, she ventures into the urban night only to be met with unexpected violence and public humiliation from those who should have been her protectors. This dramatic incident underscores the profound vulnerability and potential suffering inherent in a fervent pursuit of love, whether human or divine, and the painful consequences that can sometimes follow spiritual hesitation or apathy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a dream-like sequence that dominates [Song of Solomon chapter 5](/song_of_solomon/5 "Song of Solomon 5 - The Bride's Dream and Search"). It immediately follows the Bride's deep regret and longing after she finally rises to open the door for her Beloved, only to find he has departed ([Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Bride's Regret and Search")). Her subsequent search leads her into the dangerous urban environment at night. This encounter with the watchmen stands in stark contrast to her earlier, more benign interaction with them in [Song of Solomon 3:3](/song_of_solomon/3-3 "Song of Solomon 3:3 - The Bride's First Encounter with Watchmen"), where they merely "found her" and she inquired about her beloved. Here, their actions are aggressive and humiliating, marking a significant escalation in the challenges she faces in her pursuit. This painful episode serves to intensify her longing and set the stage for her passionate declaration of her Beloved's perfections in the verses that follow ([Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - The Bride's Description of Her Beloved")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cities, watchmen (`shomerim`) were crucial figures responsible for maintaining order, protecting citizens, and guarding the city walls and gates, especially at night. Their role was one of security and vigilance. For a woman, particularly a married one, to be out alone at night in the city streets was highly unusual and would have rendered her extremely vulnerable. The veil (`radid`) was a significant garment in ancient Israelite culture, symbolizing a woman's modesty, honor, and often her marital status. Its removal in public, especially by force, was an act of profound disgrace and humiliation, stripping a woman of her dignity and exposing her to shame. This cultural understanding amplifies the severity of the watchmen's actions, transforming them from protectors into aggressors who inflict not only physical harm but also social and emotional degradation.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 5:7 contributes powerfully to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unexpected opposition and suffering** in the pursuit of love or spiritual devotion. The watchmen, typically figures of protection, become agents of harm, illustrating that trials can arise from surprising sources, even those seemingly within the "city" or community. Secondly, the verse underscores the **vulnerability and cost of fervent pursuit**. The Bride's physical assault and public humiliation convey the deep pain and distress that can accompany a passionate search for connection, whether in human relationships or in one's spiritual walk. Thirdly, it subtly touches upon the **consequences of delay or spiritual apathy**. While not explicitly a punishment, this harsh experience follows the Bride's initial reluctance to open the door for her Beloved ([Song of Solomon 5:2-6](/song_of_solomon/5-2 "Song of Solomon 5:2-6 - The Beloved's Call and the Bride's Delay")), suggesting that neglecting the Beloved's call can lead to difficult and painful pathways in the journey of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watchmen (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." This word emphasizes their expected role as guardians and protectors of the city. The irony of their actions in this verse—smoting and wounding the Shulamite—is starkly highlighted by their very designation as "watchmen" or "keepers," underscoring a perversion of their intended function.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." This term denotes a direct, forceful physical assault. Coupled with "wounded," it conveys the immediate and painful impact of the watchmen's aggression on the Shulamite, indicating a deliberate act of violence rather than an accidental encounter.
* **Veil (Hebrew, _râdîyd'_):** From H7289, meaning "a veil (as expanded)." This refers to a light mantle or outer garment worn by women. Its forceful removal (from H5375, _nâsâʼ_, "to lift, take away") signifies not just a physical act but a profound stripping away of the Shulamite's modesty, honor, and public dignity. In ancient culture, this was an act of public humiliation and exposure, leaving her vulnerable and shamed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The watchmen that went about the city found me,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the initial encounter. The watchmen, whose duty was to patrol and protect the city, discover the Shulamite as she searches for her beloved. The implication is that she is out at an unusual hour, making her presence noteworthy.
* **"they smote me, they wounded me;"**: This is the shocking turn of events. Instead of offering aid or guidance, the watchmen inflict physical harm upon her. "Smote" suggests striking or beating, while "wounded" indicates actual injury. This dual description emphasizes the severity and brutality of the assault, highlighting the unexpected and painful opposition she faces.
* **"the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me."**: This final clause describes an act of profound humiliation and degradation. The "keepers of the walls" are another designation for the watchmen, reiterating their official role. Their action of forcibly removing her veil, a symbol of her modesty and honor, represents a stripping away of her dignity and public exposure, adding emotional and social injury to her physical wounds.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:7 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the "watchmen" represent not just literal city guards but perhaps figures of authority, religious leaders, or even internal spiritual obstacles that, paradoxically, hinder rather than help the soul's pursuit of the Beloved. The "city" itself can symbolize the world, society, or the organized religious community, which can sometimes be a place of unexpected hostility for the earnest seeker. The "veil" is a powerful symbol of modesty, honor, and protection, and its forcible removal represents public humiliation, vulnerability, and the stripping away of dignity. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the watchmen's actions; those whose duty it is to protect become the aggressors, subverting their expected role and highlighting the unexpected sources of opposition in the spiritual journey. The vivid **Imagery** of being "smote" and "wounded" evokes a sense of physical pain and emotional distress, making the Shulamite's suffering palpable to the reader. The entire passage functions as a **Dream Allegory**, where the events, while intensely real in their emotional impact, may not be literal occurrences but rather symbolic representations of inner spiritual struggles, trials, and the costs of devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This dramatic encounter in Song of Solomon 5:7 resonates deeply with the Christian experience, particularly the reality that the path of discipleship is not always smooth or without opposition. Just as the Shulamite encounters hostility from unexpected sources—those who should have been guardians—believers may face misunderstanding, rejection, or even persecution from within the broader community or from those who claim to be "keepers" of the faith, as they earnestly seek a deeper relationship with God. This verse reminds us that spiritual pursuit can involve periods of profound vulnerability, pain, and feeling exposed, especially when one is passionately seeking God or recovering from a season of spiritual neglect. It highlights that true spiritual growth often occurs through suffering and that the journey towards intimacy with the Beloved may be marked by trials that strip away our self-reliance and expose our deepest needs.

* [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World's Tribulation")
* [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings and Hardships")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12-13 - Suffering for Christ's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:7 serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of spiritual intimacy and a deeper relationship with God is not always a comfortable or straightforward journey. There will be seasons of unexpected opposition, even from those we might expect to be supportive, and moments of profound vulnerability where we feel "smitten" or "wounded" by life's circumstances or spiritual battles. This verse encourages us to acknowledge the reality of spiritual struggle and the potential cost of discipleship, reminding us that true devotion often involves perseverance through pain and humiliation. It challenges us to examine our own spiritual responsiveness, considering whether hesitation or apathy might lead us down more difficult paths, yet also assures us that even in our most exposed and wounded states, the ultimate goal remains the Beloved. Our suffering in this pursuit, while painful, can refine our longing and deepen our appreciation for the One we seek.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced unexpected opposition or "wounding" in your spiritual journey, particularly from sources you might have expected to be supportive?**
* **How does the Shulamite's vulnerability in this verse resonate with your own feelings of exposure or humiliation in your pursuit of God?**
* **What might the "removal of the veil" symbolize in your life regarding areas where you have felt stripped of dignity or exposed?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to persevere in your spiritual pursuit, even when the path is marked by difficulty or apparent setbacks?**

### FAQ
**Why do the watchmen, who are supposed to be protectors, act so violently towards the Shulamite?**

Answer: The watchmen's violent actions are often interpreted allegorically. In a literal sense, they might have perceived a woman alone at night as suspicious or a prostitute, leading to their harsh treatment. However, in the allegorical framework of Song of Solomon, their hostility can symbolize various forms of opposition a spiritual seeker might face. This could include legalism, misunderstanding, or even persecution from within the religious community itself, or from societal structures that are supposed to uphold order but instead inflict harm on those earnestly seeking God. This unexpected antagonism highlights that the path to deeper intimacy with the Beloved is not always met with affirmation but can involve trials from surprising sources, forcing the seeker to rely solely on their devotion.

**What is the significance of the watchmen taking away the Shulamite's veil?**

Answer: The veil (`radid`) in ancient Near Eastern culture was a crucial symbol of a woman's modesty, honor, and often her marital status. Its forceful removal in public by the watchmen was an act of profound humiliation, stripping her of her dignity and exposing her to shame. Theologically, this can symbolize the stripping away of self-righteousness, pride, or even superficial coverings that hinder true intimacy with the Beloved. It represents a state of vulnerability and exposure, where the seeker is left bare before God and the world, perhaps as a consequence of spiritual delay or as a necessary step in a deeper, more authentic spiritual journey. It underscores the cost of discipleship and the potential for public shame in the pursuit of Christ, as seen in the experiences of many prophets and apostles ([2 Corinthians 4:8-10](/2_corinthians/4-8 "2 Corinthians 4:8-10 - Paul's Afflictions for Christ")).

**Does this verse suggest that suffering is a punishment for the Shulamite's delay in opening the door for her Beloved?**

Answer: While the Shulamite's painful encounter immediately follows her regret over her initial hesitation ([Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Bride's Regret")), it is generally not interpreted as direct divine punishment. Rather, it illustrates the natural consequences or difficult pathways that can arise from spiritual complacency or delay in responding to the Beloved's call. The "city" and its "watchmen" can symbolize the harsh realities of the world or the spiritual wilderness one might experience when not in close communion with the Beloved. The suffering serves not as retribution, but as a refining fire, intensifying her longing and deepening her understanding of the Beloved's worth, ultimately leading her to a more profound and unwavering commitment to seek him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:7, with its depiction of the Shulamite's suffering and public humiliation at the hands of those who should have been protectors, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Beloved who, in His pursuit of His Bride (the Church), willingly endured far greater suffering and rejection from those who should have recognized and protected Him. The "watchmen" who smote and wounded the Shulamite foreshadow the religious authorities and the very people of Israel who rejected, scourged, and crucified Jesus ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected by Men"); [Matthew 26:67](/matthew/26-67 "Matthew 26:67 - Jesus is Struck by His Accusers")). Just as the Shulamite's veil was taken, symbolizing her public stripping of dignity, Jesus was stripped of His garments before His crucifixion, exposed and shamed for all to see ([John 19:23-24](/john/19-23 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide Jesus' Garments")). His suffering was not a consequence of His own delay or sin, but a voluntary act of love to redeem His Bride. In His humiliation, He became the sympathetic High Priest who understands our own wounds and vulnerabilities ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Thus, the Shulamite's painful experience points to the ultimate suffering of Christ, who, by enduring the ultimate smiting and wounding, secured our dignity and restored our relationship with God, transforming our moments of shame into opportunities for deeper communion with the One who loved us and gave Himself for us ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"); [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")).

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 3:3

The watchmen that go about the city found me: [to whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

John 16:2

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Isaiah 6:11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

Hebrews 11:36

And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

Hebrews 11:37

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

Song Of Solomon 8:11

Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand [pieces] of silver.