Song Of Solomon 6:7

Song of Solomon 6:7 (KJV): "As a piece of a pomegranate [are] thy temples within thy locks."

Context

This verse is part of the beloved king's effusive praise for the Shulamite woman, specifically after she has been sought and found. The king, having returned to her, reaffirms his deep admiration for her beauty. This particular description echoes and reinforces earlier praises found in Song of Solomon 4:3, indicating a consistent and deeply held affection. The book itself is a poetic dialogue celebrating the beauty, intimacy, and devotion within a pure marital love, often interpreted allegorically as Christ's love for His Church or God's covenant love for Israel.

Key Themes

• Profound Admiration and Beauty: The verse highlights the beloved's deep appreciation for the Shulamite's beauty. Her temples, a delicate and often subtle feature, are singled out for praise, showing attention to intricate detail.
• Modesty and Hidden Charm: The phrase "within thy locks" suggests that her beauty is not overtly displayed but partially veiled by her hair. This implies a modest and private allure, enhancing her mystique and attractiveness rather than diminishing it.
• Symbolism of the Pomegranate: The pomegranate was a rich symbol in ancient Israel, often associated with fertility, abundance, beauty, and even modesty or purity due to its many seeds enclosed within a protective rind. Comparing her temples to a "piece of a pomegranate" evokes a sense of vibrant, inner richness and delicate, blushing beauty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "pomegranate" is rimmon (רִמּוֹן), a fruit highly esteemed for its beauty, juice, and numerous seeds. It appears frequently in biblical imagery, including the temple decorations (1 Kings 7:18). The comparison here suggests a soft, rosy hue, perhaps a blush, or a delicate, inviting texture similar to the inner flesh of the fruit. "Temples" refers to the side of the face, a delicate area that can show emotion or a healthy glow. The repetition of this exact description from Song of Solomon 4:3 emphasizes the enduring nature of the beloved's affection and the specific features that consistently captivate him.

Practical Application

This poetic verse offers several insights for contemporary life:

• Appreciating Subtlety: It encourages us to look beyond superficial or overt displays of beauty and appreciate the more subtle, delicate features of a person. True beauty often lies in hidden depths and modest presentation.
• Value of Modesty: The "within thy locks" imagery reminds us that modesty can enhance rather than diminish attractiveness, inviting a deeper, more respectful admiration based on character and inner qualities, not just outward appearance.
• Divine Admiration: Allegorically, this verse can reflect Christ's profound and detailed admiration for His Church. He sees beauty in His people, even in their less obvious or outwardly displayed qualities, cherishing their inner purity and devotion, much like the rich, hidden beauty of a pomegranate. This resonates with the New Testament teaching that Christ loves the Church and presents her "without spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27), highlighting His deep and abiding appreciation for His beloved.