Song of Solomon7

The chapter opens with the beloved's detailed praise of the Shulamite's physical beauty, using rich metaphors from nature and architecture. He expresses his ardent desire to draw near to her and partake in her delights. The Shulamite then responds by affirming her devotion and inviting him to a rural setting to share their love amidst the flourishing vineyards and fragrant fruits.
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The Beloved Praises the Shulamite’s Beauty (The Wasf)

1
How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. ​
2
Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. ​
3
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
4
Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. ​
5
Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. ​

A Summation of Her Desirability

6
How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! ​
7
This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. ​
8
I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;
9
And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. ​

The Woman Affirms Mutual Love

10
I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. ​

An Invitation to Intimacy in the Fields

11
Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. ​
12
Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. ​
13
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. ​

Study Notes for Song of Solomon 7

Verse 1

This verse begins the final detailed descriptive poem (*wasf*) of the woman's body, structured unusually from the feet upward. Calling her 'prince's daughter' elevates her status, emphasizing her noble stature and grace.

Verse 2

The imagery here is rich with fertility. The navel (goblet) and belly (heap of wheat) surrounded by lilies symbolize abundance, nourishment, and fruitful potential, often associated with motherhood.

Verse 4

The comparison of her eyes to fishpools suggests clarity, depth, and tranquility. Her nose is compared to the imposing Tower of Lebanon, symbolizing majesty and strength.

Verse 5

Mount Carmel, known for its lush vegetation and commanding height, represents the richness and vitality of her hair and head. 'The king is held in the galleries' means the beloved is completely captivated and bound by her beauty.

Verse 6

This verse serves as a transition, moving from detailed anatomical description to an overall exclamation regarding her beauty and the delight she inspires in him.

Verse 7

The palm tree symbolizes uprightness, grace, and stately height in ancient Near Eastern culture. Her breasts are compared to the rich, clustered fruit of the palm.

Verse 9

Comparing her kisses and speech to the 'best wine' emphasizes their intoxicating and revitalizing effect. Such wine is so powerful it awakens even those who are weary or asleep.

Verse 10

This declaration is central to the book, affirming mutuality and ownership (cf. 2:16, 6:3). The word 'desire' (*teshuqah*) here is used positively, indicating that the man’s whole devotion is lovingly directed toward her.

Verse 11

The Shulamite initiates the next stage of their relationship, inviting her beloved away from the city and into the privacy of the countryside for renewed intimacy.

Verse 12

The couple seeks to observe the growth of the vineyards, linking their relationship to the natural cycle of fertility and maturation. 'There will I give thee my loves' indicates that the outdoor setting will be the place of their intimate union.

Verse 13

Mandrakes (*dudaim*) were renowned for their strong scent and were often associated with fertility and love potions (cf. Genesis 30:14). The 'pleasant fruits, new and old' symbolize the variety and enduring quality of the love she has preserved for him.

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