Song Of Solomon 7:7

Song of Solomon 7:7 is a vivid and poetic verse from the Song of Solomon, a book celebrating the beauty of marital love and intimacy. In this verse, the Beloved (likely the King or Shepherd) continues his passionate praise of the Shulamite woman, admiring her physical attributes with rich, natural imagery.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Song of Solomon 7:1-9) where the Beloved expresses his deep admiration and desire for the Shulamite. He describes her beauty from her feet upwards, culminating in this intimate and appreciative observation of her stature and form. The Song of Solomon as a whole serves as an inspired celebration of the beauty, purity, and passion of exclusive love between a husband and wife, often interpreted allegorically as the love between Christ and His church, or God and Israel.

Key Themes

• Admiration of Beauty: The verse directly expresses the Beloved's profound appreciation for the Shulamite's physical attractiveness, highlighting the goodness of beauty within the context of marriage.
• Grace and Stature: Comparing her stature to a "palm tree" emphasizes her graceful height, uprightness, and elegant form, qualities highly valued in ancient aesthetics.
• Lushness and Fertility: The comparison of her breasts to "clusters [of grapes]" evokes images of ripeness, abundance, delight, and potentially fertility, a natural blessing within marriage.
• Intimacy and Desire: This highly personal and sensual description underscores the deep physical and emotional intimacy shared by the couple, portraying a healthy and passionate marital bond.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The imagery used in this verse is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture and symbolism:

• Palm Tree (Hebrew: tāmār): Palm trees were ubiquitous in ancient Israel and were admired for their straight, tall trunks, their evergreen fronds, and their sweet, nourishing fruit (dates). They symbolized grace, uprightness, victory, and prosperity. The imagery here suggests a dignified and striking beauty, much like the righteous flourishing like a palm tree.
• Clusters of Grapes (Hebrew: 'eshkōl): Grapes were a staple crop, associated with joy, abundance, and fertility. The "clusters" suggest fullness, richness, and lusciousness, inviting delight. This imagery connects to broader biblical themes of fruitfulness and abundance.

Related Scriptures

The theme of celebrating a spouse's beauty and the joy of marital love is echoed throughout Scripture:

• Song of Solomon 4:7: "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." This verse also highlights the Beloved's complete admiration.
• Proverbs 5:18: "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth." This proverb encourages delight in one's spouse.
• Genesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." This foundational verse speaks to the unity and intimacy intended for marriage.

Practical Application

For a general audience, Song of Solomon 7:7 offers several valuable insights:

• Affirmation of Marital Intimacy: It beautifully affirms the God-given goodness and beauty of physical attraction and intimacy within the covenant of marriage. It's a reminder that such expressions of love are holy and delightful.
• Encouraging Appreciation: The verse models how spouses can openly and lovingly express admiration for each other, both physically and in character. This open appreciation builds intimacy and strengthens the marital bond.
• Celebrating God's Design: It reflects God's creative design for human relationships, where love, beauty, and desire are intertwined for mutual joy and companionship. It encourages a healthy view of sexuality within its proper context.
• Beyond the Physical: While focused on physical attributes, the underlying message is one of profound love, delight, and belonging that encompasses the whole person and deepens the bond between husband and wife.