Song Of Solomon 8:14

KJV

Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

KJV (with Strong's)

Make haste {H1272}, my beloved {H1730}, and be thou like {H1819} to a roe {H6643} or to a young {H6082} hart {H354} upon the mountains {H2022} of spices {H1314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[She] - Flee, my darling! Be like a gazelle or young stag on the mountains of spices!

Berean Standard Bible

Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.

American Standard Version

Make haste, my beloved, And be thou like to a roe or to a young hart Upon the mountains of spices.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:14 powerfully concludes this lyrical poem with the Shulamite bride's fervent plea for her beloved to return swiftly. Employing vivid imagery of a swift gazelle or young stag traversing fragrant mountains, her words encapsulate an urgent longing for reunion and continued intimacy, serving as a poignant final expression of enduring passion and desire within the context of devoted marital love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and concluding statement of the entire Song of Solomon, bringing the narrative full circle from its initial expressions of yearning. It immediately follows the bride's profound declaration of love's unassailable strength, comparing it to an unquenchable flame and asserting its immeasurable value, a passage often considered the theological climax of the book ([Song of Solomon 8:6-7](/song_of_solomon/8-6-7 "Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - The Strength of Love")). The preceding verses also highlight the bride's secure identity and faithfulness, stating, "I am a wall, and my breasts like towers" ([Song of Solomon 8:9-10](/song_of_solomon/8-9-10 "Song of Solomon 8:9-10 - The Bride's Security")). Thus, Song of Solomon 8:14 acts as a final, passionate affirmation of her longing for continuous, vibrant communion with her beloved, underscoring the enduring nature of their intimate bond.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon is set in an ancient Near Eastern context, likely during the prosperous reign of King Solomon, a period renowned for its poetic and literary flourishing. The imagery of "roe" (gazelle) and "young hart" (deer) would have been instantly recognizable to the original audience as symbols of swiftness, agility, grace, and beauty, animals common in the natural landscape of ancient Israel. The "mountains of spices" evokes the rich, aromatic regions known for their valuable incense, perfumes, and exotic plants, such as Gilead or Lebanon. This imagery suggests a place of delight, abundance, and perhaps even a private, secluded haven for the lovers. This cultural appreciation for natural beauty and exotic fragrances underscores the depth of the bride's desire for her beloved to return to a place of shared delight and intimate communion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes woven throughout the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of **Longing and Desire**, a constant undercurrent as the lovers seek and find each other, culminating in this final, urgent call for reunion. It also highlights **The Beauty and Swiftness of the Beloved**, comparing him to graceful, agile animals, a common motif where both lovers praise each other's physical and personal attributes (e.g., the bride's detailed description of her beloved in [Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10-16 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - Description of the Beloved")). Furthermore, the "mountains of spices" contributes to the pervasive theme of **Natural Imagery and Delight**, where the natural world, particularly gardens and fragrant landscapes, serves as a backdrop and metaphor for the lovers' intimate relationship and shared joy, echoing descriptions like the "garden enclosed" in [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - A Garden Enclosed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make haste (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** From a primitive root (H1272) meaning "to bolt" or "to flee suddenly," but here used figuratively as an urgent request to "hasten towards." In this context, it conveys an eager and swift movement, not an escape, but an urgent return to the beloved. It emphasizes the intensity and immediacy of the bride's desire for reunion.
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root (H1730) meaning properly "to boil," but figuratively "to love." This term signifies a deep, passionate affection, referring to a lover or dear friend. It emphasizes the intimate, cherished, and deeply personal relationship between the Shulamite and her partner, highlighting the affectionate nature of her fervent plea.
* **spices (Hebrew, _besem'_):** From H1314, meaning "fragrance" or "spicery," and by implication, the balsam plant. This word evokes a sense of rich aroma, pleasantness, and desirability. The "mountains of spices" thus represent a place of exquisite beauty, delight, and perhaps a private, fragrant sanctuary where intimacy can be fully enjoyed, symbolizing the richness and pleasure of their shared love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Make haste, my beloved":** This opening phrase is an urgent, passionate imperative from the Shulamite bride to her lover. It expresses a deep and immediate longing for his presence, underscoring the intensity of her affection and her desire for their continued communion. It's a call for swift action, born out of profound and enduring love.
* **"and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart":** Here, the bride employs a vivid simile, likening her beloved to agile and swift deer, specifically a gazelle (roe) or a young stag (hart). This imagery emphasizes the speed, grace, and vitality with which she wishes him to return. Roe and young harts are known for their quickness and sure-footedness, even across difficult terrain, signifying an unhindered and eager approach to her.
* **"upon the mountains of spices":** This evocative phrase sets the scene for the desired reunion. The "mountains of spices" suggest a fragrant, beautiful, and delightful place, perhaps a specific location where they often meet or a metaphorical representation of the beloved's desirable essence or the rich, intimate realm of their shared love. It speaks of a destination characterized by pleasure, abundance, and profound sensory delight, the ideal setting for their continued intimacy.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 8:14 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a swift deer traversing fragrant mountains. This creates a powerful sensory experience for the reader, evoking speed, grace, and delightful aromas, immersing one in the emotional landscape of the bride's longing. The core of the verse is a powerful **Simile**, where the beloved is directly compared to "a roe or to a young hart." This comparison emphasizes the desired qualities of swiftness, agility, and perhaps even the inherent beauty and wildness associated with these animals, highlighting the unhindered nature of true love. The phrase "mountains of spices" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for a place of profound delight, beauty, and intimacy, possibly symbolizing the very essence of the beloved or the cherished sanctuary of their love. The entire verse also embodies **Hyperbole** in its passionate urgency, expressing an almost overwhelming desire for immediate and unceasing reunion, characteristic of the intense emotions portrayed throughout the Song.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While primarily a celebration of human marital love, the Song of Solomon has historically been interpreted allegorically within both Jewish and Christian traditions. In Christian theology, the passionate longing of the bride for her beloved is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of the Church's fervent desire for Christ, her heavenly Bridegroom. This final plea for the beloved to "make haste" resonates deeply with the eschatological hope of believers for the swift return of Jesus Christ and the consummation of His kingdom. The "mountains of spices" can be understood as a symbol of the glorious, fragrant presence of God, the heavenly New Jerusalem, or the perfected creation where believers will finally experience unhindered communion with their Savior in eternal delight.

* [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - The Prayer for Christ's Return")
* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalm/42-1-2 "Psalm 42:1-2 - Longing for God")
* [Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1-2 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Wilderness Blooms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 8:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and intensity of devoted love, whether in human relationships or in our spiritual walk. It encourages us to cultivate a profound and active longing for the presence of our "Beloved"—God Himself. Just as the Shulamite yearned for her lover's swift return to a place of shared delight, so too should believers eagerly anticipate and actively seek God's presence in their daily lives and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom. This verse calls us to cherish and prioritize our most significant relationships, fostering a spirit of eager anticipation for reunion and communion, recognizing that true love desires not just presence, but swift, unhindered return to intimacy and shared joy. In our walk with Christ, this means cultivating a heart that truly yearns for Him, not just as a distant deity, but as the Beloved who desires intimate fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's urgent longing for her beloved reflect or challenge your own spiritual longing for God's presence?**
* **In what ways can you "make haste" in seeking deeper intimacy with God in your daily life, actively pursuing His presence and will?**
* **What "mountains of spices"—places or experiences of spiritual delight and communion—do you anticipate sharing with God in this life and the next?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "mountains of spices" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mountains of spices" (or "mountains of balsam") are a rich and evocative piece of imagery that carries multiple layers of meaning. Literally, they refer to a place abundant with fragrant plants and resins, symbolizing beauty, delight, and perhaps a secluded, desirable location for intimacy. Symbolically, they represent a place of profound pleasure, abundance, and spiritual richness. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it could be the specific, cherished meeting place of the lovers, or it could metaphorically represent the beloved's own delightful essence or the rich, fragrant atmosphere of their shared love and intimacy. For those who interpret the Song allegorically, these mountains can symbolize the glorious presence of God, the heavenly realm, or the New Creation where ultimate communion with Christ is found, echoing the fragrant offerings and delightful landscapes found throughout the Bible (e.g., the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 2:8](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Garden of Eden") or the description of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:10-27](/revelation/21-10-27 "Revelation 21:10-27 - The New Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:14, while a beautiful expression of human marital love, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. The bride's fervent plea, "Make haste, my beloved," echoes the deep spiritual longing of believers throughout history for the return of Jesus Christ, their heavenly Bridegroom. Just as the Shulamite yearned for her lover to come swiftly, so the Church, as the Bride of Christ, eagerly anticipates the glorious second coming of her Savior, a longing powerfully articulated in the New Testament cry, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - The Prayer for Christ's Return")). The imagery of the beloved being "like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices" beautifully foreshadows Christ's swift and triumphant return from the heavenly realms—the true "mountains of spices" where God's glory dwells and from which He will descend ([Psalm 48:1-2](/psalm/48-1-2 "Psalm 48:1-2 - Mount Zion, the City of God")). This verse thus becomes a prophetic whisper of the Church's ultimate hope: the joyful, unhindered, and eternal union with Christ, our Beloved, in the new heavens and new earth, where His presence will be the ultimate fragrance and delight, a reality beautifully depicted in the coming of the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2-4 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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 2:17

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Song Of Solomon 2:9

My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

Revelation 22:20

¶ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Song Of Solomon 4:6

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Luke 19:12

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: