Song Of Solomon 1:17

The beams of our house [are] cedar, [and] our rafters of fir.

The beams {H6982} of our house {H1004} are cedar {H730}, and our rafters {H7351}{H7351} of fir {H1266}.

cedars are the beams of our houses, cypresses the rafters.

The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are fragrant firs.

The beams of our house are cedars, And our rafters are firs.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 1:17 beautifully paints a picture of a strong and exquisite dwelling, symbolizing the secure and beautiful nature of the love shared between the Shulamite and the King. This verse is part of a poetic dialogue, where the lovers describe their ideal shared environment, reflecting their deep affection and mutual admiration.

Context

This verse appears in the opening chapter of the Song of Solomon, a unique book of the Bible that celebrates human love and affection, often interpreted as an allegory for God's love for His people, or Christ's love for the Church. Following expressions of longing and mutual admiration, the Shulamite and the King (or the chorus) describe the lavishness and natural beauty of their envisioned home. They have just spoken of their shared bed and the beauty of their beloved, and now they turn to the setting of their love, emphasizing its grandeur and natural elegance.

Key Themes

  • Beauty and Natural Splendor: The use of "cedar" and "fir" immediately evokes images of majestic, fragrant, and beautiful trees. These were highly prized building materials in ancient Israel, signifying luxury and natural elegance.
  • Strength and Durability: Cedar and fir are renowned for their strength, resistance to decay, and longevity. Their mention here suggests a desire for a relationship that is not only beautiful but also enduring and secure, capable of withstanding the tests of time.
  • Shared Vision and Partnership: The repeated use of "our" ("our house," "our beams," "our rafters") underscores the mutual ownership and shared vision of this dwelling. It signifies a partnership in building and maintaining their shared life and love.
  • Ideal Dwelling of Love: The verse metaphorically describes the foundation and structure of a perfect environment for their love, one built on precious materials and designed for lasting comfort and security.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for these materials carry significant weight:

  • Beams (ืงึนืจื•ึนืช - qorot): Refers to the main supporting timbers of a roof or ceiling.
  • Rafters (ืจึธื”ึดื™ื˜ึตื ื•ึผ - rahitenu): These are the crossbeams or panels, often decorative, that span between the main beams.
  • Cedar (ืึถืจึถื– - erez): Cedar of Lebanon was the most esteemed wood in the ancient Near East, known for its fragrance, reddish hue, and resistance to insects and rot. It was a symbol of strength and majesty, notably used in the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
  • Fir (ื‘ึฐึผืจื•ึนืชึดื™ื - berotim): Often identified as cypress or juniper, also a strong, fragrant wood, frequently used alongside cedar in significant building projects.

Symbolism and Application

The imagery in Song of Solomon 1:17 extends beyond a physical house:

  • Symbol of a Strong Relationship: The "house" can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship itself. Its "beams of cedar" and "rafters of fir" represent the essential elements that provide strength, beauty, and stability to a lasting bond โ€“ such as trust, commitment, mutual respect, shared values, and enduring love. Just as a physical house needs a solid structure, a relationship thrives on strong foundations.
  • A Dwelling for the Soul: For the believer, this can also speak to the spiritual "house" or dwelling place built with Christ. The precious materials symbolize the enduring truths of God's Word and the steadfast nature of His love, forming a secure and beautiful spiritual abode. The Apostle Paul speaks of Christ as the only true foundation upon which we build our lives.
  • Practical Application: This verse encourages us to build our relationships and our lives on strong, beautiful, and lasting principles. Whether in marriage, family, or spiritual life, investing in "cedar" and "fir" means prioritizing integrity, faithfulness, communication, and a shared vision for the future, ensuring that the "house" of our lives is truly a place of joy, security, and enduring love.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:10 (5 votes)

    For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

  • Psalms 92:12 (3 votes)

    The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

  • Song Of Solomon 7:5 (2 votes)

    Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 (2 votes)

    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

  • 1 Timothy 3:16 (2 votes)

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

  • Song Of Solomon 8:9 (2 votes)

    If she [be] a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she [be] a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

  • 1 Kings 6:9 (2 votes)

    So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.