Song Of Solomon 8:5

¶ Who [is] this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth [that] bare thee.

Who is this that cometh up {H5927} from the wilderness {H4057}, leaning {H7514} upon her beloved {H1730}? I raised {H5782} thee up under the apple tree {H8598}: there thy mother {H517} brought thee forth {H2254}: there she brought thee forth {H2254} that bare {H3205} thee.

[Chorus] Who is this, coming up from the desert, leaning on her darling? [He] I awakened you under the apple tree. It was there that your mother conceived you; there she who bore you conceived you.

Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? I roused you under the apple tree; there your mother conceived you; there she travailed and brought you forth.

Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, Leaning upon her beloved? Under the apple-tree I awakened thee: There thy mother was in travail with thee, There was she in travail that brought thee forth.

Commentary

Commentary on Song of Solomon 8:5

Song of Solomon 8:5 presents a poignant scene near the conclusion of this lyrical book, depicting the Shulamite woman and her beloved returning from a journey. The verse is an exclamation of wonder from observers, followed by a tender recollection from the beloved.

Context

This verse marks a culmination of the love story presented throughout the Song of Solomon. The lovers, having navigated various challenges and separations, are now seen together, strongly bonded. The "wilderness" often symbolizes a period of trial, growth, or a journey away from familiar surroundings, implying that their relationship has deepened through shared experiences. Their return signifies a triumphant arrival, perhaps back to their home or a place of rest, with their love fully matured and secure.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intimacy and Dependence: The image of the Shulamite "leaning upon her beloved" powerfully conveys deep trust, reliance, and the strength found in mutual support. It speaks to a relationship where vulnerability is met with unwavering strength, and shared burdens lighten the load. This reliance echoes the spiritual truth of leaning on God's understanding rather than one's own.
  • Journey and Transformation: Coming "up from the wilderness" suggests a progression from a place of solitude or difficulty to a place of comfort and intimacy. It highlights the journey of growth and refinement that often characterizes true love, whether in a romantic relationship or in one's spiritual walk.
  • Foundational Love and Origin: The beloved's words, "I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth," point to a significant, perhaps foundational, moment in their relationship or in the Shulamite's life. The "apple tree" (Hebrew: tappuach) is a recurring motif in Song of Solomon, representing sweetness, comfort, and a place of refreshing love, as seen in Song of Solomon 2:3. It suggests a cherished memory of their beginning or a place where their love blossomed authentically. The repetition of "there she brought thee forth" emphasizes the importance and tenderness of this remembered origin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wilderness" is midbar (מִדְבָּר), which often refers to an uninhabited or desolate area, but in biblical narrative, it is also a place where God meets His people and nurtures them, as exemplified by Israel's journey after the Exodus. The term "apple tree" (tappuach, תַּפּוּחַ) is often used to describe a delightful, fragrant, and fruitful tree, underscoring the pleasant and life-giving nature of their love.

Practical Application

For believers, this verse offers rich allegorical meaning. The Shulamite can be seen as a representation of the Church, or the individual soul, journeying through life's "wilderness" experiences, constantly leaning on Christ, her Beloved. Our spiritual journey involves periods of testing and growth, but we are never alone. The "apple tree" can symbolize the cross, where our new life in Christ began, or the comforting presence of God's love that sustains us. This verse reminds us that true strength is found in dependence on God, and that His love is the foundation from which we draw life and comfort, even as we journey towards eternal communion with Him.

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Cross-References

  • Song Of Solomon 3:6 (8 votes)

    ¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

  • Isaiah 40:3 (5 votes)

    ¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

  • Psalms 63:8 (4 votes)

    My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:3 (4 votes)

    ¶ As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit [was] sweet to my taste.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:4 (3 votes)

    [It was] but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

  • Isaiah 26:3 (3 votes)

    Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

  • Isaiah 26:4 (3 votes)

    Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength: