You Are Beautiful My Darling, A Beauty Of Beauties

“O my beloved, you are like a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions. Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments; your neck is lovely with strings of jewels. We will make for you gold ornaments studded with silver.” Song of Solomon 1:9-11 NET

Is Solomon comparing the Shulamite girl to a horse? He definitely is! But not just any horse, but Pharaoh’s horses. Remember that Pharaoh’s horses were war horses in ancient Egypt and were explicitly bred to pull the royal chariots. They were considered the best of the best horses, which would not only be strong and stately, but have a nature that was considered regal and dignified. Horses were symbols of royal power, prestige, and military might, especially in the context of chariots and warfare. They were not used for labor but were highly valued and carefully managed, with stables near the palace and temples.

In Solomon’s context, he compares the Shulamite girl to a mare, a female horse used to breed a champion horse lineage. When a stallion is around a mare in season, the stallion is aroused and only focuses on one thing: intimately joining with the mare. Pharaoh’s horses were beautiful and would rival any high-end breed alive today. It is the same way that we are seen by Jesus; He sees us as beautiful, and we are born again out of His royal stock, transformed into His likeness, unique and special as He is the unique Son of God. His love for us sees us from the standpoint of a lover who sees beyond the natural to who we are in Him.

The beauty of a war horse isn’t that they are trained in the art of war, but that these warrior horses have been trained not to be afraid of anything. They have the unique ability to press on when the going gets very rough, even to the point of self-injury or death. The way this translates to the Shulamite girl and to us is through the word commitment.

Is Solomon genuinely comparing the Shulamite girl to a horse? Indeed, and not just any horse, but rather the majestic horses of Pharaoh. This poignant comparison is imbued with rich significance, as Pharaoh’s horses were the celebrated elite of ancient Egypt—precisely bred for their role in warfare, tasked with pulling the royal chariots into the fray of battle. These noble creatures embody strength and elegance, admired for their commanding presence and dignified stature. In ancient warfare, they stood as potent symbols of royal power, prestige, and military prowess, distinguished from ordinary labor horses by their exceptional breeding and remarkable beauty. They were treated as treasured assets, residing in ornate stables strategically located near palace grounds and temples, underscoring their importance in the royal hierarchy.

In this vivid imagery, Solomon likens the Shulamite girl to a mare, a female horse integral to producing champion bloodlines. When a stallion approaches a mare in heat, he becomes intently focused, driven by instinct to unite with her. This passionate imagery parallels the grandeur of Pharaoh’s horses, which were enviable in appearance and represented unparalleled breeding, rivaling even the finest equine breeds known today. Likewise, the Shulamite is depicted as a radiant and cherished figure, emphasizing her beauty and worth.

This metaphor captures how Jesus perceives us; He sees us as exquisite and treasured creations, born anew from His divine lineage or bloodline. We are transformed into His likeness, each of us a unique masterpiece reflecting the glory of God’s one and only Son.

The depth of Jesus’ love for us is profound. He gazes upon us through the eyes of a lover, perceiving us not just in our earthly frailty but recognizing our true identities in Him. This intimate relationship is characterized by deep, abiding affection and understanding, showcasing His immense value in our connection and His desire for an enduring, heartfelt communion with us.

The captivating beauty of a war horse transcends mere physical appearance; it is rooted in its extraordinary training for the tumultuous realm of battle and its unmatched resolve to conquer fear. These majestic warriors undergo intensive preparation, honing their instincts and courage to face chaos head-on. Unwavering in their determination, they possess an incredible ability to forge ahead despite the perilous circumstances that may threaten their lives or lead to grave injury.

For the Shulamite girl, this essence of perseverance and bravery mirrors the profound significance of commitment. Just as the war horse embodies steadfast loyalty and an unyielding spirit, she, too, represents a powerful dedication to her beliefs and dreams. In embracing this unwavering commitment, we are reminded of our potential to navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience, pushing forward even in the face of adversity.

In this context, “Beloved” is rooted in the Hebrew word “rayah,” which encompasses deeper meanings such as ‘friend, companion, and lover.’ This word is richly significant when exploring the Church’s relationship with Jesus, as it encapsulates a profound bond characterized by intimate friendship and companionship firmly anchored in divine love. When we interpret Jesus’s message to the Church, we can hear Him tenderly proclaiming, “Oh my love, the Church, you are my cherished friend.”

In John 15:15, Jesus deepens this connection by asserting, “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed everything I heard from my Father.” This statement marks a pivotal transition from servitude to friendship, highlighting Jesus’s transparency and closeness to His followers.

When contemplating the term companion, we can envision the Shulamite girl in an intimate moment of reflection, considering her own unworthiness before the majestic King. This sentiment mirrors a universal theme within the Church, where congregants grapple with their own perceived unworthiness in being chosen by the King as His sacred companions. Yet, through God’s abundant mercy and grace, we are invited into this sacred relationship, embracing the astonishing truth that we, as believers, are indeed the companions of Jesus.

He affectionately compares us to a company of horses, employing the Hebrew word “susah.” This term evokes powerful imagery of strength and spirited movement. The root word for horse, “sus,” means prancing, jumping, and skipping, representing beauty, vigor, and life. As I spoke of earlier, this metaphor brings to mind the ideal of a magnificent warhorse—elegant in form yet formidable in presence, ready to engage in the fiercest battles.

This choice of language—militant and evocative—holds substantial significance. We are depicted as a bride, but also as the Church militant, actively engaged in spiritual warfare, confronting a roaring lion that symbolizes the devil, who prowls among us, seeking out those he may devour. Paul vividly articulates this concept in Ephesians 6:11, where he encourages believers to “Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” This verse inspires an active stance in spiritual matters; we are not passive spectators but valiant participants in a battle of eternal consequence.

We belong to a vast company of horses, and throughout history, it is evident that in a great army, there is rarely a single horse; strength and solidarity come from unity. In scripture, the horse symbolizes both exquisite beauty and indomitable power. Pharaoh’s army, renowned for its horses, showcased their might and agility, adorning their chariots with resplendent gold, shimmering silver, and dazzling jewels, signifying military dominance and splendor that accompanied it.

Thus, the portrayal of the Church as a collective of graceful yet powerful horses evokes an image of shared strength and purpose, reminding us of our elevated status as beloved companions of Christ. We stand united, ready to face the challenges of life and faith, equipped with the beauty of our faith and the resilience to overcome adversity.

Though it may not be readily noticeable, Solomon has offered an extraordinary compliment to the Shulamite girl—one that also resonates deeply with the Church. What’s particularly compelling is Solomon’s belief in the profound connection between strength and beauty; this perspective starkly contrasts the traditional praise often reserved for femininity, which typically emphasizes diminutiveness and gentleness. His affectionate admiration for his bride goes far beyond mere flattery; it serves as a heartfelt acknowledgment of her true essence. In Solomon’s eyes, she is not just beautiful but regal and commanding, exuding a remarkable strength that enhances her allure. This striking blend of power and beauty creates a captivating image that elevates her status, reflecting a rich, holistic understanding of femininity that celebrates both the formidable spirit and the exquisite form and stature of the woman.

Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments; your neck is lovely with strings of jewels. Solomon hails his bride as the “beauty of beauties,” affirming her unmatched grace and allure. The jewels that embellish her cheeks—radiant rubies, lustrous sapphires, and sparkling diamonds—form an enchanting mosaic of colors that enhance her natural beauty. It is likely that your hair is intricately braided, woven with these exquisite adornments, allowing them to cascade like a waterfall over her cheeks and frame her face with elegance and charm.

In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs’ horses were similarly adorned, their majestic manes lavishly decorated with glinting gold, shimmering silver, and precious stones. These symbols of opulence and status commanded respect and admiration. Such magnificent embellishments were tokens of beauty that spoke volumes about the Pharaoh.

A poignant biblical reference comes to mind: Isaiah 50:6 states, “I offered my back to those who attacked, my jaws to those who tore out my beard; I did not hide my face from insults and spitting.” This heartfelt verse prophesied the depth of suffering that Jesus endured, His cheeks marred and bloodied from the cruel injustices inflicted upon Him by plucking out His beard. He bore this anguish willingly on the cross, not to redeem Himself but for all of us, enabling our cheeks to be regarded as beautiful in His sight. By taking our burdens and sins upon Himself, He has given us the incredible gift of His righteousness, allowing us to stand renewed and transformed. In His love, we find our true worth and embrace our identity as someone beautifully created and cherished.

Solomon describes the neck as lovely, emphasizing its importance in beauty and strength. In the ancient Near East, a full and gracefully shaped neck symbolized physical strength and good posture, while a thin or unremarkable neck was often seen as less attractive. This cultural perspective highlights the value of robust health and elegance during that time.

The law of Moses provides specific guidelines regarding the redemption of the firstborn animal. For example, if a donkey was born on a Jewish farm, the owners were required to present an offering to the temple to redeem it. This practice served to honor God and acknowledge His sovereignty over all life. If the offering was not made within the prescribed period, the law mandated that the owners break the neck of the donkey, resulting in its death. This stark choice underscored a serious principle: redemption versus death.

In a profound sense, Jesus took on this burden for humanity, paying the debt of sin so that our metaphorical necks wouldn’t face such a fate. Instead of experiencing judgment, we are given the gift of grace. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, our necks are adorned with strings of pearls—symbolic of beauty, purity, and the abundant blessings accompanying salvation. This vivid imagery powerfully illustrates the grace and magnificence of God’s love, emphasizing the precious gifts He bestows upon us as we receive His offer of redemption.

“We will make for you gold ornaments studded with silver.” In Hebrew, the word for gold conveys the idea of ‘shimmer,’ symbolizing beauty and a divine presence. In contrast, the word for silver reflects the concept of ‘yearning for or desiring more,’ representing a more profound spiritual longing. Just as a king employs skilled artisans to produce intricate jewelry and adornments, the Lord surrounds Himself with a divine council that crafts treasures within us. This sacred work is guided by the Holy Spirit, our constant support and mentor in our journey of spiritual growth.

But what exactly are our gold ornaments adorned with silver? They embody all the works accomplished in Christ and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Work that was planned for us from the beginning of the world. Our ultimate desire is to become more like Christ, who is not only our greatest treasure but also our ultimate reward. As we manifest the essence of Christ in a fuller measure, we become conduits for His glory, displaying His magnificence both within us and through our actions in the world.

Gold consistently symbolizes divinity and purity. The Father communicates with us as we abide in Christ, granting us wisdom and guidance. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit is the dynamic force of God, actively working in our lives to lead us closer to Jesus, stirring our hearts and minds towards spiritual truth. Through Christ dwelling within us, we experience transformation, becoming more like Him in character and purpose. This profound mystery is beautifully captured in Colossians 1:27, which states, “God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This verse emphasizes the incredible truth that the very essence of Christ is within us, offering us a profound hope and calling to reflect His glory in all we do.

It is as if the King is tenderly proclaiming to His beloved bride, “My precious darling, your beauty eclipses that of the magnificently adorned war horses that pull Pharaoh’s regal chariots, their gleaming harnesses and intricate embellishments captivating all who behold them. While my own cheeks are marked by the scars of anguish and sacrifice, yours bloom with the pure radiance of grace, untouched by the tribulations of this world. Your neck, elegantly elongated, and poised demeanor signify your redemption through my suffering, freeing you from the weight of sin because of the blood I willingly poured out for you. I will adorn you with opulent layered borders of lustrous gold, each piece expertly crafted to highlight your significance, and I will place upon your head crowns inlaid with sparkling silver studs, each one a symbol of my unwavering love and the value you hold in my eyes.”

Finally, God references a war horse in Job 39:18-25 with words that sound so familiar to what we have just read, which is a beautiful way to end these few verses in the Song of Solomon. “But as soon as she springs up, she laughs at the horse and its rider. “Do you give the horse its strength? Do you clothe its neck with a mane? Do you make it leap like a locust? Its proud neighing is terrifying! It paws the ground in the valley, exulting mightily, it goes out to meet the weapons. It laughs at fear and is not dismayed; it does not shy away from the sword. On it the quiver rattles; the lance and javelin flash. In excitement and impatience it consumes the ground; it cannot stand still when the trumpet is blown. At the sound of the trumpet, it says, ‘Aha!’ And from a distance it catches the scent of battle, the thunderous shouting of commanders, and the battle cries.”

Stephen Barnett