He Brought Me Into His Banqueting Hall

He brought me into the banquet hall, and he looked at me lovingly. Sustain me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me. I admonish you, O maidens of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and by the young does of the open fields: Do not awaken or arouse love until it pleases! Song of Solomon 2:4-7 NET

The text begins with the phrase “He brought,” which is a profound introduction to an exploration of connection and invitation. The original Hebrew verb, “bo,” carries with it a rich meaning. In English, this verb is often rendered causative, painting a vivid picture: “He caused me to come into His banqueting house,” or even more tenderly, “He has lovingly invited me into His banqueting house.” This imagery compels us to envision a warm and welcoming space, filled with abundance and joy, where one is embraced by warm hospitality.

This notion of invitation resonates deeply with the language found in Revelation 3:20. Here, it reads, “Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me.” This invitation’s urgency and intimacy make us picture the scene—an open door, a heartfelt knock, an earnest voice reaching out, longing for connection. It speaks to a personal and transformative relationship, emphasizing the shared experience of breaking bread together, signifying communion and fellowship.

Thus, when we say, “He brought me into the banqueting house,” we are not merely describing a physical entry into a lavish hall adorned with feasting and celebration. We acknowledge a profound relational journey into a realm of love, where warmth and connection, and joyous gatherings foster a deep sense of community and worship.

When Solomon undertook the monumental task of building the temple, he fulfilled a dream long cherished by his father, David. Although David yearned to construct this sacred edifice, God intervened, instructing him that he could not because he was a man of war, having shed much blood. In contrast, Solomon, revered for his wisdom and peaceful reign, was chosen to complete this divine mission. The temple, an architectural marvel, required seven years of meticulous craftsmanship, embodying elegance and devotion to its design and craftsmanship. Yet, Solomon’s palace, a testament to his opulence and ambition, took an impressive thirteen years to complete, featuring exquisite designs and lavish spaces showcasing his reign’s grandeur.

Nestled within this magnificent palace is the banqueting house, a venue of sumptuous feasts and joyous celebrations, where the aroma of rich spices and roasted meats fills the air, and laughter resonates off the gilded walls. The transition from the tranquil beauty of vineyards and fields—where shepherds tended their flocks amidst nature’s splendor—to the resplendent royal palace of Jerusalem signifies a profound shift in the narrative, highlighting themes of divine grace, prosperity, and, in this case, human endeavor.

This banqueting house is a profound type and shadow of the relationship between Christ and the Church. As the Church, we are exemplified as the beloved bride, and Jesus as our Bridegroom, inviting us into an intimate and nurturing communion. I have encountered numerous occasions where Jesus has welcomed me into His radiant banqueting house, where the table is laden with His boundless grace, nourishing my Spirit and filling my heart with peace and joy. These experiences echo the promise of the marriage supper of the Lamb. This future celebration will mark the joyous culmination of our earthly journey and our eternal union with Christ in glory.

The thought of being brought into His banqueting house is profoundly moving, evoking examples of love, acceptance, and unbounded joy. This imagery aligns beautifully with John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you; I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, so that where I am, you may be also.” This promise offers a vision of a future far more magnificent than any earthly palace Solomon could have constructed; we eagerly anticipate entering the actual, eternal banqueting house, masterfully prepared for us by our Savior, filled with indescribable joy and peace.

The Shulamite girl radiates profound joy, a striking contrast to the intense longing she expresses at the beginning of the Song of Solomon, particularly in Chapter 1:2, where she wistfully declares, “Oh, how I wish you would kiss me passionately! For your lovemaking is more delightful than wine.” This heartfelt refrain of “kiss me—kiss me” captures her deep yearning for intimacy and connection. She beseeches Him, saying, “Draw me closer. Just give me a signal, and I will run after you,” reflecting her fervent desire to be enveloped in His presence.

In her quest for companionship, she longs to know, “Where do you feed your flock? Because I want to be with you.” This inquiry is more than a simple request; it symbolizes her intense longing for physical proximity and shared moments of affection and unity. She vividly portrays Him as the apple tree, exclaiming, “Can I lie under your shade, enjoy the sweet fragrances, and taste the delicious fruit?” This imagery evokes a scene of peace and comfort, embodying her desire for sustenance, both physically and emotionally, in their relationship. Her passionate pursuit of Solomon reflects a deeper spiritual hunger; we, too, should desire to cultivate that same yearning for fellowship with our Savior.

The statement “He brought me into His banqueting house, and He looked at me lovingly” conveys a rich sense of warmth and acceptance, as articulated by various translations. For instance, the English Standard Version beautifully states, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” The term “banner” is translated from the Hebrew word “degel.” Within the context of the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Numbers, where the Israelites journey through the wilderness, this word signifies a flag of identification and belonging.

Historically, each tribe among the children of Israel had its own unique emblem or standard. This distinctive flag fluttered proudly above their encampments, signifying their presence and fostering a sense of unity and connection within the larger community of Israel. This flag was more than just a physical marker; it symbolized their collective identity as God’s chosen people, constantly reminding them of their mission and heritage.

The Shulamite girl tenderly reassures us in the passage, declaring, “His banner over me is love.” It is as if He is demonstrating to her, “You could never do anything to cancel or reverse my love. I have inscribed your name in the land and made you a cherished child of God.” The crowning attribute of our God is love, a love so deep and unconditional that it transforms our very existence. The word “banner” resonates throughout the Scriptures, appearing thirteen times, and serves as a potent reminder that His standard—His flag—flies over us, symbolizing an everlasting covenant of love.

Oh, how profoundly exquisite is His boundless love for each of us! It envelops us like a warm embrace and invites us to experience life fully. Let us hold this beautiful truth close to our hearts: His banner over you is love. This radiant declaration signifies unwavering acceptance, steadfast protection, and a profound sense of identity. This love transforms us from within and shapes our perceptions and interactions, becoming integral to every moment of our lives, guiding us through challenges and celebrating our joys. Embracing this truth empowers us to reflect this love to others, creating a ripple effect of compassion and understanding in the world around us.

This love is uniquely enriching; it fosters a deep intimacy and profound connection between us and God. While it can be exhilarating, this love can also be profoundly exhausting, demanding our full attention and devotion. It requires total commitment, demanding we invest our time, energy, and essence. To truly embrace and possess this love, we must relinquish the trappings of the material world. Surrendering to this bond’s authentic and transformative nature is not just a choice, but a necessity. This transformative journey ultimately guides us to the more profound revelations found in verse five, where the complexities and nuances of love continue to unfold.

In Hebrew, the phrase “Sustain me” is “samm-khuni.” This expression has a unique linguistic characteristic: its plural form can be used when addressing a single individual, particularly in an emotionally charged context. This indicates that the woman speaks to her beloved with deep passion and an acute sense of vulnerability and reliance.

Alternative English translations could be “Uphold me,” “Establish me,” or “Let me lean on you.” These variations further emphasize her plea for support and stability. The deeper meaning behind her words suggests, “This love is extraordinarily sweet and you, my beloved, are invaluable to me. However, I’m uncertain how much more emotional strain I can endure.”

In this heartfelt plea, she cries out, “Sustain me, O Lord; I desperately seek the strength to carry on. I remain devoted to nurturing my love for you. Still, as I navigate the complexities of our journey together, I need your unwavering support to guide me through the challenges that lie ahead.” This deeply felt invocation underscores the profound bond and reliance she feels in her relationship, highlighting the interdependence that nourishes their love.

“Sustain me with raisins.” This plea prompts us to reflect on how she has understood the value of raisins. As the diligent caretaker of her family’s sprawling vineyards, she has labored under the sun, while her indifferent brothers, lacking ambition, entrusted her with the demanding responsibility of tending the vines. Her relentless work in the field has left her skin sun-stained and speckled, an image vividly portrayed at the beginning of chapter one. The urgency of her request for raisins underscores her desperate need for nourishment to maintain her energy and Spirit as she navigates her challenges.

In a striking parallel, she also beseeches, “refresh me with apples.” The Hebrew word for refresh, ‘raphad,’ evokes a sense of spreading out or seeking refuge beneath the shade of a protective tree. She likens His presence to the apple tree, a choice rich with depth and significance. This type of tree casts a vast, soothing shadow, offering a cool respite from the relentless heat of the direct sun, and bears fruit that is sweet, nourishing, and imbued with life-giving properties. Moreover, it’s fascinating to note that the term for apples we previously explored is rooted in a Hebrew word (tappuach), a masculine noun from an aromatic scent meaning breath. This connection enriches the metaphor, suggesting that the apple tree symbolizes the Holy Spirit—the very breath of God—offering profound solace, vitality, and renewal in her time of need. Such vivid imagery deepens our understanding of her quest for sustenance and comfort amid the trials she faces, illuminating the sacred nature of her desires and ours as an analogy.

Why does she ache for the delightful fragrance of the apple tree and the gentle comfort of its leafy shade? With fervor, she proclaims, “I am faint with love.” Some translations interpret her words as “I am sick with love,” capturing the essence of her emotional state. The Hebrew word “challah” conveys a sense of weakness or wounding, implying that she is physically and emotionally drained, depleted by the depth of their love. Profoundly, she is expressing, “I love Him deeply; our moments together have been exquisitely sweet, and the intensity of my affection is nearly overwhelming. I find myself wounded by this love.”

Similarly, our spiritual journey as believers in Jesus demands that we invest time and energy into nurturing our relationship with Him. Without this vital connection, if we fail to engage in intimate fellowship and immerse ourselves in His Word’s life-giving truths, we risk becoming spiritually weak and wounded by experiencing the profound loss of not being connected to His presence. Cultivating and nurturing a daily love for Jesus is essential. When she asserts, “I am faint (sick) with love,” it is not a lament but a testament to her unwavering determination to keep loving Him. It reflects her heartfelt plea for the strength to sustain and deepen her love daily.

“His left hand is under my head” conveys a deep sense of peace, security, and unwavering stability. This phrase poetically illustrates the profound relationship between the Shulamite girl and Solomon and between Christ and the Church, highlighting an intimacy that beckons us to draw near. For His left hand to cradle her, she must be extraordinarily near—within arm’s reach—symbolizing a bond that transcends mere acquaintance and dives into the realm of heartfelt connection. This idea is beautifully echoed in Deuteronomy 33:27a: “The everlasting God is a refuge, and underneath you are His eternal arms,” which paints a picture of divine protection and comforting presence.

When we read, “His left hand is under my head, and His right hand embraces me,” we encounter an image of divine affection and care. The Hebrew word for embrace, “chavaq,” carries the rich meaning of enfolding someone into oneself, suggesting an enveloping warmth and nurturing assurance that completely surrounds us. This intimate portrayal of closeness mirrors the poetic longing expressed in the famous hymn by Fanny Crosby, written in 1820: “I Am Thine, O Lord, I Have Heard Thy Voice.” In its refrain, she yearns, “Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side,” encapsulating the deep desire for connection with Jesus that resonates through the ages.

Consider this: have you ever experienced such an intimate closeness to Jesus? Can you recall when you were overwhelmed by His presence, as if He were right beside you? If your heart longs for that connection, I strongly encourage you to step back from your daily hustle, take a few moments, stop reading this blog post, and find a quiet space in your home—a cozy corner—and open your heart in prayer. Whisper sincerely, “Lord, I deeply desire to know this closeness. I want Your left hand gently supporting my head, and Your right hand around me in love and comfort. Please, draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord.” This heartfelt invitation can pave the way for a transformative encounter with His abiding presence, leading you into a deeper communion with Him.

Worship transcends mere word definitions found in Hebrew or Greek; it centers around the profound concept of “worth-ship.” At its core, it is about cultivating an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus—an opportunity to articulate what He truly means to each of us in a significant way.

Picture this young woman in a tender moment of reflection, passionately proclaiming, “Allow me to convey what you signify to me. I have come into your banqueting house, a lavish setting filled with joy and divine nourishment. Here, I have tasted the exquisite fruit of the Spirit, rich and fragrant like fresh apples glistening in the sunlight, their sweetness lingering on my palate. The manner in which you have pursued my heart is nothing short of remarkable. You have chased after me with relentless kindness, capturing my Spirit with your boundless mercy and unconditional love—love that has pulled me from the depths of despair and wrapped me in warmth.”

In this heartfelt expression, she is not merely sharing poetic platitudes but celebrating Him, revealing how invaluable He is to her existence. As we enter into worship, we too can engage in this beautiful act of sharing our adoration. We have the sacred privilege of declaring His worth, recognizing Him as our King—the ultimate Lover of our souls—who has tenderly won our hearts with His profound mercy and love. He forgives our shortcomings and embraces us with a grace that is both gentle and fierce, just as a devoted bridegroom cherishes and protects his beloved bride. This is the essence of worship: a heartfelt tribute of love and gratitude to the One who embodies everything we hold dear.

The esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon, a luminary of the late 1800s, authored an insightful sermon titled “The Candle.” Within its pages, he offered a compelling metaphor that resonates deeply: “A candle once lit, if it continues to shine, will be all consumed in giving light. It is what it was made for, not to be laid aside in a glass case and looked at, but to be burned away.” If you are on fire and red hot like a lit candle, spreading the light and love of Jesus to all around you, it will cost you; you will be consumed, for the candle is burned and shortened. This striking imagery encapsulates the profound and often sacrificial nature of genuine love and devotion, illustrating that true passion can have both illuminating and consuming facets.

Consider the poignant moment when Moses implored God in his hunger for divine understanding, “Show me your glory.” God’s response, filled with kindness and caution, was stark: “You cannot see my glory and live. However, I will reveal to you my goodness; I will show you my grace.” This exchange highlights God’s awe-inspiring majesty and underscores the protective nature of God’s grace, inviting us to experience His goodness within the boundaries of our humanity.

In this profound context, the Shulamite girl emerges as a figure of deep reverence and appreciation for God’s worth in her life. Her relationship with the King is far from a mere obligation; it is a cherished bond that imbues her with joy and a longing that pulses within her. Physically craving strength, she is reluctant to let this intimate moment of loving connection slip away. In contemporary terms, one might express it this way: She doesn’t want Church to be over; she doesn’t want the revival to leave. The precious minutes spent in uninterrupted fellowship with her beloved are times she wishes to cherish indefinitely.

With heartfelt urgency, she calls out, “I admonish you, O maidens of Jerusalem.” In different translations, “admonish” transforms into “charge,” a term with gravitas. To “charge” carries the weight of swearing an oath or repeating something with fervor—often “seven times.” This repetition signifies sincerity and significance, echoing the resonant themes we’ve previously encountered in the other lyrical passages of the Song of Solomon.

The daughters of Jerusalem are portrayed as fair-skinned and likely sheltered young girls, their lives untouched by the toils of labor. In contrast, our beloved Shulamite girl bears the sunburnt marks of hard work, her skin darkened and weathered by long days spent toiling in the vineyards. As she labors with unwavering determination, the truth of her dedication is illuminated; she has dedicated herself tirelessly to her family’s fields, particularly since her brothers, lacking ambition and being lazy, have left her to shoulder the full responsibility of maintaining their family vineyards.

However, the daughters of Jerusalem are not merely passive observers; they are genuinely intrigued, their hearts hungry to learn more about the captivating figure, Solomon, whom the Shulamite girl speaks of with such passion and intimacy. “I admonish you, O maidens of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and the young does of the open fields.” This vivid imagery enriches the verse, prompting reflection on its significance. Gazelles, also known as roes, and hinds representing the elegant female red deer, are two distinct yet stunning members of the deer family. Both creatures are graceful, adorned with beauty, and regarded as clean, aligning with the dietary laws established in the Mosaic laws.

These animals symbolize the essence of purity and the gracefulness that comes from a close relationship with the divine. They are adept climbers, effortlessly navigating the steep hills and rocky landscapes without faltering, serving as a metaphor for the Shulamite girl’s spiritual ascension. She is soaring to new heights in her profound fellowship with Solomon, uncovering deeper layers of understanding and connection within her love and devotion to Solomon.

One striking characteristic of hinds and roes in the field is their remarkable sensitivity; they are easily spooked by the faintest sound or movement. This timidity makes approaching them delicate, often resulting in their swift retreat at the slightest provocation. This behavior beautifully illustrates the fragile nature of love, highlighting the essential virtue of patience in its pursuit.

The Shulamite girl, lost in the tender embrace of her desire, earnestly addresses the other daughters of Jerusalem, imploring them: “Do not awaken or arouse love until it pleases.” Through these words, she reveals her profound connection with her beloved, Solomon. She yearns for an uninterrupted moment of intimacy, cherishing the sanctuary of their bond and wanting to shield it from external distractions.

The Hebrew word “ur,” which translates to awaken or arouse, carries significant weight here; it emphasizes her desire to guard their relationship fiercely. She gently warns the daughters not to disturb Solomon, reminding them that diverting His attention from her could shatter their delicate harmony.

Moreover, the Shulamite knows her passionate moments with her Lover cannot last forever. She has responsibilities awaiting her—nurturing her vineyard, where each plant represents the love and care she must cultivate for future growth. Yet, even amidst these duties, she longs to linger in this precious time together, asking for a little longer to savor their deep, sweet communion. She finds joy in each shared glance and whispered word, fully conscious that anything can disrupt their serene connection before its time. In this sacred space, she revels in a timeless bliss, embracing herself in the beauty of their delicate love in its most tender form.

In the upcoming chapters of the Song of Solomon, the couple will experience times of separation, a dynamic that will become increasingly evident as the narrative unfolds. However, during their intimate moments, she longs for their connection to remain unbroken until He chooses to move forward. This longing mirrors our spiritual experiences; the Lord often blesses us with sweet, profound moments of fellowship, followed by periods of trials and burdens essential for our growth and spiritual formation.

Though often painful and challenging, these trials are crucial stepping stones toward spiritual maturity. This concept is beautifully articulated in Psalm 119:71: “It was good for me to suffer, so that I might learn your statutes.” Through suffering, we gain insight into God’s teachings and deepen our relationship with Him.

For many believers, entering this deep, intimate space between their soul and their Savior is not always easy. Take Job, for instance. He faced immense personal battles and devastating losses, and while he endured these hardships, he may not have fully understood their significance during his earthly life. It may not have been until he encountered God in Heaven that he grasped the full scope of his trials. Job expressed a profound yearning in Job 23:3: “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His seat!” Despite his desperation, Job did not realize that the Lord Jesus was waiting in the shadows, patiently longing for Job to turn to Him.

Similarly, we often find ourselves in moments of sweet communion with Him—whether deeply engaged in reading the Scriptures, seeking solitude in our prayer closet, or feeling the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit during a worship service. We must cherish and protect these sacred moments of fellowship, ensuring we do not disrupt them with distractions or discontent.

I previously noted that both roes and hinds can ascend to majestic heights, illustrating a spiritual ascent. In Habakkuk 3:19, we read, “God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places.” This imagery highlights the grace and strength God provides, allowing us to navigate difficult terrains with agility and confidence.

The woman describes her relationship with Solomon as one that transports her to heavenly realms, a feeling that resonates deeply with many believers. Sometimes, our connection with Jesus can feel like a journey to sacred, divine spaces. Psalm 18:33 beautifully states, “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” In these moments, we experience familiarity and a profound security in our relationship with Him, deepening our faith and beginning to comprehend His love.

The daily banqueting table of King Solomon’s royal court was a magnificent spectacle of excess and indulgence. To understand the scale of this extravagance, one must consider that a “cor” is an ancient measure of volume, equivalent to approximately 60 gallons, creating a sumptuous feast fit for royalty. This jaw-dropping abundance captures the luxury and grandeur of Solomon’s reign, as chronicled in 1 Kings 4:22-23. “Each day Solomon’s royal court consumed thirty cors (1,800 gallons) of finely milled flour, sixty cors (3,600 gallons) of cereal, ten calves fattened in the stall, calves from the pasture, and 100 sheep, not to mention rams, gazelles, deer, and well-fed birds.”

In addition to his opulent banquets, Solomon was renowned for his unparalleled wisdom and artistic prowess. “He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs,” 1 Kings 4:32 states. Yes, he wrote 1,005 songs, but the one we are studying is the superlative, his magnum opus: the “Song of Songs.” This exquisite poetic celebration of love and longing captures readers’ hearts, transcending time and culture and solidifying its place as a timeless masterpiece in the annals of literature and spirituality.

Solomon was incredibly kind and generous to the Shulamite girl, showering her with unwavering affection and admiration. His wisdom and wealth were legendary, drawing visitors from distant lands, all eager to witness his remarkable reign. Among them was the Queen of Sheba, whose awe-inspiring visit is captured in 1 Kings 10:7. Upon encountering Solomon, she exclaimed, “I did not believe these things until I came and saw them with my own eyes. Indeed, I didn’t hear even half the story! Your wisdom and wealth surpass what was reported to me.” This powerful statement underscores that Solomon’s accomplishments eclipsed even the most extravagant tales about his grandeur.

Solomon’s greatness manifested not only in his opulent riches but also in his remarkable wisdom and insight. His ability to govern with fairness and his exquisite taste in monumental architecture showcased a kingdom that was nothing short of a marvel. Jerusalem’s lavish gardens and intricate palaces were a testament to his vision and creativity, creating an environment of beauty and elegance. Solomon’s profound understanding of human nature and his mastery of complex relationships made him a figure of admiration and respect.

In many ways, Solomon foreshadows our King Jesus, whose love radiates warmth and compassion, and whose divine kingdom far exceeds Solomon’s splendor. Just as Solomon became a cherished treasure in the life of the Shulamite girl, enriching her world with unparalleled depth and joy, Jesus becomes our ultimate treasure—infinitely more precious than anything we can conceive. His infinite wisdom, boundless love, and unending grace envelop us, offering a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends all earthly treasures. In this divine relationship, the love Jesus has for us shines brightly, revealing a greatness that surpasses even the illustrious legacy of Solomon.

Stephen Barnett