Your Eyes Are Like Dove's Eyes

“Oh, how beautiful you are, my beloved! Oh, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves! Oh, how handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how delightful you are! The lush foliage is our canopied bed; the cedars are the beams of our bedroom chamber; the pines are the rafters of our bedroom.” Song of Solomon 1:15-17 NET

The “Song of Solomon,” also known as the “Song of Songs,” is a captivating collection of poems, or canticles (little songs), that intricately explore the theme of love through the intimate exchanges between the Bride and the Bridegroom. In these lyrical passages, the Shulamite girl and her King express their adoration for one another with lush imagery and evocative metaphors, painting a vivid picture of romance that transcends mere words. Their love is a vibrant tapestry of emotions, woven with rich descriptions of longing, desire, and unbreakable connection. It ultimately creates a profound reciprocity where both partners share their hearts openly.

These exquisite love poems are celebrated as traditional expressions of romantic affection and embrace a deeper symbolic and spiritual significance. They beautifully illustrate in our context the profound relationship between Christians and their Savior, Jesus Christ. As individual believers, we become part of the Bride of Christ—a metaphor that highlights our intimate and cherished connection with Him as members of the Christian community, the Church of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul eloquently conveys this idea in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, reminding us that we are all vital members of one body, with Christ as the head guiding and nurturing us.

Much like the Shulamite girl, who passionately declares her love in heartfelt verses, we desire to convey our passion for Jesus with equal fervor. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge where we often falter: we must actively articulate our love for Him, just as He continually reveals His boundless love through His grace, mercy, and sacrifice. Within the text, the Shulamite’s tender words resonate in verse 15, met with the Bridegroom’s affectionate response in verse 16, and culminate in her yearning reply in verse 17. This rhythmic exchange of love and devotion is a poignant reminder of our call to engage in a heartfelt, dynamic relationship with our Savior that blossoms through open communication and mutual affection.

These verses elegantly portray a romantic rendezvous, a special meeting place where lovers gather to bask in each other’s presence and create lasting memories. The phrase “Behold, you are beautiful” rings out three times throughout these verses, adding layers of significance and underscoring one partner’s profound admiration for the other, and then is reciprocated. This repetition highlights the beloved’s beauty and captures the enchantment and wonder that love inspires.

Moreover, the Hebrew word ‘hinneh’ is artfully employed as an interjection interpreted as “Oh”, akin to the English expression “Wow,” imbuing the declaration of beauty with an exhilarating sense of awe. This choice of language enriches the emotional landscape of the verses, inviting readers to fully immerse themselves in the depth of affection and the intoxicating atmosphere of their shared moment. Through these vivid descriptions, the encounter becomes a timeless celebration of love and admiration.

The opening of this chapter unveils a poignant struggle within her heart—a deeply ingrained inferiority complex that revolves around her physical appearance. With heartfelt lamentation, she confesses, “I am black; the sun has stained and spotted me,” a statement that lays bare her anguish in a society that equates lighter skin with beauty and desirability. In Solomon’s time, a fair complexion was not just a standard of beauty but a measure of worth, leaving those with darker skin feeling marginalized and unworthy.

Her brothers impose upon her a grueling schedule in the family vineyard, forcing her to labor tirelessly under the unforgiving sun. She cultivates the fertile soil, defends the precious crops from roving foxes, and plucks the ripe grapes at the peak of their sweetness. While her hard work reflects her dedication and resilience, it also highlights the neglect of her own “vineyard”—her body and self-image. She pours so much of herself into her family’s needs that her identity and beauty remain unacknowledged and unattended.

In moments of vulnerability and despair, she utters the painful words, “Do not look at me.” This plea reveals her deep-seated belief that her external imperfections overshadow any inner beauty she might possess. She perceives herself as ugly, burdened not only by the sun-kissed darkness of her skin but also by society’s glaring judgments. It would be a sweet surprise if a kind, compassionate figure looked deeply into her eyes and reassured her, “Oh no! You are fair, my love; in my eyes, you are beautiful.” Such words would be an empowering balm for her wounded Spirit.

The enemy frequently whispers insidious thoughts into our minds, reminding us of our perceived flaws, failures, and sins, often magnifying our feelings of inadequacy. Though these negative thoughts can feel utterly honest, they do not capture the entirety of who we are. In contrast, we have encountered the King at the cross, a figure of grace who reaches out to us in our brokenness. He calls us by name, reassuring us that we have been cleansed by His blood and forgiven of every transgression. When the King gazes upon us, He sees us as clean, radiant, and pure—without wrinkle and exuding beauty beyond mere appearance. This is God’s glorious perspective, viewing us through eyes filled with love, respect, and eternal value, cherishing us in all our complexities.

In the text, the King gazes upon her and tenderly calls her “my love,” a phrase that resonates with profound emotion and deep affection. Previously, we encountered the Hebrew word “raya,” a feminine noun indicating He speaks to her intimately and endearingly. Though the word commonly means friend or companion, this term can mean much more. In Song of Solomon, it can also be translated “my lover,” underscoring the beautiful connection that transcends mere romance.

Reflecting on the nature of human marriage, I am struck by how truly blessed it is when a man finds himself united with the love of his life and in marriage to his best friend. This harmonious blend of companionship and love creates a rich tapestry of trust, understanding, and shared adventures. It inspires me to desire such a remarkable relationship; what a noble and rewarding challenge it presents!

I yearn to cultivate a friendship with the Lord Jesus, nurturing a bond so genuine and intimate that He would consider me His friend. The Bible honors Abraham as a friend of God, a title celebrated twice, emphasizing the extraordinary significance of such a distinction.

As the King continues, he lovingly declares, “You are beautiful, my love; you are fair.” In this context, the word “fair” is rooted in being ‘decked out’ or adorned, highlighting the splendor and elegance that captures the eye. This serves as a reminder that, in God’s eyes, we are intricately designed and beautifully adorned, cherished for our distinctive qualities and the vibrant Spirit we share.

“Your eyes are doves” or “You have dove’s eyes” — these poetic expressions resonate with deep symbolism and beauty. A dove’s eyes are round and perfectly symmetrical; they symbolize purity, gentleness, and an unwavering faithfulness. In nature, when a dove encounters its mate, it forms an inseparable bond that lasts for life, embodying profound and unyielding loyalty. The King tenderly addresses His beloved in this imagery, conveying, ‘You possess faithful eyes; your gaze is fixed solely on Me.’

Moreover, the imagery paints a striking picture of her focus; she has deliberately looked away from the hills, representing the tantalizing allure of idols and false deities such as Baal and Ashtaroth. Instead, she seeks the eternal truth, reflecting her spiritual purity and devoted heart. The phrase “dove’s eyes” evokes the idea that she is committed to looking toward the divine, embodying a soul that remains resolutely untouched by the distractions and temptations of the world.

To deepen our understanding, let’s consider the biblical narrative of the dove that Noah sent forth from the Ark. After the floodwaters receded, Noah released a dove to scout for dry land. The dove returned, unable to find a place to rest, but it brought back an olive branch or sprig, a timeless symbol of hope, renewal, and the promise of life even amid desolation. This account reinforces the dove’s significance, showcasing it as a creature that embodies purity and cleanliness, further enhancing its symbolism within the narrative.

Amidst the chaos and decay of a world submerged in darkness, the dove maintains its integrity; it refuses to consume anything tainted or impure, choosing to nourish itself only with what is clean and wholesome. As the King gazes upon her dove’s eyes, he acknowledges her unwavering desire to fix her attention solely on what is virtuous and uplifting.

This sentiment echoes beautifully with the passage from Philippians 4:8, which serves as an inspiring reminder to dwell on that which enriches the soul: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This exhortation invites us to nurture a mindset of integrity, faithfulness, and purity, encouraging a profound connection to what truly matters.

When Jesus approached the moment of His baptism by John the Baptist in the serene waters of the Jordan River, an extraordinary event unfolded before the eyes of those present. As He emerged from the water, the heavens dramatically parted, and the Holy Spirit descended like a gentle dove, embodying purity, peace, and divine grace. This imagery of the dove serves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s divine essence, signifying the profound connection between Heaven and Earth.

In this moment, the King speaks tenderly to the Shulamite girl, declaring that her eyes possess a captivating beauty, guided and illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Her gaze is not merely aesthetic; it radiates the richness of the Spirit’s gifts, reflecting the profound love, joy, and peace that fill her heart.

This profound connection invites us to contemplate Galatians 5:22-23, which articulates the fruits that blossom from a life entwined with the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law”. These qualities embody a unique facet of spiritual maturity, highlighting that true beauty and strength emerge from a heart in harmony with the divine, transforming the individual and the world around them.

The book of Hebrews delves into the profound concept of possessing a “single eye,” symbolizing a heart and mind wholly devoted to God. The Shulamite woman is beautifully portrayed as embodying this single focus, completely captivated by her King, Savior, and beloved Christ. Her unwavering devotion illustrates a deep spiritual longing and a desire for an intimate relationship with Him, reflecting a soul entirely surrendered to His will.

Moreover, the Lord’s vigilant watch over us is powerfully expressed in Psalm 32:8, which states, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” This verse is a comforting reminder of God’s constant presence in our lives, guiding us with wisdom and love as we navigate our journey. His careful attention assures us that we are never alone; instead, we are continually being led toward the path of purpose and fulfillment. To fully receive this divine guidance, we must focus our eyes and look upon Him, actively cultivating our relationship with God through intentional prayer, reflective meditation, and the earnest study of His Word. Engaging in these practices helps us hone our spiritual focus, allowing us to experience the depth of His compassion and the assurance of His care. This genuine love for Jesus excites our spirits and envelops us in a deep, abiding peace—the kind that transcends understanding and offers us the firm assurance of our salvation. When Jesus resides in our heart, we embrace a transformative love that uplifts our soul, empowering us to positively impact those around us.

She responds, “Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful.” Her words resonate with warmth and affection, but are not original; they echo the tenderness He has shown her. This exchange reflects a deep connection, much like how we engage in heartfelt prayer. The most transformative prayers often emerge when we boldly reflect the Lord’s words or promises back to Him, acknowledging His unwavering faithfulness.

The Lord has lovingly instructed us, “Ask, and it will be given to you.” Thus, we approach You now, Lord, with an open heart, seeking Your guidance and divine intervention in this situation that weighs on our Spirit. You also said, “Knock, and it will be opened to you.” With that assurance, we are knocking at the door, yearning for the joy of spending this evening in sweet communion with You. Furthermore, you promised, “Seek, and you shall find.” So, we are seeking You, eager to immerse ourselves in Your presence and reflect Your words back to You, fully confident that You will honor Your promises.

This beautiful practice aligns seamlessly with the wisdom found in 1 Timothy 6:3-4, which cautions, “If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words—that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ—and with the teaching that leads to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes, leading to envy, dissension, slander, and evil suspicions.” This passage underscores the importance of holding steadfast to the truth of the Lord’s words, just as the Shulamite girl reflects the King’s words back to Him with sincerity and faith.

For instance, when the Lord reassures us by saying, “I love you with an everlasting love,” we can approach Him with courage, especially when the enemy seeks to sow seeds of doubt within our hearts. In those vulnerable times, we can honestly express, “Jesus, I feel unsettled today as the enemy questions my worthiness of Your love. Yet, I remind myself of Your promise that You love me with an everlasting love. I choose to stand firm in that truth, trusting in Your faithfulness and quoting Your words back to You as a declaration of my faith.” This heartfelt exchange deepens our relationship with Him and fortifies our Spirit against our daily trials and tribulations.

The King called her “my love”; she responds by calling Him “my Beloved,” a masculine noun in Hebrew (dod), which means to boil up, to have the fervent, warm, and hot heat of love for our King (our Savior). And then another compliment, “you are delightful,” another descriptive word would be “pleasant,” the Hebrew word ‘nayim’, which means ‘sweet.’  She says, “I just want you to know that you are overwhelmingly delightful and pleasant to me, and your sweetness to me is as gentleness to my soul.”  When we compare these descriptions to Jesus, there are so many comparisons, much like the gospel Hymn: ‘Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before,’ which indicates that this is a progressive walk with Jesus, where we encounter more and more of His sweetness day by day.

In the text, there is a beautifully evocative phrase where the Bride tenderly remarks, “our couch is green” or “our bed is green.” This imagery transports us to a romantic rendezvous set amidst the splendor of nature. She mentions the cedar and pine trees in the following sentence, emphasizing the enchanting backdrop of their serene surroundings. The phrase “our couch is green” suggests they are nestled together on a plush, grassy field, perhaps under the vast, open sky. If it’s nighttime, they might marvel at a dazzling tapestry of stars twinkling brilliantly above them; if it’s daytime, they could be admiring the gentle, billowy clouds drifting lazily overhead. This idyllic setting creates an intimate atmosphere, filled with warmth and tranquility, as they likely hold hands tightly, reveling in each other’s presence. Surrounded by this vibrant greenery, they find themselves in a sacred space where they can not only celebrate their love for one another but also, in quiet reverence, worship the Lord God, cherishing this precious moment together in harmony with nature.

We recently uncovered an intriguing dimension of Solomon: He is not only a King adorned in riches and wisdom but also a gentle Shepherd, guiding His flock with care and compassion. Similarly, the Shulamite girl embodies the role of a devoted Shepherdess, entrusted with the tender care of her flock. She receives a calling to nourish and protect her sheep alongside the Shepherd’s flock, revealing her natural affinity for leadership and nurturing.

This imagery resonates profoundly with Psalm 23:1-2, which beautifully declares, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, He leads me to refreshing water.” The verses paint a vivid backdrop, rich in evocative symbolism and profound theological reflection. Her Shepherd King, Solomon, has led her into a splendid landscape where verdant grass flourishes abundantly, inviting them into a peaceful, sprawling oriental garden filled with vibrant colors and soothing sounds.

Imagining Solomon, we recognize that he, like every man of notable wealth, would possess retreats scattered across the countryside—idyllic villas that serve as havens of respite and joy. Within the heart of these retreats lies an oasis: a lush garden bursting with fragrant flowers, chirping birds, and gentle breezes. Picture the beams of their lavish bedroom chamber, meticulously crafted from aromatic cedar, infusing the space with a warm glow, while the sturdy rafters of pine arch overhead, creating a cozy, rustic elegance.

The scriptures reveal that gardens in these villas often featured intricate enclosures, yet with Solomon, one can envision a majestic house, a shelter designed to offer sanctuary amid the elements. Perhaps as she reclines, her gaze wanders up to the intricately designed ceiling, where she softly declares the beauty of the cedar beams and robust pine rafters above her, each one symbolizing a promise of safety and love.

Reflecting on the historical context, Solomon built the famed temple—reverently known as Solomon’s Temple—predominantly featured cedar and pine, materials chosen for their strength and beauty. This serves not only as a nod to history but also as a precious metaphor: the Bride journeying toward the divine house of God, wrapped in love and shared devotion. Psalm 27:4 captures this desire with profound clarity: “I have asked the Lord for one thing—this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple.” The beams of cedar and pine echo a sanctuary of fellowship and pure worship, dedicated to honoring God’s glory.

Crucially, as she marvels at these exquisite structures, she does not refer to them as “your house” or “your bedroom.” Instead, with a sense of ownership and belonging, she joyfully declares it, “our house, our bedroom.” This declaration resonates with her understanding that all the magnificence he has created is now part of their shared experience, a testament to their profound unity. Echoing Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus,” this relationship assures her that her uncertainties have dissipated.

In this embrace of love and security, she is enveloped in a profound peace—her weariness dissolved in the warmth of His presence. She has found her home, nestled within the comforting folds of affection, secure in the embrace of the one she adores.

Stephen Barnett