“Oh, you are beautiful, my darling! Oh, you are beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are like doves. Your hair is like a flock of female goats descending from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep coming up from the washing place; each of them has a twin, and not one of them is missing. Your lips are like a scarlet thread; your mouth is lovely. Your forehead behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David built with courses of stones; one thousand shields are hung on it—all shields of valiant warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of the gazelle grazing among the lilies. Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee, I will go up to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. You are altogether beautiful, my darling! There is no blemish in you!” Song of Solomon 4:1-7 NET
We find ourselves squarely in the middle of
Solomon’s love story, a beautiful narrative inspired by the Holy Spirit unfolding across eight chapters. This time, we will focus on all of chapter
four, departing from our usual analysis of three or four verses.
The richness of this text offers us layers of beauty and meaning that could
engage us for hours as we explore its depths.
In this passage, we see the Bridegroom
speaking—specifically, Solomon, who expresses his admiration for his
beloved Bride. Historically speaking, he is praising the Shulamite woman, and
the praise he heaps upon her is magnificent. Here, we
encounter a crucial interpretive decision: should we understand Solomon’s
words literally—focusing on His descriptions of her hair, teeth, and lips—or
should we consider this as a metaphorical representation of the Lord Jesus
Christ, who is a greater figure than Solomon, praising His Bride? In this
figurative sense, the Bride represents His body, which is the Church,
encompassing all believers who have been saved by the grace of God. I have
chosen to interpret the text in this way.
If we were to examine the text from a literal perspective,
there would be valuable lessons to glean about the marriage relationship,
providing practical advice for husbands on how to uplift and praise their
wives. This is the angle many contemporary commentaries take on the Song of
Solomon, which often highlight the physical and sometimes even the sexual
themes found within the text. However, I prefer to look beyond the
surface-level interpretations and delve into what I believe is a higher
calling: that of Christ glorifying His Church. This perspective allows us to
appreciate the profound spiritual truths embedded within the narrative,
reminding us of the love and devotion that Christ has for His followers.
Solomon’s speech in this passage exemplifies his remarkable
poetic talent and depth of emotion. He begins with broad themes that capture
the essence of love and admiration, establishing a sweeping view of his Bride’s
beauty and grace. As he progresses, he delves into specific details—such as the
radiant color of her skin, the elegance of her hair, or the captivating sparkle
in her eyes—each element serving as delicate brushstrokes that convey the depth
of his affection. This intricate detailing allows readers to visualize her
allure in vivid terms.
Finally, in verse seven, Solomon returns to broader
descriptions that encapsulate the overall impression of his beloved, creating a
harmonious balance between detail and generality. This return to a more
sweeping view enhances the beauty of his message, crafting a poetic song that
resonates with emotion. Chapter four, with its seven verses, can be
seen as a self-contained poem within the larger narrative, highlighting the intimacy of personal expression and the universal nature of love. Solomon celebrates his Bride’s beauty through this structure and reveals
the profound joy and admiration that love can inspire.
This poem is worth our serious consideration, a peon of
praise, a poem or hymn of praise of Jesus to His Church. I don’t know if you
have read ahead in the Song of Solomon, there will be poems where she praises
Him in return, and that would be a picture of us worshipping our Lord and
telling Him how beautiful we believe Him to be, maybe describing His hair, His
eyes, His strong arms, the power He exerts with His legs, we are getting into
the heart of the love poems of the Song of Solomon.
“Oh, you are beautiful, my darling! Oh, you are beautiful!” In this opening verse, the repetition of “Oh” emphasizes the speaker’s awe and admiration. This exclamation is rendered in various translations as “Behold,” which carries a similar sense of wonder. In contemporary English, the phrase might be likened to expressions of excitement such as “Wow! Amazing! Unbelievable!” This interjection introduces an element of astonishment, highlighting the speaker’s deep appreciation. He is truly taken aback, proclaiming, “Oh, or Behold, you are beautiful!” Recognizing His praise’s context is important, beginning in chapter one, verse six. The Bride expresses her vulnerability by saying, “Do not stare at me because I am dark, for the sun has burned my skin. My brothers made me tend to our vineyards, a responsibility rooted in our family’s heritage, and because of that, my skin is sun-spotted and sunburned.” In her culture, fair skin epitomized beauty, while her weathered complexion made her feel unattractive and inadequate. She views herself with a sense of inferiority. Still, from this perspective, He starts His affirmation: “Oh, you are beautiful, my love,” countering her negative self-image with a declaration of her worth.
As we progress to verse seven, His praise intensifies: “You
are altogether beautiful, my darling!” This evolution in His words is
significant; the more He praises her, the more her inner beauty radiates
outward, reinforcing the idea that love and affirmation can transform our
self-perception.
Proverbs 31:28-29 reflects this notion about the virtuous
woman, proclaiming, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband
also praises her: ‘Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed
them all!’” This highlights the profound impact of recognition and
affirmation within relationships. Isn’t it remarkable that when we invite the
Lord’s gaze upon us and become receptive to His affirming words, we too can
experience transformation? The more we embrace His love, joy, and peace—the fruits
of the Spirit—the more beautiful we become in His eyes and to those around us.
This process of spiritual growth enriches our lives and enhances our ability to
radiate grace and beauty in the world.
“Your eyes behind your veil are like doves,” it could be that she is modest and wearing a veil, or maybe it means the locks of her hair that highlight her face and He is drawn straight to her eyes. This is the advice I would give young men: look into the eyes of a prospective mate. The French poet Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartus in the mid-1500s described the eyes as “these lovely lamps, these windows of the soul.” Have you ever been around someone who just couldn’t look at you? They just wouldn’t make good eye contact? That is a red flag; anyone worth their salt would at the very least give you the decency of looking you in the eye so you can determine their heart. He looks into her eyes and says, “You have dove’s eyes.”
The dove was considered a beautiful
animal in the Orient, and Solomon was well aware of this fact. He is saying
that she has beautiful eyes. The dove is the only bird in the Levitical economy
that can be sacrificed unto the Lord. If a person was not wealthy enough to
bring an ox or a lamb for sacrifice, if you were the poorest of the poor, the
Lord said that you could bring a dove, pure, clean, and sacrific. He is
stating, Darling, I am looking into your eyes; they are clear and clean. I see
a sacrificial spirit that you are willing to give of yourself to meet the needs
of others. And the eyes of the dove also carry the idea of faithfulness. When the doves mate, they mate for life; they are incredibly loyal, monogamous, and
faithful little creatures. I hope that when the Lord Jesus looks into our eyes, He sees someone who is faithful, not interested in the
world or the flesh, but has loyal, faithful eyes. Some who profess to be
believers don’t even look at Jesus. Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct and teach you
about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.” It is
difficult for God to instruct us if we fail to look at Him, if our eyes are not
fixed upon His eyes.
“Your eyes behind your veil are like doves.” This phrase
invites us to consider the meaning behind the imagery. She might be wearing a
modest veil, which symbolizes her humility and the beauty of restraint.
Alternatively, it could imply that her eyes are captivating despite the veil and draw him in. My advice to young men is to make it a point to look into the
eyes of a potential mate; this simple action can reveal so much about a
person’s character and intentions.
The French poet Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas wrote in
the mid-1500s a phrase that beautifully described the eyes as “these lovely
lamps, these windows of the soul.” This notion suggests that our eyes can
express our innermost thoughts and feelings. Have you ever interacted with
someone who struggled to maintain eye contact? This inability to look you in
the eye can signal insecurity, dishonesty, or a lack of genuine
interest—warning signs that should not be overlooked. It is essential for
anyone worthy of your time to at least offer you the courtesy of direct eye
contact, enabling you to discern their true character.
He gazes deeply into her eyes and remarks that she possesses
“dove’s eyes.” In the cultural context of the Orient, doves were regarded as
symbols of beauty and purity. Recognizing this cultural
significance, Solomon is poetically telling her that her eyes are lovely and embody purity and grace. Within the Levitical tradition, the dove held a
unique place as a sacrificial animal. If someone was too impoverished to bring
an ox or a lamb for an offering, they could sacrifice a dove—an
animal seen as pure and clean. In other words, he is conveying,
“Darling, I see into your eyes; they are transparent and pure. I recognize a
selfless spirit within you, one that is willing to give of yourself to fulfill
the needs of others.”
Furthermore, the dove symbolizes unwavering faithfulness.
Doves are known to mate for life; they are emblematic of loyalty, monogamy, and
fidelity. I sincerely hope that when the Lord Jesus gazes into our eyes, He
perceives in us a faithful spirit—one that is not swayed by worldly
distractions or carnal desires, but rather, a spirit filled with steadfast
loyalty.
Regrettably, some individuals who claim to follow Christ do
not even make an effort to look to Jesus. Psalm 32:8 says, “I
will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I
look you in the eye.” This verse highlights the importance of maintaining our
focus on the Lord. It becomes increasingly challenging for Him to guide us if
our eyes are not fixed on His presence or if we are unwilling to seek His
guidance and wisdom in our lives.
“Your hair is like a flock of female goats descending
gracefully from Mount Gilead.” Located on the eastern side of the Jordan River
in central Israel, Mount Gilead is renowned for its lush fertility, rich crops,
and the finest livestock that thrive in its surroundings. Research has shown
that the goats from this region have strikingly pure black, glistening hair,
which adds to their allure.
Solomon lovingly recognizes her youthfulness, vibrant
energy, enthusiasm for love, and an undeniable zest for life. Each strand of
your hair reflects this beauty, capturing the essence of her Spirit.
In Revelation chapter one, John describes a profound vision
of the Lord Jesus, who appears in His full glory, with hair as white as snow,
symbolizing purity, wisdom, and eternity. Jesus, referred to as the Ancient of
Days, is unchanging, remaining the same yesterday, today, and forever. He
promises to never leave us or forsake us. While Jesus exemplifies timelessness
with His white hair, the Shulamite girl’s black hair represents the vibrancy
and passion of youth.
Ecclesiastes 12:1a reminds us to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth—before the difficult days come,” encouraging reflection on our spiritual foundations during our formative years. Solomon admires her youthful Spirit, affirming that she has maintained her first love—a pure and vibrant affection. The contrast of her lustrous black hair symbolizes the vitality of youth and the richness of her character. Solomon commends her dedication and love, celebrating the beauty in her appearance and heart.
Then, he wants to talk about her teeth: “Your teeth are like
a flock of newly shorn sheep coming up from the washing place; each of them has
a twin, and not one of them is missing.” Here, the imagery of a flock of
sheep—typically white—contrasts with the
black goats and highlights the purity and cleanliness of her teeth.
This metaphor conveys that her teeth are strikingly white, well-aligned, and healthy, suggesting that she values her appearance and health.
Why would He pay such attention to her teeth? It’s common
for people to notice each other’s teeth during interactions, as they are
prominently displayed when someone smiles. Teeth play a vital role in chewing
food, and this physical act of chewing is paralleled by the spiritual
nourishment provided by the word of God. Psalm 34:8 captures this beautifully:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the one who takes shelter
in Him.” This verse suggests that experiencing God’s goodness is akin to savoring
a delicious meal.
In Matthew 4:4, Jesus addresses the Devil with the powerful
reminder: “But he answered, ‘It is written, Man does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” This reinforces the idea
that spiritual sustenance is as necessary as physical nourishment.
Similarly, the writer of Hebrews 5:14 remarks, “But solid food is for the
mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and
evil.” These passages indicate the importance of consuming the word of
God and digesting and understanding it deeply.
The imagery implies a comparison to visiting
a skilled dental hygienist. Her skills result in clean and polished teeth. While dental
care practices in the ancient Middle East were often rudimentary—or
non-existent—her well-cared-for teeth suggest a commitment to personal grooming
and health, setting her apart from her contemporaries.
If one key theme arises from this description, it is the
concept of ‘chewing.’ When we engage with the Scriptures, we should spend time
‘chewing’ or meditating on each verse, reflecting on its meaning throughout the
day. This process allows us to absorb the teachings fully into our minds and
spirits. Solomon emphasizes that the Shulamite girl’s teeth are clean, enabling
her to chew on the word of God without distractions or vile thoughts. The fact
that none of her teeth are missing is particularly significant; in Hebrew, the
term ‘missing’ can also translate to “robbed,” implying that she retains
her integrity and wholeness.
Just as she has cared for her teeth, we must nurture and maintain our spiritual health. When we are spiritually clean and refreshed, we will more
fully appreciate the richness of God’s word. Her teeth are in excellent
condition, symbolizing her readiness to ingest and ‘chew’ on the teachings of
the Scriptures.
Solomon admires her ability to engage
deeply with the word of God, rejoicing in her spiritual vitality. This
sentiment echoes Jesus’ invitation in Revelation 3:20: “Listen! I am standing
at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will
come into their home and share a meal with them, and they with me.” This image
of sharing a meal represents intimacy and fellowship, emphasizing the
importance of welcoming God’s presence into our lives, and receiving the food—the
word of God—with gladness.
“Your lips are like a scarlet thread; your mouth is lovely.”
This poetic expression suggests that even in the ancient Near East, there was
an awareness of beauty that included lip adornment, hinting at a
limited yet significant use of lipstick or natural dyes to enhance their
appearance. The mention of the color scarlet evokes a rich, vivid image, often
associated with passion and vitality.
Every time I encounter the color scarlet or red in biblical
texts, I am profoundly influenced by the significance of the blood that
Jesus willingly shed on the cross for the redemption of humanity—a sacrifice
emblematic of His love and profound commitment.
In John 6:53-54, Jesus emphasizes the spiritual depth of His
message: “I tell you the solemn truth; unless you eat the flesh of the Son of
Man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats my
flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last
day.” Here, Jesus invites His followers into an immersive relationship
characterized by believing loyalty in Him, metaphorically consuming His
sacrifice to infuse their lives with eternal significance—not in a literal
sense, but as an expression of unwavering faith.
In chapter 1 of Song of Solomon, verse 2, the Shulamite girl
longs for intimacy: “Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His
mouth.” Yet her lips are described here as red, signifying desire and passion.
The emphasis on her mouth, which is noted as lovely, highlights the beauty of
her speech. The Hebrew term for mouth is “midbar,” which signifies the mouth as
an instrument of communication. The King James Version translates this phrase
as “your speech is comely,” indicating that her words are beautiful but also wholesome and pleasing.
Solomon’s praise reflects a deep appreciation for her words,
as he declares in our western vernacular, “Darling, I love the way you talk. I
have never heard you use vile or off-putting language.” This admiration
underscores the significant impact of language and how it shapes perceptions of
character. In Matthew 12:37, Jesus reinforces this truth: “For by your words
you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This
emphasizes the moral weight of our speech and its profound implications in our
lives and the lives of others.
Furthermore, Psalm 19:14 serves as a heartfelt prayer: “May
my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my sheltering
rock and my redeemer.” It highlights a yearning for divine approval in both
speech and thought. Similarly, in Psalm 141:3, the psalmist pleads, “O Lord,
place a guard on my mouth; protect the opening of my lips.” This request seeks
divine protection over what we say, recognizing the power of words to both
uplift and harm. These reflections remind us of the beauty
and responsibility inherent in our speech, urging us to embrace words that
inspire, heal, and convey our most profound convictions with grace and integrity.
Solomon continues, “Your forehead behind your veil is like a
slice of pomegranate.” This metaphor beautifully illustrates the contrast
between outward appearances and inner richness. A pomegranate may seem simple
and unassuming on the outside, but it reveals a treasure trove of red, vibrant, flavorful seeds when opened. These seeds symbolize our thoughts and the potential
they hold—they can be fruitful, nourishing, and transformative.
Just as the juicy seeds of a pomegranate can spill forth
their sweetness, our thoughts can manifest in our actions and demeanor,
reflecting the character of the Lord Jesus. This idea resonates deeply with
Matthew 5:16, which encourages us: “In the same way, let your light shine
before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your
Father in heaven.” Our good works, done in faith, act as a beacon, guiding
others to recognize and glorify God.
But how does God’s word instruct us to shape our thoughts and lives? A key reference can be found in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and
sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if something is
excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.” This passage is a
powerful reminder to focus our minds on virtuous thoughts and uplifting ideas,
as our thoughts directly influence our actions.
Solomon emphasizes that her temples—symbolizing her mind and
thoughts—are filled with these fruitful and wholesome reflections. Our
temples are not just empty vessels but vibrant gardens of Jesus’
teachings, filled with the sweetness of the Holy Spirit, cultivating a life
that honors God and positively impacts those around us.
“Your neck is like the tower of David, crafted with courses
of sturdy stones; one thousand shields dangle from it—all shields of brave
warriors.” This vivid description of her neck is not merely a compliment; it
evokes an image of strength, poise, and beauty that emphasizes her impeccable
posture and regal demeanor. Solomon’s admiration for her serves as a reminder
that the way she presents herself reflects a noble character. If we were to
translate this praise into modern terms, it would be akin to saying, “I cherish
how you embody the Church of Jesus Christ.” Like the Shulamite girl, we, too,
should desire to carry ourselves with dignity and grace, living in a manner
worthy of the high calling bestowed upon us.
The portrayal of her neck as the tower of David invokes
imagery of strength and defense, suggesting a structure built for beauty and protection. The mention of “one thousand shields” hanging
from her neck elevates this imagery to a military context, emphasizing her
resilience. Ephesians 6:11 instructs us: “Clothe yourselves with the full armor
of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Here, the shields represent the spiritual armor that protects us from adversity.
As He gazes upon her adorned neck, He likens the dazzling jewelry to the shield
of faith, a powerful symbol that can extinguish the fiery darts of wickedness.
These are not just decorative items; they are reminders of the valiant warriors
who fight for righteousness.
As members of the Church militant, we are reminded that the
gates of Hell will never prevail against us, reinforcing our stance against
darkness and evil. Why is this assurance so profound? It is because Jesus
triumphed over Hell and death through His sacrificial death and glorious
resurrection, definitively completing the battle against sin. Our victory is
rooted in His victory—He conquered death, granting us eternal life and hope.
Thus, even as we confront the reality of death, it does not
signify a final defeat for the Kingdom of God; instead, it underscores the
profound truth that evil has been vanquished. The plans of the Devil are
ultimately futile when we stand firm in our faith in the Kingdom of God. We
embody love, strength, and resilience as we navigate a world that often tests
our convictions, making us shining examples of the hope and grace that emanate
from our faith.
“Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of the
gazelle grazing among the lilies.” This vivid imagery reflects a profound sense
of intimacy and love. Solomon begins by noting the beauty of the beloved’s
eyes, followed by the allure of their teeth, mouth, and head, ultimately
arriving at the breasts, described as delicate, shy little fawns. This metaphor
signifies modesty and innocence, inviting a sense of tenderness and affection.
Solomon expresses his desire for closeness and a deep,
intimate fellowship. This is found through prayer, particularly during the
tranquil early morning hours when the world is still and distractions fade
away. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still
waters.” Psalm 23:2. The dew upon the grass is heavy, and the grass is green, nourishing succulent grasses, among the lilies. He emphasizes that he will not feed
on the lilies but among the lilies—these exquisite lilies in hues of pure
white, vibrant green, and rich red symbolize purity and the beauty of creation.
This imagery evokes a sense of peace and solace for the soul.
Furthermore, just as the Holy Spirit delights in enveloping and drawing close to God’s people during moments of genuine worship—especially as we honor Jesus in Spirit and truth—we are invited to partake of the overflowing life that emanates from Jesus. By immersing ourselves in His presence, we experience a refreshing revival akin to being rejuvenated by the living torrents of water that cascade from our spirits, filling us with renewed hope, joy, and vitality, which fills us and pours out of us; our cup overflows.
“Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee, I will ascend
to the majestic mountain of myrrh and the fragrant hill of frankincense.” Here, we find solace in the promise of intimate fellowship with you in the stillness
of the night. Yet, we eagerly await when the golden dawn breaks—a day
when Jesus will return in all His radiant glory, shattering the darkness that
cloaks our world with His light. On that resplendent daybreak, the morning star will
illuminate our paths, banishing the shadows that envelop us in this present season of darkness.
Moreover, the ascent to the mountain of myrrh and the hill
of frankincense resonates deeply with the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the
cross of Calvary. Here, He bore the unimaginable weight of our sins,
suffering for our redemption. The myrrh symbolizes His bitter suffering, while
the rich aroma of frankincense signifies His death and burial, representing His
triumphant victory over sin and death—a victory in which we all can partake and
rejoice.
Now, He stands alive, offering us the transformative promise
of new life and enduring hope. Song of Solomon 2:8 beautifully captures this vivid reality: “Listen! My lover is approaching! Look! Here he comes,
leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills!” This imagery paints a
picture of our Savior’s jubilant approach, reflecting His relentless pursuit
and deep, abiding love for His people. It reminds us that He comes to us with
exuberance and assurance, ready to lead us into our eternal destination,
filling our lives with purpose and joy.
Stephen Barnett
No comments:
Post a Comment