“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