"...Gaze Upon King Solomon!"

“King Solomon made a sedan chair for himself of wood imported from Lebanon. Its posts were made of silver; its back was made of gold. Its seat was upholstered with purple wool; its interior was inlaid with leather by the maidens of Jerusalem. Come out, O maidens of Zion, and gaze upon King Solomon! He is wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on his wedding day, on the most joyous day of his life!” Song of Solomon 3:9-11 NET

Our journey through the Song of Solomon unfolds uniquely, as we delve into its rich and intricate message from two distinct angles: a literal interpretation that explores the surface meaning of the text, and a typological analysis that uncovers its more profound spiritual significance. This dual perspective invites a thoughtful examination of the verses, though opinions may vary on its appropriateness. Some interesting early interpretations of the past introduce a compelling yet controversial second figure—a shepherd—who complicates the plot by portraying Solomon as a rival villain seeking to capture the affection of the Shulamite girl away from the shepherd, thereby creating a tension between love and loyalty. However, I find this perspective unconvincing throughout the book’s eight chapters.

The concept of a separate shepherd lover arises from certain German schools of higher criticism in the 1700’s which emerged from the thoughts of scholars who held a diminished regard for the authority and sanctity of Scripture. The names of these scholars need not be mentioned here, as our focus here should remain on the deeper spiritual implications of the text, particularly the relationship between Christ and the Church, symbolized by the bride and the Bridegroom, as well as the dynamic relationship between the Shulamite girl and King Solomon.

In this post, I will continue the exploration initiated in the previous post, aiming to deepen our understanding of the text. I initially hoped to cover verses six through eleven last time, but the depth of those passages would have made for an unwieldy long blog post. Instead, we will concentrate on verses nine through eleven this time, immersing ourselves in their evocative imagery and profound themes of love, desire, and divine union that resonate throughout the Song of Solomon. Through this focused examination, I aim to uncover the layers of meaning that enrich our understanding of this timeless work.

King Solomon had a majestic sedan chair crafted from exquisite wood imported from Lebanon, renowned for its durability and stunning appearance. This chair served as his royal means of transportation, reflecting the splendor and status of a king. In our earlier discussion, we referred to this conveyance as a couch, signifying its luxurious nature. Solomon sent his elegant litter, or palanquin, to fetch his bride, symbolizing his commitment and care for her.

In the text, we encounter the question posed in verse six: “Who is this coming up from the wilderness?” The pronoun “this” is feminine, indicating the bride Solomon sent for, illuminating her journey from desolation to fulfillment. This motif brings to mind the Exodus narrative, where the Israelites were led out of Egypt, embodying a spiritual transition from bondage to freedom. Solomon is guiding her out of a life characterized by pilgrimage and isolation, leading her to a place of belonging and significance within his royal household.

In the New Testament, Jesus parallels John 14:2-3, saying, “There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am, you may be also.” This promise mirrors Solomon’s sending for his bride, as it suggests a deep connection and a longing to be united with His bride in His palatial home.

The palanquin, designed by Solomon, is an impressive structure made from the finest wood of Lebanon. Its posts are crafted from glistening silver, while its base boasts brilliant gold, emphasizing its splendor and the King’s wealth. This construction signifies a union of beauty and strength, as silver and gold symbolize purity and value. The seat is beautifully upholstered with rich purple wool, traditionally associated with royalty and wealth.

Let us reflect on whose litter this truly is. It belongs to Solomon, a powerful archetype of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wood represents Jesus in His humanity—a unique fusion of grace and humility. Isaiah 53:2 beautifully illustrates this, stating, “He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him.” The fragrant cedar of Lebanon, renowned for its alluring scent and resistance to pests, highlights Christ’s enduring and eternal qualities.

Although Isaiah pointed out that there was no outward splendor to lure followers, the bride gazes upon Him. She declares that He is altogether lovely in the upcoming verses, a recognition of an inner beauty that transcends superficial judgments. The wood becomes a profound symbol of Jesus in His humanity—an embodiment of divine love and beauty that surpasses all understanding and earthly expectations. This rich imagery deepens our appreciation of the sacred relationship between the bride and her King, reflecting the ultimate bond between Christ and His faithful followers, a union filled with love and grace that transcends time and circumstance.

The Bible teaches us that silver symbolizes redemption. Whenever something or someone—like the firstborn of a family or an animal—needed to be redeemed, it required silver, the coin of redemption. This highlights the importance of silver in making something whole again. On the other hand, wood represents humanity. This invites us to ponder why God sent His Son into the world, taking on human form, to redeem us as lost sinners.

Furthermore, Scripture indicates that gold signifies deity. In this light, Jesus embodies both wood and gold—He is perfectly both man and God. God holds gold in such high esteem. He has paved the streets of His heavenly abode with it, transforming them into pure gold, a reflection of His divine majesty and glory.

Let us also consider the color purple. Purple is deeply associated with royalty, historically linked to kings and nobility because the dye was rare and expensive. Combining these elements—wood representing His humanity and gold signifying His divinity—we see that Jesus is the quintessential Son of Man, fully human and fully divine.

The silver signifies that we are not redeemed by corruptible things—like earthly possessions or wealth—but by the incorruptible blood of Jesus, which is eternal and perfect. Gold underscores that He is the ultimate God among all gods; any entity that attempts to exalt itself above the God of heaven is false, fleeting, and subject to His divine authority and righteous anger. Additionally, purple and lavender can be seen as related to scarlet in their connotations of nobility and sacrifice. Jesus is more than just a King; He is truly the King of kings, the King of Israel, the King of the Jews, and one day, He will reign as the King of the entire world, the new Eden. Eventually, every worldly King will kneel before Him in reverence, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Consider the imagery of an ornate litter-couch, a stunning mode of ancient transport, carried by strong and robust men in the court of Solomon. Within this regal setting, a Shulamite girl gracefully occupies the litter, embodying the elegance and importance of distinguished individuals of that time. This scenario beckons us to ask: Are we traveling to heaven on someone’s shoulders? The answer is a resounding yes!

The revelation of God’s kingdom unfolds in layers, like a rich tapestry. We learn profoundly from those who have traversed this path before us; we metaphorically stand on the shoulders of the saints and scholars who have paved the way for our understanding. These brave souls have risked their lives—some even laid them down—for the priceless knowledge of God and the transference of the Gospel to subsequent generations.

So, whose shoulders do we actually rest upon? The answer is beautifully encapsulated in Luke 15:4-6: “Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? Then, when he has found it, he joyfully places it on his shoulders. Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’” We are supported by the strong, loving shoulders of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. He embarked on a relentless quest to find us; without His unwavering pursuit, we would have perished in our sins. Yet, His love compelled Him to seek us until we were safely found. Out of boundless love and grace, He lifted us high onto His shoulders and joyfully returned us to the shelter of His fold. So, we journey to heaven, securely cradled in His embrace, assured of His endless mercy and love.

In Isaiah 9:6, we read: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The term “shoulder” comes from the Hebrew word “shekhem,” a singular masculine construct, highlighting the immense responsibility and authority that God the Son possesses. This suggests that He can govern the complexities and burdens of the world with great strength and poise, effectively carrying the weight of global matters on one shoulder.

However, saving humanity required a profound and personal commitment. In this context, carrying us into God’s eternal presence—offering redemption and salvation—mandated the support and strength represented by “shoulders” in the plural. This signifies the collaborative and compassionate nature of His mission. It reflects the depth of His love and the multifaceted approach needed to bring us into communion with Him.

As we reflect on this, we can take great comfort in the assurance that we are secure on our journey toward eternal glory, knowing that we are embraced by His everlasting support and guidance.

“Its interior was inlaid with leather by the maidens of Jerusalem,” another translation reveals. “The interior is paved with love.” The Hebrew word for “inlaid” is “ratsaph,” which means fitted or designed with intent and care. We might also use the contemporary slang term “tricked-out” to describe the palanquin, highlighting that it is extravagantly adorned or equipped with love, indicating that it is not only functional but also an object of beauty and opulence reflecting God Himself. The crowning attribute of our God is His profound and enduring love.

While some may challenge this view, John’s Gospel offers a compelling clarification: “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The term “only,” translated from the Greek word “monogenēs,” signifies something that is one of a kind and utterly unique. God’s love in Jesus is not merely a generic type of affection; it is the singular love of its kind—unique, eternal, boundless, and unconditional.

In his epistle, John further elaborates on this theme: “And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one who resides in love resides in God, and God resides in him” (1 John 4:16). This message emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and those who embrace His love. The litter on which we are being carried through this life is not just a vehicle; it is lavishly paved, or covered, with the love of God, wrapping us in comfort and grace.

Do you recall in Chapter Two where the Shulamite girl declares, “He brought me into the banquet hall, and He looked at me lovingly,” or expresses, “His banner over me is love”. The opulence and splendor of the banquet hall mirror the lavishness of the palanquin she describes. She exclaims, “What is above me and below me is love; what is all around me is love. He has surrounded me entirely with His love.” This vivid imagery paints a picture of a harmonious existence where love envelops her from every direction.

What a remarkable way to embark on the journey to heaven! This is the love that steadfastly refuses to let us go; this love is unique, eternal, and unconditional. The Apostle Paul articulates this truth with clarity when he states: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39). This assurance provides comfort and strength, reminding us that God’s love is an unbreakable bond that sustains us through every circumstance.

In verse seven, it states, “Look! It is Solomon’s portable couch! It is surrounded by sixty warriors, some of Israel’s mightiest warriors.” This vivid imagery highlights the impressive scene where the Shulamite girl is escorted home on a lavish couch, symbolizing honor and protection. The sixty bodyguards surrounding her are not just ordinary men but skilled champions and esteemed war veterans, representing the highest caliber of Israel’s mightiest warriors. Their presence signifies the strength and safety surrounding her during her journey.

This arrangement also serves as a reminder that mighty guardian angels are always with us, guiding and protecting us as we make our way on our journey toward our heavenly home. We can only wonder how often God has intervened on our behalf, rebuking and defeating the lies and schemes directed against us. Countless times, He has built a protective hedge around us, safeguarding us from harm and ensuring our well-being. As the Shulamite girl approaches her ultimate destination, it is revealed not as a mere common destination but as a resplendent realm of glory. This paradise surpasses all human perception and imagination, with beauty and peace beyond human comprehension.

She declares in Verse eleven, “Come out, O maidens of Zion,” the phrase maidens or daughters of Zion is another way to describe the children of Israel. Zion could also represent the land of God’s people, which in this case would be Jerusalem. The Hebrew name “Zion” actually means “parched place.” The prophecy of Isaiah 35:1-2 says, “Let the wilderness and desert be happy; let the arid rift valley rejoice and bloom like a lily! Let it richly bloom; let it rejoice and shout with delight! It is given the grandeur of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the grandeur of the Lord, the splendor of our God.” This speaks of the millennium when Jesus comes to rule and reign upon the earth. “Come out, O maidens of Zion,” she is speaking to those who live around the environs of Jerusalem, like they do even today, who are occupying the space of Jerusalem but have a blindness about them, disbelieving that Jesus is their Messiah, disobeying and rebelling against the grace of God from Heaven. But one day it will be like Zechariah 14, and Romans nine through eleven, the blindness will be removed from Israel, and they will believe in the Lord Jesus as their Messiah and Savior. It will be at the beginning of the millennium of the new kingdom reign of Christ upon the earth. “I will pour out on the kingship of David and the population of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication so that they will look to me, the one they have pierced. They will lament for him as one laments for an only son, and there will be a bitter cry for him like the bitter cry for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10

At a wedding feast, the bride radiates elegance and grace, drawing the gaze of all present. She is adorned in breathtaking gowns embellished with intricate lace and delicate beadwork, and her flowing trains sweep behind her like a cascading waterfall, embodying purity, beauty, and innocence. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, especially when the bride marries into royalty, transforming the occasion into a grand celebration of love, tradition, and societal importance.

As the Shulamite girl approaches the magnificent palace—a structure resplendent with shimmering gold accents and adorned with vibrant floral arrangements—her thoughts are not consumed by the palace’s opulence, the luxurious palanquin that carries her, or even her own striking appearance. Instead, she joyfully cries, “Come out, O maidens of Zion, and gaze upon King Solomon!” This heartfelt proclamation transcends mere formality; it is an invitation bursting with love and enthusiasm, urging her community to witness the regal presence of the King, a declaration of her desire for all to share in the beauty of her beloved.

This heartfelt call is not solely an invitation to admire the King’s regal splendor but a communal sharing of joy, encouraging the community to witness the magnificence of the one who has won her heart. It is a beautiful reminder that our spiritual journeys are not meant to be undertaken in isolation but thrive within a faith community. Just as the bride yearns for others to behold the magnificence of the one who holds her heart, we are called to embrace and celebrate the divine love and grace that permeates our lives in Christ Jesus in community.

This imagery resonates with the verses from Hebrews 2:8-9, which state that God has placed everything under His control, akin to the way King Solomon ruled his vast kingdom in Jerusalem: “You put all things under his control.” For when he put all things under his control, he left nothing outside of his control. At present we do not yet see all things under his control, but we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by God’s grace he would experience death on behalf of everyone.”

This passage emphasizes that despite corruption and disorder in the world, we can find comfort and hope when we see Jesus. He is actively drawing us toward Himself, urging us to focus our gaze upon Him instead of getting lost in our circumstances. His kingdom is eternal, steadfast, and impervious to failure. If we keep our gaze upon Jesus, we maintain a deep connection to Him and align with His divine purpose for our lives; nothing—neither trials, tribulations, nor any external forces—can sever that bond of love.

“...gaze upon King Solomon.” The name Solomon is rooted in the Hebrew word “shalom,” a rich term encompassing peace, welfare, prosperity, goodness, and grace. This multifaceted definition imbues Solomon with the essence of a peacemaker, positioning him as the quintessential man of peace. Similarly, Jesus, honored as our Prince of Peace, reigns with supreme and divine authority. Romans 5:1-2 beautifully declares, “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have also obtained access into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory.” In the Eschaton, Jesus’s reign in Jerusalem, the city epitomizing peace, fulfills the extraordinary prophetic promises in Scripture.

During biblical times, it was a profound custom for the bride and groom to don crowns during their wedding ceremonies, tangible symbols of their sacred union and elevated status. This tradition underscores the significance of crowns as emblems of honor, dignity, and commitment. It is particularly noteworthy to consider the crown Solomon wore, a cherished gift from his mother on the momentous occasion of his wedding day—a ritual steeped in cultural importance and familial connection. In verse eleven, we witness Solomon depicted as a typological figure of Jesus on His wedding day.

In the book of Revelation, chapter 19, verses 11-12a, Jesus is vividly portrayed riding a majestic white horse: “Then I saw heaven opened, and here came a white horse! The one riding it was called ‘Faithful’ and ‘True,’ and with justice, He judges and goes to war. His eyes are like a fiery flame, and there are many diadem crowns on His head…” These crowns, or diadems, not only signify the overwhelming weight of His authority and honor but also serve as a profound testament to His divine identity, majesty, and grace—the full embodiment of the ruler of all creation.

The term “diadem” designates a crown bestowed not through toil or conquest but grounded in one’s intrinsic honor, noble position, or undeniable prestige. Jesus possesses a multitude of crowns (diadems) not for any accolades of achievement, but because of who He is—an embodiment of lovingkindness, mercy, and grace, radiating the immeasurable love of the Father to all who seek Him. These crowns represent much more than mere adornments; they signify Jesus’s divine essence, unmatched authority, and rightful stature as the King of all kings.

The phrase “…on His wedding day” evokes imagery of immense joy, celebration, and fulfillment, encapsulating the profound love and covenant commitment He holds for His people. In its rich history, we recognize that Israel has faced substantial trials and tribulations, while the Church has also navigated its share of challenges amid a world fraught with turmoil. As poignantly expressed in Psalm 30:5, “For His anger lasts only a brief moment, but His favor restores one’s life. One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.” Jesus Himself traversed a proverbial night of deep anguish—enduring scourging, bearing the weight of the cross, and ultimately shedding His precious blood for our restoration to the Father.

Now, elevated and glorified, Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand in heaven, reigning with boundless gladness and joy as the Lord of all creation, transcending every earthly King and authority. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy,”  Psalm 16:11. Affirming that in His divine presence, we experience an abundance of peace, love, and indescribable delight.

There is no doubt that we are witnessing a wedding procession. However, the thoughts and poetry presented here are not necessarily arranged in chronological order, unlike some of the other verses that clearly indicate a wedding is taking place. In a spiritual sense, this scene is a symbolic foretaste of the wedding between the bride of Christ and the Lamb of God, the cherished Son of Almighty God.

So, how do we gain entry to this extraordinary wedding feast? The answer is elegantly simple: We believe He loves us and will send for us, just as King Solomon once sent for the Shulamite girl in the timeless romance of the Song of Solomon. We will arrive in resplendent style, gloriously meeting our Bridegroom in all His divine splendor and majestic glory, amidst the Divine Council. Just as Rebecca’s heart swelled with excitement when she first set her eyes on Isaac, I can only imagine Eve’s delight upon encountering Adam for the first time, and Ruth’s sheer elation at recognizing Boaz’s identity as her kinsman-redeemer.

Similarly, Mary felt a profound joy and relief knowing Joseph would love and support her through God’s miraculous plan of the virgin birth. In the same uplifting way, the Church—often called the bride of Christ—will experience overwhelming joy when she finally gazes upon her Bridegroom, her Savior, the precious Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Now, we have some insight into how we will arrive at this grand event: in a portable couch or palanquin. Just like the Shulamite girl who made her entrance in style, akin to arriving in a Pullman car on a luxurious passenger train. A Pullman car was renowned for its dining, lounge, and sleeping accommodations, representing the epitome of comfort and elegance for travelers in a bygone era.

Is this a love story? Let me express it this way: the Bible is rich with love stories that reveal the depth and complexity of relationships orchestrated by God. As I’ve previously mentioned, Adam and Eve’s union represents the sanctity of marriage from the beginning. Isaac and Rebecca’s courtship is another profound example of divine love, marked by faith and trust. Then there’s the story of Joseph and Asenath, who, although she was a Gentile, their marriage highlighted the inclusion of all peoples in God’s redemptive plan.

We cannot overlook the beautiful romance of Boaz and Ruth; Ruth, a Moabite by birth, embraced the Jewish faith out of deep love for Boaz, embodying loyalty and commitment. The poignant love story of Hosea and Gomer illustrates themes of betrayal, unconditional love, and restoration. Additionally, the relationship between Jehovah and Israel further underscores the wondrous love story throughout Scripture, culminating in the extraordinary connection between Christ and the Church.

I firmly believe that one day we will behold our Savior in all His glory. As it states in 1 John 3:2, “Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will become has not yet been revealed. We know that we will be like Him whenever it is revealed, because we will see Him just as He is.” This is indeed a love story of epic proportions. Verse 11 calls us to “Come out, O maidens of Zion, and gaze upon King Solomon!” Much like when we gaze upon the Lord Jesus, He will appear, and we shall be transformed to be like Him, “because we will see Him just as He is.”

A profound transformation occurs from the experience of seeing Jesus. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this transformative process in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” This idea of transformation is echoed in Psalm 135:4, which declares, “Indeed, the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel to be His special possession.” Do you know who is coming for us? It’s Solomon’s palanquin, ready to carry us with compassion and care as His treasured special possession, surrounded by the angelic armies who will carry us and protect us on our journey.

Deuteronomy 32:10 expands upon this idea: “The Lord found him in a desolate land, in an empty wasteland where animals howl. He continually guarded him, taught him, and protected him like the pupil of His eye.” The term “pupil,” often translated as “apple of His eye,” carries a deeper meaning in Hebrew; “pupil” is the term (‘ishon) which literally means “little man,” perhaps because when one gazes into another’s eyes, they see a reflection of themselves in miniature. God views us as direct representations of Himself, seeing Jesus reflected as the “little man” in miniature in our eyes, beautifully beholding us, which is why we are called His imagers. He is transforming us to be like Him in character and essence. This profound connection encapsulates the incredible love and care that God holds for all of us, His cherished children.

The rich purple wool adorning the seat of Solomon’s chair inside the royal litter symbolizes royalty and the immense value associated with this vibrant color in ancient cultures. Purple dye was derived from the secretions of certain sea mollusks, particularly the murex, and was famously difficult to obtain. Each mollusk yielded only a minuscule quantity of dye, necessitating the harvesting of approximately 250,000 mollusks to produce just a single ounce of the coveted purple dye. This time-consuming and labor-intensive process reflects the profound depth of God’s love for His people—a love that is both extravagant and sacrificial.

I imagine Solomon may have proclaimed, “Come home, my darling; I’m going to clothe you in purple,” he would be expressing that nothing was too sumptuous or extravagant for His beloved bride, signifying her elevated status and worth. “You will be the bride, the King’s bride forevermore,” suggesting a union marked by honor and eternal commitment.

This theme of divine love and betrothal is echoed in Ezekiel 16:8-14, where God passionately declares His affection for Israel. The vivid imagery used in this passage illustrates God entering into an everlasting covenant relationship with His people. In a parallel expression of love, the Song of Solomon conveys the profound relationship between Jesus and the Church. The passage reads: “When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love. I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.”

The passage continues to describe an intimate relationship: “Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you, and anointed you with oil. I clothed you with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, putting bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I placed a ring in your nose and earrings in your ears and crowned you with a beautiful headpiece. Thus, you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was woven from fine linen, silk, and exquisite fabrics. You dined on fine flour, honey, and oil. You grew exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty, and your renown spread among the nations because of your beauty, perfected through the splendor that I had bestowed upon you, declares the Lord God.”

God’s deep and abiding love for Israel is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness. Praise God for His faithfulness! In the same spirit, Jesus extends His boundless love to His beloved Church, inviting us to enter into a deep interpersonal relationship with Him as His bride, marked by joy and celebration. We have been graciously invited to come home with Him, to dwell in His presence now and forevermore, and to partake of a majestic wedding feast that embodies the ultimate union between the divine and humanity, radiating love, joy, and everlasting fellowship.

Stephen Barnett