May My Beloved Come Into His Garden

“Awake, O north wind; come, O south wind! Blow on my garden so that its fragrant spices may send out their sweet smell. May my beloved come into his garden and eat its delightful fruit! I have entered my garden, O my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my balsam spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk! Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!” Song of Solomon 4:16-5:1 NET

At times, navigating chapter divisions within a text can create disruptions that hinder the flow of a writer’s intended message. While I’m not suggesting that this particular instance significantly interrupts the narrative here, it is evident that there exists a seamless continuity between the thoughts expressed in the two paragraphs we are exploring. In Chapter 4, verse 16, the bride eloquently conveys her deep feelings of longing and desire, revealing her yearning for intimacy and connection. In response, Chapter 5, verse 1 captures the Bridegroom’s tender reply, filled with love and affirmation, reflecting the mutual devotion that defines their relationship.

I firmly believe these two verses are not merely adjacent but are intricately intertwined, crafting a beautifully intimate dialogue that enhances their overall meaning. This passage of scripture is notably unique; many scholarly commentaries and academic discussions do not parse the text in the same way we will approach it in our study today. I am purposefully highlighting these two verses because they encapsulate a crucial spiritual principle that I believe is vital for our understanding and growth. Embracing this principle has the potential to profoundly enrich our spiritual journey and deepen our connection with the Lord.

“Awake, O north wind; come.” In this phrase, the Shulamite woman expresses her longing as it seems that the north wind has not been blowing much in this part of the poem. Yet we rejoice in knowing the One who commands the winds and the waves of the sea, highlighting a divine authority that transcends the natural world order.

Addressing the north wind directly is an unusual choice. It exemplifies the literary device known as an “apostrophe,” where an inanimate object is spoken to as if it were capable of understanding. The Song of Solomon is rich in poetry, and here, another figure of speech called “personification” brings life to the wind, infusing it with human-like qualities. Shulamite believes the wind can hear her pleas and respond to her call, blurring the lines between nature and personal desire.

The terms ‘awake’ or ‘awaken’ recur three times throughout the Song of Solomon; this repetition acts almost as a refrain or chorus, emphasizing a key theme. For instance, in Song of Solomon 8:4, the verse states, “I admonish you, O maidens of Jerusalem: do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases!” The Hebrew definition of “awake” signifies to ‘stir up’ or ‘rouse’ something from slumber. In this context, she commands the north wind to awaken, suggesting a powerful, transformative action.

Much like the passage in Ephesians 5:13-14, it says: “But all things being exposed by the light are made visible. For everything made visible is light, and for this reason it says: “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!” The night of slumber has passed; it is now time for the light of Christ to shine, especially in her garden.

This moment is a metaphor for love; genuine affection must develop gradually—like a flower blooming—before it can achieve intimacy. This principle universally applies to all forms of love, especially in our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Our connection with Him matures over time, blooming in stages as we grow in faith and understanding.

However, the focus shifts here. Rather than saying “don’t awake or stir my love until it pleases Him,” as she did before, she now invites the north wind to awaken, indicating a desire for its presence. Typically, the north wind is known for its cold and blustery nature, yet it can also signal the arrival of fair weather. By calling for the north wind to blow upon her garden, she hopes it will carry her fragrant essence towards her Bridegroom, drawing Him closer to her.

Have you ever pondered the magnetic allure of Jesus? His ability to draw people to Himself is profound—this is, in fact, the essence of the glory of the cross. He said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). The sweet aroma of this young woman, depicted as a garden or an orchard, symbolizes her complete devotion to the Lord Jesus, creating a sacred space that exclusively invites Him to share in her life.

Consider this: can you attract the presence of the Lord? He reassures us with promises such as “I will never leave you or forsake you,” affirming His constant companionship. He also declares, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Yet, there are remarkable instances when His presence envelops us with a unique warmth, rich intimacy, and profound fellowship.

The Shulamite articulates her readiness to embrace whatever may come—whether it be the cold, bitter winds of life or the warm, sweet moments of His closeness. She yearns for the north wind to blow, signaling her desire to be a fragrant offering that draws her Beloved near her.

By expressing this deep longing, she embodies the desire to glorify Jesus through the good works that were prepared for her to do beforehand, both in the fellowship of the saints and in the broader world at large. If you find yourself yearning for the presence of Jesus, invite Him into your daily life. Ask Him to wake you up early in the morning to engage with Him in prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship, savoring quiet moments alone with Him. Engaging in these spiritual practices can bring immense joy and a sense of fulfillment to your relationship with Jesus, allowing you to witness how He responds to your fragrant offerings and heartfelt prayers.

The line “Come, O south wind!” invites a closer examination, suggesting a richness beneath its surface. Let’s explore this further: she has previously extended an invitation to the north wind, which brings a spectrum of weather—sometimes gentle and inviting, other times harsh and biting. In contrast, the south wind sweeps in from the sunbaked desert, carrying with it not only warmth and humidity that can wrap around her like a comforting embrace, but it also has the potential for fierce whirlwinds and tumultuous windstorms, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life itself.

Though it conveys a different sentiment, this duality resonates deeply within her expression. She longs for the south wind’s presence, understanding that if the north wind is at play and her Lord draws near her from that direction, he will come to her. Conversely, she also believes he will still reach her side if the south wind stirs and he approaches from that vantage.

Her unwavering resolve shines through as she declares that the nature of the conditions—whether blissful or tumultuous—does not deter her. She is resolute in her willingness to face any trials or tribulations that may arise, for what she desires most fervently is his presence. Her heart yearns for him to come to her, transcending any obstacles posed by the circumstances of his arrival. This longing envelops her, combining hope and determination in the face of whatever may come.

“Blow on my garden…” We have encountered the word ‘blow’ before; it is translated from the Hebrew word “puach,” which means to breathe out or exhale gently, or to puff air. I envision the gentle breezes, or zephyrs, flowing in and carrying her fragrance to a lost and dying world. In this imagery, Jesus responds to the call, and He eventually enters into her garden, filled with life and beauty.

When she invokes the phrase “Blow upon my garden,” the word “puach” connects to the concept of “ruach,” which means spirit or breath or to puff. Ruach is the term used in the Old Testament that refers to the Holy Spirit of God, the divine presence that brings life and inspiration.

I have already pointed out that it is the Holy Spirit who creates the beautiful fragrances in our lives—those moments of joy, peace, and love. So, who is it that she longs to have blow in from the north? It is indeed the Holy Spirit. She is communicating that “if you need to teach me valuable lessons during difficult times, that is perfectly acceptable. Even in moments of fairness and ease, I welcome your guidance.”

Holy Spirit, blow in from the south, even if it means bringing whirlwinds and sandstorms, if that is what it takes to draw my Savior closer to me and deepen our fellowship. I embrace whatever circumstances you bring, knowing they are there for my growth.

If the weather is warm and humid, I will express my gratitude. Holy Spirit, blow upon my heart and life—my garden—and help me become a comforting influence to those around me in every situation, offering kindness, support, and the love of Jesus, no matter the challenges I face.

“Blow on my garden so that its fragrant spices may send out their sweet smell.” She knows she has got spices, fragrances, beautiful things that her Beloved desires, she has been cooperating with the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for spices is “nazal,” which speaks of sweet odors that flow out of her garden and are there to draw and attract her Beloved. Do you know what we are with the fragrance of spices in our lives? We are ambassadors for Christ Jesus, representing Him by our fragrance and love for one another. This is what she is saying: “I want to be fragrant, I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, in good times and in bad times, I want to reflect how good God is, and I want to bring honor and glory to Him, let my spices flow out now.”  

“May my beloved come into his garden and eat its delightful fruit!” This phrase embodies an intimate invitation rather than a mere command for Him to enter His garden. The Hebrew term for “come,” in Hebrew is “bo,” is significant because it is an imperfect verb, indicating not just a single act of coming, but a continuous invitation—a call to come and keep coming repeatedly.

This reflects her deep commitment to her Beloved for the long haul, emphasizing that her devotion transcends fleeting moments of affection. She yearns for Him to have permanent and ongoing access to what she now lovingly calls His garden.

Moreover, she recognizes that the garden is no longer just her own; it has been cultivated and maintained by her Beloved. Every element within it—the vibrant flowers, the aromatic herbs, and the lush fruits—has been nurtured by His care and attention. This partnership highlights a sense of shared intimacy and connection.

As we look ahead to Song of Solomon 6:3, it beautifully states: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies.” We see a beautiful affirmation of belonging. The garden is a shared sanctuary, where His presence reigns, reflecting her willingness to entrust this sacred space entirely to Him. She has devoted her mind, her heart, and her very essence—her arms and legs, her thoughts and emotions—in service of Him.

Her desire extends beyond a simple invitation to enter His garden for pleasure; she longs for Him to partake in its abundance—to savor the fruits and experience the depth of their shared love and devotion. This is a profound expression of connection, loyalty, and mutual belonging between her and her Beloved.

She warmly invites Him to eat, enjoy, and partake in the delightful fruits of His garden. The essence of the word “delightful” goes beyond mere enjoyment; it embodies excellence—the best of the best—so unique and unparalleled that there is nothing else like it anywhere else in creation. Don’t you yearn to cultivate your life into an orchard or garden that reflects this beauty? This transformation isn’t born from our own efforts alone; instead, it flourishes under the loving care and nurturing guidance of our King. We desire to create a vibrant, flourishing garden for our Savior, offering Him the very best we can give and inviting Him to savor its delightful fruits.

I recall a significant moment when Jesus chose to abstain from eating—He was in the midst of a forty-day fast. This profound period is documented as "His temptation in the wilderness" in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in chapter 4:3. At that time, the tempter approached Him, saying, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.” The tempter seemed concerned, suggesting, “Jesus, you should eat something; you’re looking weak. I’ve been observing you for seven weeks, yet you haven’t eaten a single bite.” However, Jesus responded firmly in Matthew 4:4, declaring, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

In that moment, Jesus chose to abstain from food, prioritizing spiritual sustenance over physical nourishment. Yet, when He approaches our lives—when He comes to our garden, which has been intentionally set apart and consecrated exclusively for Him—He arrives with an appetite, eager to partake. He immediately responds to our invitation: “Let Him eat His delightful fruits.” The moment she invites Him, He is on His way, reflecting a divine response to heartfelt longing. This is beautifully illustrated in Isaiah 65:24, which states, “Before they even call out, I will respond; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” This captures the intimacy of our relationship with Him, highlighting how attentive He is to our needs and desires as we nurture our spiritual gardens for His glory.

“I have entered my garden, O my sister, my bride.” This profound statement captures a remarkable truth, primarily expressed in the King James Version: “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse.” The name of the Hebrew God, known as “I Am, that I Am,” appears in the Bible a staggering 6,519 times—highlighting His eternal, unchanging nature.

Enter Jesus, who proclaims, “I am the way, I am the truth, I am the door, I am the light of the world, I am the true vine, I am everlasting life, I am the bread that came down from heaven.” These declarations reveal His multifaceted role in our lives and the universe. Isn’t it thrilling to consider that the God who meticulously crafted all the stars, planets, and galaxies in the cosmos wishes to be personally involved in our daily lives? This same God, who governs all nations and events throughout history—echoed in the familiar melody of the hymn, “He’s got the whole world in His hands”—has chosen to enter our hearts and reside within us.

When He says, “I have entered My garden,” it signifies something profound: the King and His Spirit have cultivated a flourishing garden and vibrant orchards within the Shulamite woman’s life, yet she willingly offers it to Him. This act of surrender parallels a husband declaring, “This is my wife; I will be true to her and her only.” In this same imagery, she, as the bride, has pledged her faithfulness to Him alone, embodying a deep covenantal relationship.

We do not belong to ourselves. As articulated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? And you are not your own. For you were bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God with your body.” This passage emphasizes our identity as vessels for the Holy Spirit, reminding us that we carry a sacred responsibility to honor Him with our lives.

When He declares, “I have entered my garden, O my sister, my bride,” it emphasizes the depth of our relationship—my garden is His garden. My heart is His heart, intricately intertwined in a beautiful tapestry of love. The term “my sister, my bride” illustrates His comprehensive care for us. By referring to us as “sister,” He acknowledges our physical and communal bond in Christ, echoing Hebrews 2:11: “For indeed he who makes holy and those who are being made holy all have the same origin, and so he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” This declaration signifies the unity and kinship we share, reminding us that we are all part of the richness of the family of God.

Moreover, when He calls us His bride, He speaks to our spiritual significance and identity. Our salvation, achieved through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, invites us into an intimate divine union, transforming us into members of the ecclesia, the bride of Christ. In this beautiful relationship, we allow Him to savor the time spent in the garden and orchard of our lives, delighting in the growth, beauty, and fruitfulness that arise from our shared journey with Him. Together, we experience the richness of His presence, cultivating a vibrant life that blossoms under His loving care.

“I have gathered my myrrh with my balsam spice.” The first items He sought were myrrh and balsam spice, both aromatic substances historically used in embalming and preparing bodies for burial. This detail underlines the significance of these gifts, as they foreshadowed Jesus’s sacrificial death. These gifts were the first offerings presented to Jesus by the wise men from the East, as mentioned in Matthew 2:11, highlighting their royal and profound nature.

The reason Jesus loves the Church deeply and came to save humanity is rooted in God’s desire for a family. John 1:11-12 illustrates this relationship: “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” The Greek term for ‘children’ is ‘teknon,’ denoting offspring or descendants, which emphasizes our connection to the divine. We are not just followers but are adopted as sons and daughters of God. This position is defined not by our actions or merits but by God’s grace—a beautiful gift to all who believe.

Jesus approached His bride with myrrh and balsam spice, embodying the words of Philippians 2:6-8: “Who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross!” This passage underscores the depth of Jesus’s humility and love as He sacrificially bore our sins, making the myrrh a poignant symbol of His impending death and sacrifice. “I’ve gathered my myrrh with my balsam spice,” serves as a reminder of this profound truth.

“I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey,” reveals another layer of His presence. This phrase highlights two forms of honey—the honeycomb, which requires effort to obtain, and the honey itself, which flows freely once accessed. This imagery signifies that while life may present challenges, God is with us through every circumstance, whether sweet or bitter. Welcoming us into His presence, He assures us of His companionship during joyful moments and in times of trial when burdens weigh heavily upon our hearts. “I have drunk my wine and my milk,” symbolizes joy and fulfillment, with wine representing the celebrations of life and milk embodying nourishment and strength.

In His flourishing garden, He takes immense delight and affection, extending an invitation: “Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love.” This call beckons us to immerse ourselves in the richness of His love and grace. But who are these beloved friends? Solomon might refer to the virgin daughters of Jerusalem, whose presence symbolizes a gathering of young believers on their spiritual journey, perhaps learning to embrace their burgeoning faith within the community.

In a deeper spiritual context, Jesus’s words in John 15:15 resonate: “I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father.” This declaration encapsulates the profound intimacy and trust that Jesus desires with His followers, viewing them not merely as servants but as cherished friends.

The Shulamite woman symbolizes a vibrant and fruitful garden, serving as a beacon of growth and inspiration for those who are young in their faith. Her mature garden exemplifies the beauty of a life steeped in spiritual richness, inviting others to witness and experience what a flourishing faith can look like. Through her journey, she encourages those around her to aspire to cultivate their own gardens of faith and spiritual fruitfulness, illustrating the limitless potential and beauty inherent in their relationship with God.

Stephen Barnett