Song of Solomon 1
The Song of Solomon is a poetic dialogue of love, often interpreted as an allegory of God's love for His people or Christ's love for the Church. The first chapter opens with a conversation between the bride and bridegroom, expressing mutual affection and desire. The bride longs for the bridegroom’s embrace, and others observe the beauty of their relationship.
Song of Solomon 1:1 (NKJV)
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
This verse introduces the book as “The Song of Songs,” indicating its supreme importance among the poetic works of Solomon. The title emphasizes that this is not just any song, but the best of songs, representing a deep, intimate theme of love. It sets the stage for the romantic expressions that follow.
Song of Solomon 1:2-4 (NKJV)
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine.
3 Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you.
4 Draw me away! We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you.
The bride yearns for the intimate affection of her beloved, comparing his love to something more desirable than wine. His reputation, like a pleasing fragrance, draws admiration from others. She expresses her desire to be drawn closer to him, longing for deeper connection. The mention of the king’s chambers suggests a personal, exclusive relationship, and the joy that comes from being united with him.
Song of Solomon 1:5-6 (NKJV)
5 I am dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not look upon me, because I am dark, Because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me the keeper of the vineyards, But my own vineyard I have not kept.
The bride acknowledges her outward appearance, darkened by the sun from working in the vineyards, yet she asserts her inner beauty. Her “darkness” symbolizes the burdens she carries, yet she maintains her loveliness, like the rich, beautiful tents of Kedar and Solomon’s curtains. She expresses vulnerability in feeling overlooked, having neglected her own “vineyard” (personal well-being) while tending to others’ demands.
Song of Solomon 1:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Tell me, O you whom I love, Where you feed your flock, Where you make it rest at noon. For why should I be as one who veils herself By the flocks of your companions?
8 If you do not know, O fairest among women, Follow in the footsteps of the flock, And feed your little goats Beside the shepherds’ tents.
The bride seeks to know where her beloved is so she can be close to him, expressing a desire not to appear as a stranger or outsider. The bridegroom, in response, assures her of her beauty and guides her to follow the flock, indicating that if she seeks him, she will find him among the ordinary, daily places of life. The exchange reflects a longing for nearness and the assurance of the beloved's presence.
Song of Solomon 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 I have compared you, my love, To my filly among Pharaoh’s chariots.
10 Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with chains of gold.
11 We will make you ornaments of gold With studs of silver.
The bridegroom compares his beloved to a prized horse among Pharaoh’s chariots, highlighting her beauty and majesty. The description of her adorned cheeks and neck with golden jewelry emphasizes her attractiveness and the care he takes in celebrating her beauty. His promise to make even more ornaments of gold and silver reflects his deep appreciation and desire to honor her with splendor.
Song of Solomon 1:12-14 (NKJV)
12 While the king is at his table, My spikenard sends forth its fragrance.
13 A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, That lies all night between my breasts.
14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blooms In the vineyards of En Gedi.
The bride reflects on the intimacy and closeness she feels toward her beloved, likening him to fragrant spices that bring her joy and comfort. Myrrh and henna were valuable and pleasant, symbolizing how precious and delightful the beloved is to her. The reference to En Gedi, a lush, fertile area, further emphasizes the richness and beauty of their love.
Song of Solomon 1:15-17 (NKJV)
15 Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.
16 Behold, you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant! Also, our bed is green.
17 The beams of our houses are cedar, And our rafters of fir.
The bridegroom admires the bride, calling her “fair” and describing her eyes as gentle and pure, like those of a dove. The bride reciprocates, expressing how pleasant and handsome her beloved is. The imagery of a green bed, cedar beams, and fir rafters paints a picture of their love being as fresh, strong, and enduring as nature itself. Their relationship is rooted in beauty, strength, and tranquility.