Song of Solomon 2
Song of Solomon 2 presents a poetic dialogue that reflects the love between the bride and the bridegroom. The chapter expresses themes of desire, mutual admiration, and the beauty of love. It is filled with natural imagery to describe love's strength and purity. The chapter also emphasizes waiting for the right time for love to flourish.
Song of Solomon 2:1-2 (NKJV)
1 I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.
2 Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.
The bride describes herself as a simple yet beautiful flower. The rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys are both humble, wildflowers, symbolizing her modesty and beauty. The groom responds, comparing her to a lily among thorns, signifying that her purity and beauty stand out in contrast to others.
Song of Solomon 2:3-7 (NKJV)
3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
4 He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.
5 Sustain me with cakes of raisins, Refresh me with apples, For I am lovesick.
6 His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me.
7 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field, Do not stir up nor awaken love Until it pleases.
The bride compares her beloved to an apple tree, a tree that provides shelter, nourishment, and sweetness. She feels protected and cherished in his presence. Their love is celebrated with joy, but she warns the daughters of Jerusalem not to rush love; it must bloom naturally. Love, once awakened, should be allowed to grow in its own time.
Song of Solomon 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he stands behind our wall; He is looking through the windows, Gazing through the lattice.
The bride hears her beloved approaching with excitement. His movements are swift and full of energy, like a gazelle or stag. His desire to see her is strong, and though there is a wall between them, he seeks her eagerly, watching for her through the window. This shows his longing and anticipation to be with her.
Song of Solomon 2:10-13 (NKJV)
10 My beloved spoke, and said to me: "Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away.
11 For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone.
12 The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land.
13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs, And the vines with the tender grapes Give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away!
The beloved calls the bride to join him, for the season of winter, representing obstacles and separation, has passed. Spring has arrived, bringing new life and beauty, symbolizing the flourishing of their love. The scene captures the joy of being together, as nature itself reflects the renewal of love in their lives.
Song of Solomon 2:14 (NKJV)
14 O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret places of the cliff, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.
The beloved continues to express his deep affection for the bride, calling her a dove, a symbol of purity and gentleness. He longs to be closer to her, asking to see her face and hear her voice, which he finds sweet and beautiful. This verse highlights the intimacy and tenderness between them.
Song of Solomon 2:15 (NKJV)
15 Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.
The couple acknowledges the small problems that can damage their relationship, comparing them to little foxes that spoil the vineyard. The vineyard, like their love, is delicate and needs protection. This reflects the importance of addressing issues early to prevent harm to their love.
Song of Solomon 2:16-17 (NKJV)
16 My beloved is mine, and I am his. He feeds his flock among the lilies.
17 Until the day breaks And the shadows flee away, Turn, my beloved, And be like a gazelle Or a young stag Upon the mountains of Bether.
The bride expresses her deep connection with her beloved, affirming that they belong to each other. The imagery of feeding among the lilies suggests peace and harmony in their relationship. As they wait for the dawn, she urges him to be like a gazelle, swift and free, symbolizing their mutual desire to be together.