1 I [am] the rose of Sharon, [and] the lily of the valleys.
2 As the lily among thorns, so [is] my love among the daughters.
3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow 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 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I [am] sick of love.
6 His left hand [is] under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.
8 The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
9 My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
10 My beloved spake, and said unto 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 the singing [of birds] is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines [with] the tender grape give a [good] smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
14 O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.
15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes.
16 My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.
17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Overview of Song of Solomon Chapter 2
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 is a poetic dialogue that explores themes of love, beauty, and desire. The chapter features an exchange between the beloved and her lover, emphasizing the intensity of their romantic feelings. The imagery used throughout the chapter enhances the emotional depth and sensuality of their relationship.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections that highlight different aspects of love and longing:
- Expressions of Beauty (Verses 1-2)
The beloved describes herself as a “rose of Sharon” and a “lily of the valleys,” showcasing her self-perception and the admiration she seeks from her lover.
- Mutual Admiration (Verses 3-4)
The beloved finds solace and sweetness in her lover’s presence, comparing him to an apple tree. This metaphor signifies safety and nourishment in their relationship.
- Desire and Yearning (Verses 5-7)
The beloved expresses her longing for her lover, using rich imagery of wine and sustenance to symbolize the intoxicating effect of love.
- Nature as a Backdrop (Verses 8-13)
The chapter uses natural imagery to create a romantic setting, emphasizing the beauty of the season and the blossoming of love.
- Call to Action (Verses 14-15)
The beloved invites her lover to come to her, highlighting the urgency of their passion and the need to protect their love from external threats.
Thematic Analysis
- Love and Desire
The chapter encapsulates the fervent emotions of love and desire. The metaphors and similes used illustrate the depth of the beloved’s feelings for her lover.
- Beauty and Nature
Nature serves as a significant motif throughout the chapter. The references to flowers and trees symbolize the beauty of love and the natural progression of their relationship.
- Intimacy and Vulnerability
The dialogue reflects a deep sense of intimacy, as both characters reveal their vulnerabilities and desires. This openness fosters a strong emotional connection.
- Protection of Love
The call to “catch the foxes” signifies the need to protect their love from outside influences that could threaten their relationship.
Imagery and Symbolism
The chapter is rich in imagery and symbolism, which serve to enhance the emotional resonance of the text:
- Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Valleys
These floral images symbolize beauty, purity, and the beloved’s self-worth.
- Apple Tree
The apple tree represents safety, nourishment, and the sweetness of love, providing a contrast to the harshness of the world.
- Wine
Wine symbolizes the intoxicating nature of love, suggesting both joy and a sense of abandon.
- Seasons
The mention of springtime signifies renewal, growth, and the blossoming of love, paralleling the emotional awakening of the characters.
Conclusion
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 encapsulates the essence of romantic love through its vivid imagery and emotional depth. The interplay between the beloved and her lover illustrates the beauty, desire, and vulnerability inherent in intimate relationships. Through the use of nature and rich symbolism, the chapter invites readers to reflect on the complexities of love and the importance of nurturing and protecting it.
