Song of Solomon 4

¹ Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves’ eyes within thy locks: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

² Thy teeth [are] like a flock [of sheep that are even] shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none [is] barren among them.

³ Thy lips [are] like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech [is] comely: thy temples [are] like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.

⁴ Thy neck [is] like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

⁵ Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

⁶ Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

⁷ Thou [art] all fair, my love; [there is] no spot in thee.

⁸ Come with me from Lebanon, [my] spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

⁹ Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

¹⁰ How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

¹¹ Thy lips, O [my] spouse, drop [as] the honeycomb: honey and milk [are] under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments [is] like the smell of Lebanon.

¹² A garden inclosed [is] my sister, [my] spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

¹³ Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

¹⁴ Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

¹⁵ A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

¹⁶ Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, [that] the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

Overview of Song of Solomon Chapter 4

Song of Solomon Chapter 4 is a poetic and intimate dialogue between two lovers, often interpreted as a celebration of romantic love and physical desire. The chapter showcases the beauty of the beloved and the deep affection the speaker has for her. The language is rich with metaphor and imagery, reflecting the themes of love, beauty, and desire.

Structure and Themes

The chapter can be divided into several key sections, each highlighting different aspects of love and attraction.

1. Admiration of Beauty (Verses 1-5)
   • The speaker begins by praising the physical attributes of the beloved.
   • Imagery of nature is used to describe her beauty, such as comparing her eyes to doves and her hair to a flock of goats.
   • Each part of her body is celebrated, emphasizing the holistic appreciation of her as a person.
2. Symbolism of Nature (Verses 6-7)
   • The speaker expresses a desire to be with the beloved, using metaphors related to nature and the seasons.
   • The mention of the “mountains” and “hills” indicates a longing for closeness and intimacy.
   • The affirmation of her perfection highlights the idealization often present in romantic love.
3. Intimacy and Desire (Verses 8-15)
   • The speaker invites the beloved to come away with him, suggesting a journey of intimacy.
   • There is a strong emphasis on the physicality of their relationship, with references to gardens, fruits, and spices.
   • The use of sensual imagery creates a vivid picture of desire and attraction.
4. Celebration of Love (Verses 16)
   • The chapter concludes with an invitation for the beloved to awaken the love that lies within her.
   • This call to action suggests a mutual desire and the importance of reciprocity in love.

Literary Devices

Song of Solomon Chapter 4 employs various literary devices that enhance its poetic quality:

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions create strong visual representations of beauty and desire.
• Metaphor: Comparisons between the beloved and elements of nature deepen the emotional resonance of the text.
• Symbolism: Objects such as gardens and fruits symbolize fertility, love, and sensuality.
• Alliteration and Assonance: The use of sound devices adds musicality to the verses, enhancing their lyrical quality.

Theological Implications

While the Song of Solomon is often read as a celebration of human love, it also carries deeper theological implications:

• Divine Love: The passionate love between the lovers can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people.
• Affirmation of Physicality: The chapter affirms the goodness of physical love and desire, suggesting that these feelings are part of God’s creation.
• Mutuality in Relationships: The emphasis on reciprocity in love reflects the importance of mutual commitment and affection in relationships.

Conclusion

Song of Solomon Chapter 4 is a rich tapestry of love and desire, woven with beautiful imagery and profound themes. It celebrates the physical and emotional aspects of love, inviting readers to appreciate the depth of human relationships while also hinting at the divine love that underpins them. The chapter stands as a testament to the power of love in its many forms, encouraging both intimacy and admiration.