1 I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night.
3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?
4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole [of the door], and my bowels were moved for him.
5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped [with] myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, [and] was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I [am] sick of love.
9 What [is] thy beloved more than [another] beloved, O thou fairest among women? what [is] thy beloved more than [another] beloved, that thou dost so charge us?
10 My beloved [is] white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
11 His head [is as] the most fine gold, his locks [are] bushy, [and] black as a raven.
12 His eyes [are] as [the eyes] of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, [and] fitly set.
13 His cheeks [are] as a bed of spices, [as] sweet flowers: his lips [like] lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
14 His hands [are as] gold rings set with the beryl: his belly [is as] bright ivory overlaid [with] sapphires.
15 His legs [are as] pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance [is] as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
16 His mouth [is] most sweet: yea, he [is] altogether lovely. This [is] my beloved, and this [is] my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Overview of Song of Solomon Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of the Song of Solomon presents a vivid and intimate portrayal of love, desire, and longing. This chapter can be interpreted as a dialogue between the beloved and the lover, highlighting the complexities and nuances of romantic relationships. The imagery used throughout the chapter evokes a sense of both physical attraction and emotional connection.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- The Beloved’s Dream (Verses 1-2)
- The Lover’s Description (Verses 3-8)
- The Beloved’s Praise (Verses 9-16)
The Beloved’s Dream (Verses 1-2)
In the opening verses, the beloved invites her friends to witness her union with her lover. This section is rich in metaphor and symbolism:
- The phrase “I have come into my garden” symbolizes intimacy and personal fulfillment.
- The beloved’s desire to share this moment with her friends indicates the communal aspect of love and relationships.
- The imagery of “spices” and “honeycomb” suggests the sweetness and richness of love.
The Lover’s Description (Verses 3-8)
In this section, the lover expresses a sense of longing and frustration. Key themes include:
- Separation: The lover’s absence is palpable, and the beloved feels a deep yearning for her partner.
- Search: The beloved’s quest for her lover illustrates the intensity of her desire. She searches the city for him, which symbolizes the lengths one will go to for love.
- Fear and Vulnerability: The beloved’s feelings of vulnerability are evident as she describes being beaten by the watchmen, highlighting the potential dangers in pursuing love.
The Beloved’s Praise (Verses 9-16)
This section shifts to a more celebratory tone, where the beloved praises her lover’s beauty and attributes:
- Physical Beauty: The beloved describes her lover using rich and poetic imagery, comparing him to various natural elements, which emphasizes his attractiveness.
- Symbolism of Nature: References to nature, such as “lilies” and “gold,” serve to elevate the lover’s status and create a sense of idealization.
- Emotional Connection: The beloved’s admiration extends beyond physical attributes to encompass the emotional and spiritual bond they share.
Thematic Elements
Several key themes emerge in Chapter 5:
- Desire and Longing: The chapter encapsulates the powerful emotions associated with love and desire, portraying both the joy and pain that can accompany romantic relationships.
- Intimacy: The imagery of gardens and spices reflects the deep intimacy that exists between the lovers, suggesting that love is both a personal and shared experience.
- Search for Connection: The beloved’s search for her lover emphasizes the active pursuit of love and the lengths individuals will go to maintain their relationships.
Conclusion
Chapter 5 of the Song of Solomon serves as a poignant exploration of love’s complexities, blending physical desire with emotional depth. Through rich imagery and metaphor, the chapter captures the essence of longing, intimacy, and the beauty of romantic relationships.
