Song of Solomon 6

¹ Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.

² My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

³ I [am] my beloved’s, and my beloved [is] mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

⁴ Thou [art] beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as [an army] with banners.

⁵ Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

⁶ Thy teeth [are] as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and [there is] not one barren among them.

⁷ As a piece of a pomegranate [are] thy temples within thy locks.

⁸ There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

⁹ My dove, my undefiled is [but] one; she [is] the [only] one of her mother, she [is] the choice [one] of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; [yea], the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

¹⁰ Who [is] she [that] looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, [and] terrible as [an army] with banners?

¹¹ I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, [and] to see whether the vine flourished, [and] the pomegranates budded.

¹² Or ever I was aware, my soul made me [like] the chariots of Amminadib.

¹³ Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.

Overview of Song of Solomon Chapter 6

Song of Solomon Chapter 6 continues the exploration of love, desire, and the beauty of romantic relationships. This chapter is characterized by a dialogue between the beloved and the lover, revealing deeper emotional connections and the complexities of their relationship.

Structure of the Chapter

The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

• Verses 1-3: The Beloved’s Search
• Verses 4-10: The Lover’s Praise
• Verses 11-13: The Beloved’s Reflection and Invitation

Verses 1-3: The Beloved’s Search

In these verses, the beloved expresses a longing for her lover, indicating that she has been searching for him. The dialogue emphasizes the theme of pursuit in love.

1. The beloved questions the daughters of Jerusalem about her lover’s whereabouts.
2. She expresses her desire to be reunited with him, highlighting her commitment and devotion.
3. The response from the daughters signifies a communal aspect of love, where friends and companions play a role in the relationship.

Verses 4-10: The Lover’s Praise

In this section, the lover responds with admiration for the beloved, using vivid imagery to describe her beauty and virtues.

• The lover compares the beloved to various beautiful and majestic elements, such as:
1. A city, indicating strength and stature.
2. A dove, symbolizing purity and gentleness.
3. The sun, representing radiance and warmth.
• He highlights her uniqueness, stating that she is “altogether beautiful” and without flaw.
• This praise serves to reinforce the beloved’s self-worth and the depth of the lover’s feelings.

Verses 11-13: The Beloved’s Reflection and Invitation

The chapter concludes with the beloved reflecting on her own beauty and inviting her lover to join her in the garden.

• She describes her journey into the garden, symbolizing a place of intimacy and growth.
• The invitation to the lover signifies a desire for closeness and a deeper connection.
• The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation, as the beloved expresses her hope for their reunion.

Thematic Analysis

This chapter encapsulates several important themes:

• Pursuit in Love: The beloved’s search for her lover emphasizes the active role individuals take in pursuing love.
• Beauty and Admiration: The lover’s praise highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the beloved’s qualities.
• Intimacy and Connection: The invitation to the garden symbolizes a desire for deeper emotional and physical intimacy.

Conclusion

Song of Solomon Chapter 6 beautifully portrays the dynamics of love through dialogue, imagery, and symbolism. It emphasizes the importance of pursuit, admiration, and intimacy in romantic relationships, reflecting the complexities and joys of love.