Song of Solomon 1: A Divine Perspective on Romance
The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.
Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.
While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En–gedi.
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes.
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.
Song of Solomon 1:1 presents a fascinating paradox. We know King Solomon, the traditional author of this love poem, as a man whose life was marked by excess, particularly in his relationships with women. With seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kings 11:3), it seems incongruous that he would pen a song celebrating monogamous romance. Indeed, Solomon's lack of self-control ultimately led to his spiritual downfall, as his foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord, leading him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-10). Yet, God's sovereignty transcends human failings. He used Solomon, despite his flaws, to offer a divine perspective on what genuine, God-honoring romance should embody.
A Poetic Exchange of Love (Song of Solomon 1:2-4)
The book unfolds as a beautiful, poetic exchange primarily between two lovers: a man, referred to as “the king” (Song of Solomon 1:4), and a woman, often identified as the “Shulammite” (Song of Solomon 6:13). Their interaction begins with courtship and leads to marriage.
The woman initiates the conversation, expressing her deep admiration for her beloved. She is utterly captivated by him, drawn to the captivating fragrance he exudes. However, her admiration goes far beyond mere physical attraction. She declares, "your name is perfume poured out" (Song of Solomon 1:3). Here, "name" signifies character and reputation. His character possesses a pleasing aroma, drawing the young women to him (Song of Solomon 1:3-4). This highlights a crucial point: outward appeal is insignificant without a virtuous inner character.
Black and Beautiful (Song of Solomon 1:5-7)
Twice the woman acknowledges her dark complexion (Song of Solomon 1:5-6), drawing attention to her outward appearance. What is noteworthy is the spirit of legitimate pride she associates with her appearance: "I am dark like the tents of Kedar, yet lovely" (Song of Solomon 1:5). She embraces her identity, seeing herself as both black and beautiful.
Furthermore, she emphasizes that she is not one who veils herself, which is likely a reference to a prostitute. This reveals that she not only admires her beloved's character but also maintains her own high standards and refuses to compromise them. She is a woman of dignity and self-respect. As Proverbs 31:30 reminds us, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised."
Affirmation and Admiration (Song of Solomon 1:8-17)
The man's character is revealed in his response to the woman. Regardless of her own perception of her beauty, he affirms her, declaring her "the most beautiful of women" (Song of Solomon 1:8). He compares her loveliness to the amazing creatures God has created (Song of Solomon 1:9, 15), exclaiming, "How beautiful you are, my darling!" (Song of Solomon 1:15). This emphasizes the power men have to build women up or tear them down with their words. Husbands, when was the last time you affirmed your wife's beauty, both inner and outer?
This opening chapter of the Song of Solomon sets the stage for a profound exploration of love, desire, and commitment within the context of a God-honoring relationship. It reminds us that true romance is not merely about physical attraction but encompasses character, respect, affirmation, and a shared commitment to values.
The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.
Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.
While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En–gedi.
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes.
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.
Song of Solomon 1:1 presents a fascinating paradox. We know King Solomon, the traditional author of this love poem, as a man whose life was marked by excess, particularly in his relationships with women. With seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kings 11:3), it seems incongruous that he would pen a song celebrating monogamous romance. Indeed, Solomon's lack of self-control ultimately led to his spiritual downfall, as his foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord, leading him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-10). Yet, God's sovereignty transcends human failings. He used Solomon, despite his flaws, to offer a divine perspective on what genuine, God-honoring romance should embody.
A Poetic Exchange of Love (Song of Solomon 1:2-4)
The book unfolds as a beautiful, poetic exchange primarily between two lovers: a man, referred to as “the king” (Song of Solomon 1:4), and a woman, often identified as the “Shulammite” (Song of Solomon 6:13). Their interaction begins with courtship and leads to marriage.
The woman initiates the conversation, expressing her deep admiration for her beloved. She is utterly captivated by him, drawn to the captivating fragrance he exudes. However, her admiration goes far beyond mere physical attraction. She declares, "your name is perfume poured out" (Song of Solomon 1:3). Here, "name" signifies character and reputation. His character possesses a pleasing aroma, drawing the young women to him (Song of Solomon 1:3-4). This highlights a crucial point: outward appeal is insignificant without a virtuous inner character.
Black and Beautiful (Song of Solomon 1:5-7)
Twice the woman acknowledges her dark complexion (Song of Solomon 1:5-6), drawing attention to her outward appearance. What is noteworthy is the spirit of legitimate pride she associates with her appearance: "I am dark like the tents of Kedar, yet lovely" (Song of Solomon 1:5). She embraces her identity, seeing herself as both black and beautiful.
Furthermore, she emphasizes that she is not one who veils herself, which is likely a reference to a prostitute. This reveals that she not only admires her beloved's character but also maintains her own high standards and refuses to compromise them. She is a woman of dignity and self-respect. As Proverbs 31:30 reminds us, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised."
Affirmation and Admiration (Song of Solomon 1:8-17)
The man's character is revealed in his response to the woman. Regardless of her own perception of her beauty, he affirms her, declaring her "the most beautiful of women" (Song of Solomon 1:8). He compares her loveliness to the amazing creatures God has created (Song of Solomon 1:9, 15), exclaiming, "How beautiful you are, my darling!" (Song of Solomon 1:15). This emphasizes the power men have to build women up or tear them down with their words. Husbands, when was the last time you affirmed your wife's beauty, both inner and outer?
This opening chapter of the Song of Solomon sets the stage for a profound exploration of love, desire, and commitment within the context of a God-honoring relationship. It reminds us that true romance is not merely about physical attraction but encompasses character, respect, affirmation, and a shared commitment to values.