Song of Solomon 6: A Celebration of Love and Beauty
Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.
My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.
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.
As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.
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.
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?
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.
Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.
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.
Song of Solomon 6 delves deeper into the passionate and intimate relationship between the lovers, exploring themes of mutual belonging, unparalleled beauty, and the intoxicating joy of marital intimacy. This chapter continues to paint a vivid picture of their love, offering insights into the dynamics of a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
A Declaration of Mutual Belonging (Song of Solomon 6:1-3)
The dialogue resumes with a renewed sense of connection. Song of Solomon 6:2 describes a scene of intimacy, perhaps a renewal of their physical affection. This leads to the powerful declaration in Song of Solomon 6:3: "I am my love's and my love is mine." This verse encapsulates the core of their relationship: a deep sense of mutual belonging and exclusive devotion. It echoes the concept of "becoming one flesh" described in Genesis 2:24, where marriage creates a profound union. The apostle Paul reinforces this idea in 1 Corinthians 7:4, emphasizing that in marriage, partners relinquish exclusive rights over their own bodies, belonging instead to each other. This mutual surrender and commitment are essential for a thriving marital bond.
An Unrivaled Beauty (Song of Solomon 6:4-10)
The husband, once again captivated by his beloved, launches into a detailed and admiring description of her beauty. This isn't just a superficial appraisal; it's a celebration of her unique and captivating qualities. Even amidst a world filled with other women, as hinted in Song of Solomon 6:8-9, his love for her stands apart. He sees her as unparalleled, a treasure unlike any other. This section highlights the importance of consistent affirmation within marriage. Husbands should actively acknowledge and appreciate the beauty they see in their wives, both internal and external.
The Anticipation of Intimacy (Song of Solomon 6:11-12)
The imagery shifts to the natural world, with Song of Solomon 6:11 evoking the anticipation and readiness of spring. This serves as a metaphor for the wife's eagerness for intimacy with her husband. The imagery of the chariot in Song of Solomon 6:12 suggests a feeling of exhilaration and honor. Being with her husband is likened to riding with a prince, elevating her sense of worth and joy. This speaks to the power of intimacy to create feelings of excitement, value, and connection within a marriage.
A Complete and Enraptured Devotion (Song of Solomon 6:13 - 7:5)
The husband's admiration continues into the following chapter, revealing an all-encompassing fascination with his Shulammite bride. From her feet to her hair (Song of Solomon 7:1-5), he is captivated by every aspect of her being. This passionate and detailed appreciation serves as a powerful example for husbands. Do you, as a husband, affirm your wife in such a way? Do you let her know, not just through words, but through actions and affection, that she is your treasure, the one who holds your heart captive?
Song of Solomon 6 offers a beautiful glimpse into the dynamics of a loving and passionate marriage. It underscores the importance of mutual belonging, consistent affirmation, and the joy of intimate connection. It serves as a timeless reminder to cherish and celebrate the beauty of marriage in all its facets.
Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.
My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.
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.
As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.
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.
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?
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.
Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.
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.
Song of Solomon 6 delves deeper into the passionate and intimate relationship between the lovers, exploring themes of mutual belonging, unparalleled beauty, and the intoxicating joy of marital intimacy. This chapter continues to paint a vivid picture of their love, offering insights into the dynamics of a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
A Declaration of Mutual Belonging (Song of Solomon 6:1-3)
The dialogue resumes with a renewed sense of connection. Song of Solomon 6:2 describes a scene of intimacy, perhaps a renewal of their physical affection. This leads to the powerful declaration in Song of Solomon 6:3: "I am my love's and my love is mine." This verse encapsulates the core of their relationship: a deep sense of mutual belonging and exclusive devotion. It echoes the concept of "becoming one flesh" described in Genesis 2:24, where marriage creates a profound union. The apostle Paul reinforces this idea in 1 Corinthians 7:4, emphasizing that in marriage, partners relinquish exclusive rights over their own bodies, belonging instead to each other. This mutual surrender and commitment are essential for a thriving marital bond.
An Unrivaled Beauty (Song of Solomon 6:4-10)
The husband, once again captivated by his beloved, launches into a detailed and admiring description of her beauty. This isn't just a superficial appraisal; it's a celebration of her unique and captivating qualities. Even amidst a world filled with other women, as hinted in Song of Solomon 6:8-9, his love for her stands apart. He sees her as unparalleled, a treasure unlike any other. This section highlights the importance of consistent affirmation within marriage. Husbands should actively acknowledge and appreciate the beauty they see in their wives, both internal and external.
The Anticipation of Intimacy (Song of Solomon 6:11-12)
The imagery shifts to the natural world, with Song of Solomon 6:11 evoking the anticipation and readiness of spring. This serves as a metaphor for the wife's eagerness for intimacy with her husband. The imagery of the chariot in Song of Solomon 6:12 suggests a feeling of exhilaration and honor. Being with her husband is likened to riding with a prince, elevating her sense of worth and joy. This speaks to the power of intimacy to create feelings of excitement, value, and connection within a marriage.
A Complete and Enraptured Devotion (Song of Solomon 6:13 - 7:5)
The husband's admiration continues into the following chapter, revealing an all-encompassing fascination with his Shulammite bride. From her feet to her hair (Song of Solomon 7:1-5), he is captivated by every aspect of her being. This passionate and detailed appreciation serves as a powerful example for husbands. Do you, as a husband, affirm your wife in such a way? Do you let her know, not just through words, but through actions and affection, that she is your treasure, the one who holds your heart captive?
Song of Solomon 6 offers a beautiful glimpse into the dynamics of a loving and passionate marriage. It underscores the importance of mutual belonging, consistent affirmation, and the joy of intimate connection. It serves as a timeless reminder to cherish and celebrate the beauty of marriage in all its facets.