Song of Solomon 8: A Deep Dive into Love, Commitment, and Longing
O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.
Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.
Solomon had a vineyard at Baal–hamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.
My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.
Song of Solomon 8, the concluding chapter of this beautiful poem, encapsulates themes of enduring love, unwavering commitment, and the longing for deeper intimacy. It's a powerful reminder of the beauty and sanctity of marital love, while also offering insights into purity, boundaries, and the foreshadowing of divine love.
Yearning for Unrestrained Affection (Song of Solomon 8:1-5)
The Shulammite woman expresses a heartfelt desire in Song of Solomon 8:1, wishing she could treat her beloved as a brother, allowing her to freely express her affection publicly without societal constraints. This reveals a longing for a love that is not confined to the private sphere but can be openly celebrated. The yearning to lead him home and be embraced (Song of Solomon 8:2-3) emphasizes the importance of intimacy and a safe haven within the relationship. The caution in Song of Solomon 8:4, a recurring theme in the book, reminds us that romantic feelings should be nurtured within the context of commitment, preventing premature arousal of passions before marriage. This verse isn't about suppressing emotions, but about protecting the heart and honoring the proper timing for experiencing intimacy.
The Unbreakable Bond of True Love (Song of Solomon 8:6-7)
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 presents a powerful declaration of love's strength and permanence. The Shulammite desires to be a seal on her beloved's heart, signifying an inseparable bond and a constant reminder of their commitment. The comparison of love to death highlights its unwavering nature. Just as death is inevitable, so should the commitment within marriage be absolute and unconditional. Self-serving "love" that prioritizes personal gratification will ultimately fail. True love, on the other hand, is about building a lasting relationship, prioritizing the well-being of the other, and weathering life's storms together. This kind of love is truly enduring, unquenchable by any trial or temptation, and beyond the reach of material possessions. "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it" (Song of Solomon 8:7) is a testament to love's resilience and enduring power.
Guidance and Protection Before Marriage (Song of Solomon 8:8-10)
These verses offer valuable wisdom concerning those preparing for marriage. The brothers' concern for their younger sister, who is "little" and "has no breasts" (Song of Solomon 8:8), symbolizes her immaturity and inexperience in matters of love and sexuality. Their discussion about how to prepare her for marriage highlights the importance of guidance and protection. Building a "silver barricade" (Song of Solomon 8:9) suggests providing her with support and resources to safeguard her purity and make wise choices. The "cedar planks" represent a stronger, more restrictive measure if she shows a willingness to compromise her values. This section underscores the responsibility of parents and mentors to equip young people with the knowledge and strength to navigate the complexities of relationships and sexuality. It's crucial to instill in young women a sense of self-respect and the courage to demand respect from others, setting healthy boundaries. A "wall" (Song of Solomon 8:10) symbolizes a woman of integrity and strength, someone who values purity and is not easily swayed by societal pressures.
Mutual Devotion and the Foreshadowing of Divine Love (Song of Solomon 8:11-14)
The final verses of Song of Solomon emphasize the mutual devotion and exclusive commitment within the marital relationship. Just as Solomon had the right to lease his vineyard, the Shulammite willingly gives herself, her "vineyard," to him (Song of Solomon 8:11-12). This symbolizes the voluntary and complete surrender of oneself to the other in marriage. The book concludes with a continued expression of love and desire, indicating that their passion remains vibrant and alive. The call to "flee away" (Song of Solomon 8:14) evokes a sense of playful pursuit and enduring affection.
Ultimately, the Song of Solomon is more than just a celebration of human love. It serves as a powerful allegory for the divine love between God and His people. The intimacy and commitment experienced in marriage offer a glimpse into the profound and eternal relationship we have with our Savior. As Paul explains in Ephesians 5:29-31, the one-flesh union between husband and wife foreshadows the union of Christ and the church. The longing and devotion expressed in the Song of Solomon mirror the yearning of the human heart for God and His unwavering love for us. The declaration "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (Song of Songs 6:3) finds its ultimate fulfillment in the divine declaration, "I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33).
O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.
Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.
Solomon had a vineyard at Baal–hamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.
My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.
Song of Solomon 8, the concluding chapter of this beautiful poem, encapsulates themes of enduring love, unwavering commitment, and the longing for deeper intimacy. It's a powerful reminder of the beauty and sanctity of marital love, while also offering insights into purity, boundaries, and the foreshadowing of divine love.
Yearning for Unrestrained Affection (Song of Solomon 8:1-5)
The Shulammite woman expresses a heartfelt desire in Song of Solomon 8:1, wishing she could treat her beloved as a brother, allowing her to freely express her affection publicly without societal constraints. This reveals a longing for a love that is not confined to the private sphere but can be openly celebrated. The yearning to lead him home and be embraced (Song of Solomon 8:2-3) emphasizes the importance of intimacy and a safe haven within the relationship. The caution in Song of Solomon 8:4, a recurring theme in the book, reminds us that romantic feelings should be nurtured within the context of commitment, preventing premature arousal of passions before marriage. This verse isn't about suppressing emotions, but about protecting the heart and honoring the proper timing for experiencing intimacy.
The Unbreakable Bond of True Love (Song of Solomon 8:6-7)
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 presents a powerful declaration of love's strength and permanence. The Shulammite desires to be a seal on her beloved's heart, signifying an inseparable bond and a constant reminder of their commitment. The comparison of love to death highlights its unwavering nature. Just as death is inevitable, so should the commitment within marriage be absolute and unconditional. Self-serving "love" that prioritizes personal gratification will ultimately fail. True love, on the other hand, is about building a lasting relationship, prioritizing the well-being of the other, and weathering life's storms together. This kind of love is truly enduring, unquenchable by any trial or temptation, and beyond the reach of material possessions. "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it" (Song of Solomon 8:7) is a testament to love's resilience and enduring power.
Guidance and Protection Before Marriage (Song of Solomon 8:8-10)
These verses offer valuable wisdom concerning those preparing for marriage. The brothers' concern for their younger sister, who is "little" and "has no breasts" (Song of Solomon 8:8), symbolizes her immaturity and inexperience in matters of love and sexuality. Their discussion about how to prepare her for marriage highlights the importance of guidance and protection. Building a "silver barricade" (Song of Solomon 8:9) suggests providing her with support and resources to safeguard her purity and make wise choices. The "cedar planks" represent a stronger, more restrictive measure if she shows a willingness to compromise her values. This section underscores the responsibility of parents and mentors to equip young people with the knowledge and strength to navigate the complexities of relationships and sexuality. It's crucial to instill in young women a sense of self-respect and the courage to demand respect from others, setting healthy boundaries. A "wall" (Song of Solomon 8:10) symbolizes a woman of integrity and strength, someone who values purity and is not easily swayed by societal pressures.
Mutual Devotion and the Foreshadowing of Divine Love (Song of Solomon 8:11-14)
The final verses of Song of Solomon emphasize the mutual devotion and exclusive commitment within the marital relationship. Just as Solomon had the right to lease his vineyard, the Shulammite willingly gives herself, her "vineyard," to him (Song of Solomon 8:11-12). This symbolizes the voluntary and complete surrender of oneself to the other in marriage. The book concludes with a continued expression of love and desire, indicating that their passion remains vibrant and alive. The call to "flee away" (Song of Solomon 8:14) evokes a sense of playful pursuit and enduring affection.
Ultimately, the Song of Solomon is more than just a celebration of human love. It serves as a powerful allegory for the divine love between God and His people. The intimacy and commitment experienced in marriage offer a glimpse into the profound and eternal relationship we have with our Savior. As Paul explains in Ephesians 5:29-31, the one-flesh union between husband and wife foreshadows the union of Christ and the church. The longing and devotion expressed in the Song of Solomon mirror the yearning of the human heart for God and His unwavering love for us. The declaration "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (Song of Songs 6:3) finds its ultimate fulfillment in the divine declaration, "I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33).