Song of Solomon 5
BSBThe Bride and Her Beloved
The Bridegroom
1I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride;
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.
I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;
I have drunk my wine with my milk.
The Friends
Eat, O friends, and drink;
drink freely, O beloved.
The Bride
2I sleep, but my heart is awake.
A sound! My beloved is knocking:
“Open to me, my sister, my darling,
my dove, my flawless one.
My head is drenched with dew,
my hair with the dampness of the night.”
3I have taken off my robe—
must I put it back on?
I have washed my feet—
must I soil them again?
4My beloved put his hand to the latch;
my heart pounded for him.
5I rose up to open for my beloved.
My hands dripped with myrrh,
my fingers with flowing myrrh
on the handles of the bolt.
6I opened for my beloved,
but he had turned and gone.
My heart sank at his departure.
I sought him but did not find him.
I called, but he did not answer.
7I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city.
They beat me and bruised me;
they took away my cloak,
those guardians of the walls.
8O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you,
if you find my beloved,
tell him I am sick with love.
The Friends
9How is your beloved better than others,
O most beautiful among women?
How is your beloved better than another,
that you charge us so?
The Bride
10My beloved is dazzling and ruddy,
outstanding among ten thousand.
11His head is purest gold;
his hair is wavy and black as a raven.
12His eyes are like doves
beside the streams of water,
bathed in milk
and mounted like jewels.
13His cheeks are like beds of spice,
towers of perfume.
His lips are like lilies,
dripping with flowing myrrh.
14His arms are rods of gold
set with beryl.
His body is polished ivory
bedecked with sapphires.
15His legs are pillars of marble
set on bases of pure gold.
His appearance is like Lebanon,
as majestic as the cedars.
16His mouth a is most sweet;
he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved, and this is my friend,
O daughters of Jerusalem.
Footnotes
16a Hebrew palate
Study Notes — Song of Solomon 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Song of Solomon 5
- Themes from Song of Solomon 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Song of Solomon 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the lover inviting her beloved to come into their garden, where they can enjoy each other's company (Song of Solomon 5:1). However, the beloved is absent, and the lover is left to search for her (Song of Solomon 5:6). The lover describes her beloved's beauty and charm, and expresses her longing to be reunited with him (Song of Solomon 5:10-16). The chapter ends with the lover's plea for her beloved to return to her (Song of Solomon 5:8). Throughout the chapter, the lover's emotions are raw and intense, conveying the depth of her love and the pain of her separation from her beloved.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger book of Song of Solomon, which is a collection of poetic songs and verses that explore the theme of love and relationships. The chapter is likely set in the context of ancient Israel, where the book of Song of Solomon was written. The chapter's themes of love, longing, and separation are timeless and universal, and continue to resonate with readers today. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which explores the themes of love, redemption, and relationship between God and humanity.
Heart Application
This chapter invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences of love and longing. The lover's emotions and actions can be seen as a model for the believer's relationship with Christ, highlighting the importance of intimacy, passion, and devotion. The chapter also encourages the reader to consider the importance of community and support in times of need, and to reflect on the ways in which they can support and care for one another.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter of Song of Solomon is about a lover who is searching for her beloved. She is desperate to be reunited with him, and she expresses her longing and love for him in poetic and passionate language. The chapter is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and longing, and it invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences of love and relationship. As the lover says in Song of Solomon 5:8, 'I am lovesick', highlighting the intensity of her emotions and her desire to be reunited with her beloved.
Voices from the Church
“The Song of Solomon is a book of love, and it is a book that speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart. It is a book that reminds us of the beauty and charm of Christ, and of the intensity of our love for him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Song of Solomon is a book that teaches us about the nature of love and relationships. It reminds us that love is a choice, and that it requires effort and commitment to nurture and sustain.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Invitation to the Garden (Song of Solomon 5:1-2) — The chapter begins with the lover inviting her beloved to come into their garden, where they can enjoy each other's company. This invitation sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which explores the theme of love and longing.
- The Search for the Beloved (Song of Solomon 5:3-7) — The lover searches for her beloved, but he is absent. This section of the chapter highlights the pain and intensity of the lover's emotions, as she expresses her longing and love for her beloved.
- The Description of the Beloved (Song of Solomon 5:8-16) — The lover describes her beloved's beauty and charm, highlighting the depth of her love and admiration for him. This section of the chapter is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and attraction.
- The Plea for the Beloved to Return (Song of Solomon 5:8) — The lover pleads for her beloved to return to her, highlighting the intensity of her emotions and her desire to be reunited with him.
- Conclusion (Song of Solomon 5:8) — The chapter ends with the lover's plea for her beloved to return to her, highlighting the theme of love and longing that runs throughout the chapter.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Love
- This chapter teaches us about the nature of love, highlighting its intensity, passion, and beauty. The lover's emotions and actions can be seen as a model for the believer's relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of intimacy, passion, and devotion.
- The Doctrine of Separation
- The chapter explores the theme of separation and longing, highlighting the pain and intensity of the lover's emotions. This theme is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of love and loss, and reminds us of the importance of community and support in times of need.
- The Doctrine of Community
- The chapter highlights the importance of community and support in times of need, as the lover calls upon the daughters of Jerusalem to help her find her beloved. This theme reminds us of the importance of caring for one another, and of the role that community plays in supporting and nurturing our relationships.
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The chapter's themes of love, longing, and separation can be seen as a reflection of the larger biblical narrative of redemption. The lover's search for her beloved can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's search for Christ, highlighting the importance of faith, hope, and love in our relationships with God and with one another.
Lessons from Song of Solomon 5
- The Importance of Intimacy and Passion in Relationships — The chapter highlights the importance of intimacy and passion in relationships, reminding us that these qualities are essential for building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships.
- The Power of Love and Longing — The chapter explores the power of love and longing, highlighting their ability to transform and redeem us. This theme reminds us of the importance of cultivating love and compassion in our relationships, and of the role that these qualities play in nurturing and sustaining us.
- The Importance of Community and Support — The chapter highlights the importance of community and support in times of need, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences of love and longing. This theme encourages us to care for one another, and to seek out support and guidance when we need it.
- The Role of Faith and Hope in Relationships — The chapter's themes of love, longing, and separation can be seen as a reflection of the larger biblical narrative of redemption, highlighting the importance of faith and hope in our relationships with God and with one another.
- The Beauty and Charm of Christ — The chapter's description of the beloved's beauty and charm can be seen as a reflection of Christ's beauty and charm, reminding us of the importance of cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with him.
Themes from Song of Solomon 5
- Love and Longing — The chapter explores the theme of love and longing, highlighting the intensity and passion of the lover's emotions. This theme is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of love and loss, and reminds us of the importance of cultivating love and compassion in our relationships.
- Separation and Reunion — The chapter explores the theme of separation and reunion, highlighting the pain and intensity of the lover's emotions. This theme is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of love and loss, and reminds us of the importance of community and support in times of need.
- Beauty and Charm — The chapter's description of the beloved's beauty and charm is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and attraction. This theme reminds us of the importance of cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Christ, and of the role that beauty and charm play in nurturing and sustaining us.
- Community and Support — The chapter highlights the importance of community and support in times of need, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences of love and longing. This theme encourages us to care for one another, and to seek out support and guidance when we need it.
- Redemption and Hope — The chapter's themes of love, longing, and separation can be seen as a reflection of the larger biblical narrative of redemption, highlighting the importance of faith and hope in our relationships with God and with one another.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which you have experienced love and longing in your own life, and how have you responded to these emotions?
- How does the chapter's use of imagery and metaphor contribute to its themes of love and longing, and what insights do these themes offer into the human experience?
- What role does community play in supporting and nurturing our relationships, and how can we care for one another in times of need?
- How does the chapter's exploration of the theme of separation and longing relate to the larger biblical narrative of redemption, and what insights does it offer into the nature of God's love for humanity?
- What are some ways in which you can apply the chapter's themes of love, longing, and community to your own life and relationships, and what steps can you take to nurture and deepen your relationships with God and with others?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Invitation to the Garden (Song of Solomon 5:1-2)
| 5:1 | The chapter begins with the lover inviting her beloved to come into their garden, where they can enjoy each other's company. This invitation sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which explores the theme of love and longing. |
| 5:2 | The lover describes her beloved's absence, and expresses her longing to be reunited with him. This verse highlights the pain and intensity of the lover's emotions, and sets the stage for the rest of the chapter. |
2. The Search for the Beloved (Song of Solomon 5:3-7)
| 5:3 | The lover searches for her beloved, but he is absent. This verse highlights the pain and intensity of the lover's emotions, as she expresses her longing and love for her beloved. |
| 5:4 | The lover describes her emotions, highlighting the depth of her love and passion for her beloved. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and longing. |
| 5:5 | The lover continues to search for her beloved, expressing her longing and love for him. This verse highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in our relationships, and reminds us of the importance of seeking out support and guidance when we need it. |
| 5:6 | The lover describes her beloved's absence, and expresses her pain and sorrow. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and loss, and reminds us of the importance of community and support in times of need. |
| 5:7 | The lover continues to express her longing and love for her beloved, highlighting the depth of her emotions and the intensity of her passion. This verse is a powerful conclusion to the section, and sets the stage for the rest of the chapter. |
3. The Description of the Beloved (Song of Solomon 5:8-16)
| 5:8 | The lover describes her beloved's beauty and charm, highlighting the depth of her love and admiration for him. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and attraction. |
| 5:9 | The lover continues to describe her beloved's beauty and charm, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional attraction in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and desire. |
| 5:10 | The lover describes her beloved's appearance, highlighting the importance of physical beauty in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and attraction. |
| 5:11 | The lover continues to describe her beloved's appearance, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional attraction in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and desire. |
| 5:12 | The lover describes her beloved's eyes, highlighting the importance of emotional connection and intimacy in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and longing. |
| 5:13 | The lover continues to describe her beloved's appearance, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional attraction in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and desire. |
| 5:14 | The lover describes her beloved's lips, highlighting the importance of physical and emotional intimacy in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and longing. |
| 5:15 | The lover continues to describe her beloved's appearance, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional attraction in relationships. This verse is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and desire. |
| 5:16 | The lover concludes her description of her beloved's beauty and charm, highlighting the depth of her love and admiration for him. This verse is a powerful conclusion to the section, and sets the stage for the rest of the chapter. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Song of Solomon 5?
The main theme of Song of Solomon 5 is the lover's search for her beloved, and her expression of love and longing for him. This theme is explored through the lover's emotions and actions, and is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of love and loss.
What is the significance of the garden in Song of Solomon 5:1-2?
The garden in Song of Solomon 5:1-2 is a symbol of the lover's relationship with her beloved, and represents a place of beauty, intimacy, and joy. The garden is also a symbol of the believer's relationship with Christ, and represents a place of spiritual growth, nourishment, and intimacy.
How does the chapter's use of imagery and metaphor contribute to its themes?
The chapter's use of imagery and metaphor contributes to its themes of love and longing by creating a powerful and evocative picture of the lover's experience. The imagery and metaphor help to convey the intensity and passion of the lover's emotions, and emphasize the importance of physical and emotional attraction in relationships.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Song of Solomon 5:1 → Genesis 2:8-14 | The garden in Song of Solomon 5:1-2 is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:8-14, highlighting the theme of paradise and intimacy in relationships. |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 5:8 → Psalm 42:1-2 | The lover's expression of longing in Song of Solomon 5:8 is similar to the psalmist's expression of longing in Psalm 42:1-2, highlighting the theme of spiritual longing and desire. |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 5:10-16 → Ephesians 5:25-33 | The description of the beloved's beauty and charm in Song of Solomon 5:10-16 is reminiscent of the description of Christ's beauty and charm in Ephesians 5:25-33, highlighting the theme of Christ's love for the church. |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 5:1-2 → Isaiah 58:11 | The garden in Song of Solomon 5:1-2 is also reminiscent of the garden in Isaiah 58:11, highlighting the theme of spiritual growth and nourishment. |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 5:8 → John 4:14 | The lover's expression of longing in Song of Solomon 5:8 is similar to the woman's expression of longing in John 4:14, highlighting the theme of spiritual thirst and desire. |
| 6 | Song of Solomon 5:10-16 → 1 Peter 3:3-4 | The description of the beloved's beauty and charm in Song of Solomon 5:10-16 is reminiscent of the description of the believer's beauty and charm in 1 Peter 3:3-4, highlighting the theme of inner beauty and spiritual adornment. |
| 7 | Song of Solomon 5:1-2 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The garden in Song of Solomon 5:1-2 is also reminiscent of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21:1-4, highlighting the theme of paradise and intimacy in relationships. |
| 8 | Song of Solomon 5:8 → Psalm 63:1-4 | The lover's expression of longing in Song of Solomon 5:8 is similar to the psalmist's expression of longing in Psalm 63:1-4, highlighting the theme of spiritual longing and desire. |
| 9 | Song of Solomon 5:10-16 → Colossians 1:15-20 | The description of the beloved's beauty and charm in Song of Solomon 5:10-16 is reminiscent of the description of Christ's beauty and charm in Colossians 1:15-20, highlighting the theme of Christ's love for the church. |
| 10 | Song of Solomon 5:1-2 → Isaiah 51:3 | The garden in Song of Solomon 5:1-2 is also reminiscent of the garden in Isaiah 51:3, highlighting the theme of spiritual growth and nourishment. |
Sermons on Song of Solomon 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
06 the Excellency of Christ (Song 5:10-16) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the spiritual beauty of Christ as depicted in Song of Solomon 5:10-16, contrasting it with the natural beauty of a husband. He highlights how the Apostle Pau |
|
|
18 the Ultimate Two-Fold Test of Maturity (Song 5:2-9) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle explores the profound themes of spiritual maturity in the Song of Solomon, particularly focusing on the bride's courageous prayer for both adversity and blessing. He em |
|
|
Jesus Praises the Bride After Her Season of Testing by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the progression of spiritual maturity in the Song of Solomon, illustrating how the bride undergoes testing and trials that deepen her relationship with Jesus |
|
|
Jesus' Beauty: A Poetic Description (Song 5.10-16) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle explores the profound beauty of Jesus as depicted in Song of Solomon 5:10-16, emphasizing the bride's unwavering love for Him despite her trials and feelings of abandon |
|
|
The Ultimate Twofold Test by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle explores the profound themes of love and testing in the Song of Solomon, particularly focusing on the bride's journey of maturity and her relationship with the King. He |
|
|
The Father Heart of God by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the Father heart of God through the lens of the Song of Solomon, illustrating the deep love and longing between the bride and her beloved. He encourages beli |
|
|
Song of Solomon Part 8 (With Korean Translation) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle concludes the series on the Song of Solomon by emphasizing the importance of unwavering love for Jesus, even in times of testing and adversity. He illustrates how the b |
|
The Weeping Mary at the Sepulcre by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches on the importance of seeking Christ diligently, using the example of Mary Magdalene's persistent search for Jesus after His resurrection. He emphasizes t |
|
|
17 the Ravished Heart of God (Song 4:9-5:1) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle explores the concept of the 'ravished heart of God' in the Song of Solomon, emphasizing how God's love and passion for His people can inspire radical obedience. He high |
|
The Presence of a Compassionate God! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unwavering presence of a compassionate God, whose mercies are essential and never fail, as highlighted in Lamentations 3:22. He describes God's nature |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Song of Solomon 5
In his commentary on Song of Solomon 5, Matthew Henry notes that the chapter is a beautiful expression of love and longing, and that it highlights the importance of intimacy and passion in relationships. Henry also notes that the chapter's use of imagery and metaphor is a powerful exploration of the human experience of love and loss, and that it reminds us of the importance of community and support in times of need. Furthermore, Henry emphasizes that the chapter's themes of love and longing are a reflection of the larger biblical narrative of redemption, and that they highlight the importance of faith and hope in our relationships with God and with one another. As Henry writes, 'The love of Christ to his church is a love that is strong as death, and that many waters cannot quench it.' This theme is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's love for humanity, and of the importance of cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Use of Imagery
The chapter is rich in sensory imagery, with vivid descriptions of the beloved's beauty and the lover's emotions. This use of imagery creates a powerful and evocative picture of the lover's experience.
The Theme of Separation
The chapter explores the theme of separation and longing, highlighting the pain and intensity of the lover's emotions. This theme is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of love and loss.
The Role of the Daughters of Jerusalem
The daughters of Jerusalem are called upon to help the lover find her beloved, highlighting the importance of community and support in times of need.