Song of Solomon 5
BSASBThe bridegroom delights in his bride, then comes knocking at night, and she is slow to answer. By the time she opens, he is gone, and her search through the city ends in pain. Asked what makes her beloved special, she answers with a glowing portrait of him. The chapter shows how love can cool through hesitation, and how longing can bring it back.
Song of Solomon 5:1
The bridegroom answers her earlier invitation and says he has entered his garden. He enjoys its spices, honey and wine. These are pictures of the joy of marriage. The last line invites others to share the celebration. Many Christians also hear in it the joy of God in His people.
See also: Isaiah 55:1.
Song of Solomon 5:2
She is half asleep, yet her heart stays alert, and she hears him knocking. He calls her by loving names and says he is wet from the night dew. He has come to her patiently and tenderly, and he waits outside until she opens.
See also: Revelation 3:20.
Song of Solomon 5:2
His names for her include ‘my flawless one’. This is not a claim that she has never failed. It is the language of a lover who sees her whole and complete, and who treasures her.
Song of Solomon 5:3
She gives excuses: she is already undressed and her feet are clean. Her reasons sound small, and they show comfort getting in the way of love. Many readers see here how easily we put off answering Christ’s call because it is inconvenient.
See also: Luke 11:7.
Song of Solomon 5:4
He reaches for the latch, and she is moved. His hand at the door stirs her heart in a way her excuses did not. Love wakes in her, though she has already delayed.
Song of Solomon 5:5
She gets up at last and goes to the door. Her hands drip with myrrh, a costly perfume, as if she had made herself ready for him. She is eager now, but the delay has already had its cost.
Song of Solomon 5:6
She opens the door, but he is gone. Her joy turns to alarm. She goes looking and calls out, but he gives no answer. The silence hurts because it follows her own hesitation. Love that is put off may seem to be lost.
See also: Jeremiah 29:13.
Song of Solomon 5:7
The city watchmen find her at night and treat her roughly. They beat her and take her cloak. Her search costs her pain and shame. Even so, she does not give up, and her longing is stronger than her fear.
Song of Solomon 5:8
She turns to the women of Jerusalem and asks them to take a message to him. She does not ask them to describe her troubles. She wants only to say that she is sick with love. Her whole desire is now for him.
Song of Solomon 5:9
The women ask a fair question: what is so special about your beloved that you make such a request? Their question gives her the chance to say who he is. It also asks every believer why Christ deserves first place.
See also: Psalm 73:25.
Song of Solomon 5:10
She begins her portrait with a general description. He is radiant and healthy, and he stands out among countless others. Her love does not blind her to him. It helps her see his worth clearly.
See also: Psalm 45:2.
Song of Solomon 5:11
She speaks of his head as fine gold and his hair as black as a raven. Gold stands for what is precious and strong. Dark, wavy hair is a mark of youthful vigor. These are poetic pictures of his worth and splendor, not a literal sketch.
Song of Solomon 5:12
His eyes are gentle and bright like doves resting by clear water. The picture is of calm and cleanness. His eyes are set in his face like jewels in a ring. His look is both tender and pure.
Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks seem like fragrant garden beds, and his lips like lilies that drip with myrrh. The scent and the speech both give pleasure. His words are sweet and refreshing, and she delights to be near him.
Song of Solomon 5:14
His arms and body are likened to gold, jewels, ivory and sapphire. These are precious materials, and they suggest strength joined with beauty. She sees in him both power and worth. He is no common man to her.
See also: Daniel 10:6.
Song of Solomon 5:15
His legs are like marble pillars on gold bases, and he stands tall like the cedars of Lebanon. The images speak of steadiness, strength and noble bearing. He is a man she can rely on.
See also: Psalm 92:12.
Song of Solomon 5:16
She ends with the beloved’s voice: his mouth is sweet and all of him is lovely. Then she gives her answer to the women’s question: he is her beloved and her friend. He is both passionate love and faithful companionship. Believers have also heard in this a picture of Christ.
See also: John 15:15.