Song of Solomon 7
BSASBThe husband praises his bride from head to toe in rich picture-language, then speaks of his longing for her. She answers that she belongs to him and invites him out to the fields and vineyards, where she will give him her love. The chapter celebrates faithful married love as a good gift of God.
Song of Solomon 7:1
He begins with her graceful walk and calls her a noble lady. Her form is like fine jewelry shaped by a skilled craftsman. Behind the praise stands the thought that she is God’s handiwork, and he delights in her as something carefully made.
Song of Solomon 7:2
The poet uses pictures of abundance. A rounded cup that never runs dry speaks of overflowing refreshment. A heap of wheat ringed with lilies speaks of richness and beauty together. These are the husband’s tender, private words, spoken within marriage.
Song of Solomon 7:3
Fawns are gentle, graceful and young. The image speaks of tenderness and beauty, not of anything harsh or common. The same picture was used in Song of Solomon 4:5, so he is praising her again in the language of their early love.
Song of Solomon 7:4
Her neck is stately like an ivory tower. Her eyes are calm, deep and clear like pools in the city of Heshbon. Her nose is like a watchtower. These pictures speak of dignity, strength and beauty. They are not meant as a literal portrait.
Song of Solomon 7:5
Her head rises with grace like Mount Carmel, the green headland by the sea. Her hair shines with the rich color of royal purple. The king himself is held captive by her flowing locks. Real love makes even a king glad to be bound.
Song of Solomon 7:6
He sums up his praise in a single cry. She is fair and pleasant, and she is full of delights. Beauty here is joined with a joy that she gives to him and shares with him, which is what makes married love rich.
Song of Solomon 7:7-8
He compares her to a tall palm tree heavy with fruit. Then he says he will climb it and take hold of the fruit. The picture is of eager, honorable desire for a wife he is free to love. He longs to enjoy what is rightfully his.
Song of Solomon 7:9
He ends with her kiss, and likens her mouth to the finest wine. He wishes it to flow smoothly to him. The words are those of a husband. Her speech and affection refresh him like good wine, and he hopes they will always do so.
Song of Solomon 7:10
She answers quietly, and her words are the heart of the chapter. She belongs to him, and his desire is for her. Their love is mutual and secure. She is not owned as a thing. She is given in love and receives love in return.
See also: Genesis 3:16.
Song of Solomon 7:11
She invites him away from the city and its noise to the open country. The wildflowers and the quiet night suggest rest, freedom and time together, away from the world’s pressures. Love needs shared time and a place to be unhurried.
Song of Solomon 7:12
They will rise early and go to the vineyards. They will see whether the vines have budded and the pomegranates are in bloom. Spring growth matches the freshness of their love. There she promises to give him her love, freely and willingly.
Song of Solomon 7:13
She ends with fragrance and fruit. The mandrakes were plants long linked with love, and the choice fruits at their door are gifts she has stored up. She has kept the best for him alone, both new and old. Faithful love saves its treasures for one.
See also: Genesis 30:14.