Song of Solomon 2
OGCSong of Solomon 2:1-7
TEXT 1:152:6
c.
Description of a conversation between the Shepherd and the Shepherdess, Son 1:15 to Son 2:6.
Dialogue: Shepherd, Son 1:15
- Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold thou art fair; thine eyes are as doves.
Shulammite, Son 1:16 to Son 2:1
- Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea pleasant: also, our couch is green. 17. The beams of our house are cedars, and our rafters are firs. Son 2:1. I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1:152:6
Are we to conclude that the shepherd has made an actual appearance? Discuss.
The words of the shepherd are so important to the shepherdess that she has remembered them verbatimis this the thought?
In what particular manner were the eyes of the Shulammite like doves?
How is the term pleasant used in Son 1:16?
Where was the green couch?
The description of beams and rafters is poeticwhat is actually involved?
In the context the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley is in reference to the maiden. Why is it so often applied to our Lord? Discuss.
PARAPHRASE 1:152:1
Dialogue: Shepherd, Son 1:15
Lo, thou art fair, O my companion!
Lo, thou art fair, thine eyes are dove-like!
Shulammite, Son 1:16Son 2:1
No, thou art the fair and pleasing one, my beloved, See, our couch is green;
The beams of our apartments are of cedar, and our rafters of cypress.
Son 2:1
I am but a wild flower of the Sharon plain, a common anemone of the valleys.
COMMENT 1:152:1
Exegesis Son 1:15 to Son 2:1
The shepherd speaks again of his rapture in the presence of his bride. Actually all of this dialogue is but a soliloquy on the part of the bride. She in imagination hears him say these words to her. Perhaps she had heard them often before so it was easy to repeat them. Constant companionship is a large part of courting. As he once again looked into the eyes of his beloved he sees in their open, transparent, soft expression something similar to what he often observed in the eyes of a dove. The total impression of the dove is included in the comparison. The altertness, the quick perception, the softness are all involved in what he sees. Doves are thought of as emblematic of gentleness and guilelessness (Matthew 10:16). They are noted also for constancy, having but one mate for life, and are said to mourn when the mate is absent. (Clarke)
The bride reciprocates, she says in effect, you are the fair one. The term fair refers to physical appearance, she adds a wordnot only are you acceptable to the eyesyour personality is most pleasing. Both the outward and the inward view are a source of happiness. In her heart, the green couch of the woodland is much to be desired over the luxuriant divans in Solomon’s palace. In but recent days they had sat together and shared the communion of lovers.
To the Shulammite’s poetic fancy the interlacing boughs of cedar and cypress trees formed overhead the ceiling of -their-’ house. It is no uncommon thing for lovers to dream of their future house. She may be intentionally suggesting a contrast with the splendors of Solomon’s grand house (1 Kings 7:1 ff). House (-houses-’ the Hebrew plural of excellence). The thrice repeated -ours-’ shows a sweet consciousness of a shared possession. (Clarke)
We should ignore the chapter divisions. The bride is still speakingshe considers herself as but a wild flower. She identifies herself with one of the two most common flower varieties. The rose of the plain of Sharon was most probably a narcissus or meadow saffron.
The term lily is used six times in this bookSon 2:1-2; Son 2:16; Son 4:5; Son 5:13; Son 6:2-3; Son 7:2. It most likely refers to the scarlet anemone which grows in such profusion in several places in Samaria and Galilee. Matthew 6:28 seems to be a reference to sucha lily.
A not too covert comparison is being made in such a reference. She is sayingHow could you find me among the many maidens of the village?I am so small and ordinary.
Marriage Son 1:15 to Son 2:1
Our wife will never know how she appears in our eyes unless we tell her! Our compliments must not only be sincere but distinctively individual. If your wife’s eyes do not look like those of a dove do not use this as a compliment. There is indeed a metaphor or simile especially applicable to her. You can be sure your wife will respond very much like the Shulammiteshe hardly knows how to handle it, except that she is pleased and returns the compliment. Once again, we must be reminded that environment is so important to our wife. She does not remember your kisses only, but also the green couch and the beautiful ceiling where they were given. As much as at all possible we should prepare the place for her. Comfort, and natural beauty are a much more meaningful gift than a multitude of things which many times have no personal meaning. So many wives have a very low self-imagethey want to believe they are indeed the fair one in the eyes of their husbands, but many times they feel much more like a very ordinary rose among ten thousand more on the wide plain of Sharon; or like a humble lily hidden away in a valley. How fondly do they hope someone will notice them and lift them out of obscurity and anonymity. Each person has an important identity of themselves but your wife to a large extent has her identity with you and of you. The person who cannot appreciate another will themselves fail to be appreciated.
Communion Son 1:15 to Son 2:1
We believe the words of these verses can have a wonderful meaning for the believer and his Lord. Can we imagine our Lord speaking of us in the words of Son 1:15?Lo, thou art fair, O my companion! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, when our Lord considers us as justified, sanctified, redeemed, adopted, saved, are indeed fair. It is an imputed beautybut a beauty none-the-less.
That He would condescend to be our companion is a wonder of all wonders. As we abide in Him and with Him does He see in our eyes the dove-like quality of trust and purity and fidelity? The eyes are the windows of the soulwhat would it be to have Him look fully into our eyes? He does, He is! Companionship with Him can allow the dove within us i.e., the Other Comforter to develop His life within ussome-day it will be no longer self who looks out of this house but heaven’s dove. It is easy for us to lavish praise upon Himwe are quick to return the compliment and at the same time we are humbled by His attention to us. Our beloved is indeed fair and pleasant. We read of His beauty in the gospel accounts and find it true in our experience. He is not only fair to observe but pleasant to live with. We offer no sensual association in our communion with our Lord, for He is Spirit and not flesh and bones. We feel none-the-less a strong attachment to Him and count the times and places of deep communion and meditation as a trysting place of love. As the maiden remembers her house which became our house, we can remember many occasions and places we could call Bethel i.e., the house of God and the gate of heaven. All of this for one who is but a poor rose and unnoticed lily!
FACT QUESTIONS 1:152:1
Did the shepherd ever actually say what is attributed to him in Son 1:15?
In what way were the eyes of the maid dove-like?
Doves are emblematic of what?
What is meant by the term fair as used here?
Why add the term pleasant to the description of the shepherd?
Where and what was the green couch?
To what does she refer in reference to the cedar and cypress?
How is the terms rose of Sharon and lily of the valley used?
Should we make up compliments for our wives? Discuss.
In our attendance to our wife what is she the most likely to remember?
Do some wives have the wrong self-image? What should we do to help? Discuss.
Can we really imagine our Lord describing us as in Son 1:15? Discuss.
What happens when we are willing to have our Lord as our constant companion?
How is our beloved both fair and pleasant? Discuss.
Have we exaggerated the comparison in our discussion of Son 1:16-17 as related to the communion of the Holy Spirit? Discuss.
TEXT 2:22:7
Dialogue: Shepherd Son 2:2
Son 2:2. Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.
Shulammite, Son 2:3 a
Son 2:3 a. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men.
Aside to Court Ladies, Son 2:3 b - Son 2:4
Son 2:3 b. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 4. He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.
Appeal to Court Ladies, Son 2:5-6
- Sustain me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, because I am lovesick. 6. Let his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me.
Adjuration to Court Ladies, Son 2:7 (first)
- I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, that you will not arouse or awaken my love, until she pleases.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 2:2-7
The shepherd accepts his bride’s estimate of herself but turns it to her advantage. Why? Was it true?
The shepherd is compared to an apple treedo apples grow in the Holy Land? What is meant by the comparison to the other trees?
Two thoughts seem prominent in 3b. What are they?
What type of banquet house could a humble shepherd afford? What kind of meal would be served?
How is the term banner used? (What was the purpose of the banner? This is the crucial question).
The maiden is in distress as stated in verse five. What is her problem and what assistance does she suggest?
How does verse six relate to verse five?i.e., does verse six offer a solution to the maid’s problem as stated in verse five?
Verse seven is repeated twice more in the text (cf. Son 3:5 and Son 8:4). Please attempt an interpretation of your own. Is there any application in this for us? Discuss.
PARAPHRASE 2:2-7
Dialogue: Shepherd Son 2:2
As an anemone growing among brambles
so is my companions among the maidens.
Shulammite Son 2:3 a
3(a)
As a citron tree among the trees of the forest,
So is my beloved among the young men.
Shulammite to Court Ladies Son 2:3 b - Son 2:4
3(b)
In his shade I delight to sit down,
And his fruit is sweet to my taste.
He has brought me into his banqueting house,
And his banner waving over me is inscribed, love.
Sustain me with raisin-cakes,
Refresh me with citrons, For I am lovesick.
Oh, that his left hand were under my head,
And his right hand supporting me!
Adjuration to Court Ladies Son 2:7 (first)
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles and the hinds of the field That ye arouse not nor stir up love Until itself is pleased to awaken.
COMMENT 2:2-7
Exegesis Son 2:2-7
The shepherd picks up the figure used by the Shulammite and once again turns it to her advantage. He says in essence: You are indeed a lily or flower but compared to those among whom you live you are like a lovely bloom among brambles. He could be emphasizing the jealousy engendered by her beauty in his reference to thorns or brambles. The word translated apple in the American Standard version is much better thought of as a citron tree. Apples do not grow well in the Holy Land. An orange tree seems to fit the description perfectly. Such a tree with its evergreen heavy foliage and golden fruit would indeed stand out amid the cypress, fir or cedar trees. Among the other young men so did her beloved stand out. It might be of import to notice the contrast: she is a flower, he is a tree. This is a subtle compliment on her part. It is so refreshing to contemplate the transparent sincerity of this country lass in the affluence of Solomon’s palace. She turns to the women of the harem, and with the direct simplicity of youth she describes her relationship to the shepherd. In contrast to the trees with no fruit is my beloved who offers fruit and shade. The orange tree blossoms and bears fruit at the same time. Refreshment and rest amid lovely fragrance are both offered by my beloved. She takes great delight in his presence and is satisfied with what he offers her of himself.
The maiden is in the banquet room of Solomonbut she much prefers the banquet hall of her beloved. And just what would that be? A humble, but beautiful vine arbor in the midst of the vineyards. Read 1 Kings 4:7; 1 Kings 4:22-23; 1 Kings 10:21, for a description of the gold vessels Solomon used in his feasts. A canopy was often spread above the host and principle guests at a feast and richly decorated according to the means of the former. (Clarke) Perhaps this is the banner referred to by the maid. It could be that banner is to be thought of as a standard of protection such as those used in battle. Cf. Numbers 1:52; Numbers 5:10; Numbers 6:4; Numbers 6:10; Numbers 10:14; Numbers 10:18; Numbers 10:23; Numbers 10:25. It was a rallying-point and guide to give encouragement and confidence to those on a weary march or those amid extreme conflict. So the bride, transplanted from her lowly station to new scenes of unwanted splendor, finds support and safety in the known attachment she has with her beloved. (Cook)
Are we to imagine that this bride-to-be is actually physically ill from her loss of her loved one? It is possibleshe has lost her appetite and has not eatenshe is weak and in need of refreshment. Sustain me with raisin-cakes, refresh me with citrons, for I am lovesick. There was someone else who was sustained by raisin-cakesread 1 Samuel 30:12 to find out who it was. Orange blossoms were once used in the East to revive the bridemuch like we would use smelling salts. It is from this custom that orange blossoms have been associated with marriage. It would seem that Solomon and his court and courting made her weak and sick but not of love.
As we attempt an understanding of verse six it would seem difficult to imagine a posture for the maiden and her lover in which his left hand could be under her head and his right hand supporting her unless they were lying down. This is an obvious reference to the intimate embrace of the marriage bed, it is repeated in Son 8:3. With this kind of total involvement in the mind of the maid, Solomon has but a superficial interest for her.
The seventh verse is most interesting inasmuch as it is repeated in Son 3:5 and Son 8:4. It seems to be a faithful axiom to which we should give heed. What does it say? It is an adjuration that no attempt to kindle love by unworthy means should be made, for true love awakens spontaneously. It should owe nothing to improper stimulation by others, but be as free and unfettered as the life of the gentle creatures here mentioned. (Clarke) It would seem the ladies of the court were attempting to get her to accept the affections of the King much as they had. No doubt those members of the harem were quite proficient in the art of sex stimulation. Where such desires are aroused apart from the person for whom they are reserved disappointment and frustration is the inevitable result. Genuine love is a shy and gentle affection which dreads intrusion and scrutiny (here the reference to the gazelles and hinds, shy and timid creatures) but dangerous in its strength and vehemence, if heedlessly awakenedas strong as death and as cruel as the grave (Son 8:4-5). Be shy of love, lest, like the silly fawn that runs to look the lion in the face, one heedless gaze betray thee to thy death. (Cook)
Marriage Son 2:2-7
How could we possibly find a more practical passage for present day marriage relationship? Believe it or not you could never, never tell your wife often enough that she is the fairest of women to you. (Of course, she must have been or you would not have made her your choice.) If we look closely she will become more fair each passing day. But she will never know it until we express itand with evident feeling! Once we convince our wife that she is indeed in our eyes all we say she is we shall not wait long for a reciprocal response from her. We can easily be a stand out winner with our wifewho else has access to her heart like her husband? Do we offer protection and refreshment? We are thinking of much more than physical protection and refreshment. A constant consistent solicitous attitude about every relationship along with planned times of mental and physical refreshment will create a genuine appetite for a repeated visit to the shade of your tree and refreshment from your hand. How easy it would be to expand on this section until we had a sizeable marriage manual. We cannot do this but we do want to say every husband (beginning with the writer) must have a banquet room for his wifehe must often lead her to itover it all is the lovely canopy inscribed Love. We are thinking of all that nourishesyour wordswhich is food for the mind and heartfood also for the body, a sense of abundance in more than sharinga total giving of self for the needs and enjoyment of your beloved. Of all persons our wives know the meaning of verse seven. When artificial or crude means are used in a vain attempt to awaken love the results might be disastrous! If we are not willing to accept the nature of love as possessed by our wives we had best leave the lovely creature in the seclusion of her own forest. She is willing to come out, nay she wants to be foundbut not with a bull horn! If courtship is not continued beyond marriage we are due to find out just how strong and cruel love can beand we deserve it! I shall not leave here instructions on how to attract your gazelle or lure your deer. After all she belongs to you.
Communion Son 2:2-7
As much as we see in this text for help in a happy marriage we see even more in a happy relationship with our Lord. Project yourself into this dialogue: My Love to You:
As a lovely flower amid the brambles of the earth so art thou my companion to me. In the midst of the many, yea multitudes who are lost I see each and every one who is saved. I would love to transform every thorn into a flowerbut I want you to know that I am looking intently, with great fond interest on youI can also identify every bramble and its relation to you. How beautiful you appear to me. How deeply I want your constant companionship. We can hardly believe this. It is only true because in love He looks at us through grace. We Respond to His Love:
As an evergreen tree who constantly bears delicious fruit and delightful blossoms in the midst of a forest of trees with no foliage or fruit art thou to me. I have found much more than a refuge in your presence. In the contemplation of your beauty is the fullness of joy. We Advertise to Others:
Relish these wordsrethink each one lest they become commonplace. In the calmness that is mine through my awareness of your love and omnipotence I delight to sit down. When I eat the words you leave me in your book they are so nourishing and sweet to my taste. The more I am willing to sit in your heavenly places the more overwhelmed I am with your abundant provisions. I find in my contemplation of just the four accounts of your love through your Life a whole expansive banquet room. The table is laiden with all my favorite food. Upon entering the room I saw emblazoned over the whole wall a banner and on it were these words*I love you.
A Warning to Those Who Might Think to Presume Upon His Love:*
I adjure you by all the meekness and tenderness of the lovely One: do not push into His presence and demand He express His love for you. Foolish One! How could He more fully show you His heart?it was pierced for you! Stay with Him until in your meditation and exchange of conversation, emotions are awakened. Praise Him and sing of HimHe is love and you shall know it.
FACT QUESTIONS 2:2-7
What was intended as deprecation was turned to a compliment? How?
Show how the orange tree with its golden fruit perfectly fulfills the figure of speech here used.
There is a sharp contrast between the shepherd and other menmuch like the contrast of treeswhat is it?
What was the banquet room of her beloved?
What was the banner of the banquet room?
Are we to imagine the bride is actually physically ill with love? How was she to be helped?
To what act does verse six refer?
Give your own interpretation of verse seven.
Is it really necessary to tell our wives how attractive they are to us? Discuss.
We can easily be a stand out winner with our wife.
Explain. How? Why?
Every husband must have a banquet room for his wife. Explain and discuss.
Discuss the positive and negative qualities involved in discussing husband’s among women.
Of all persons wives know the meaning of verse seven. Explain and discuss.
Love can be strong and cruel as well as soft and gentle. Explain.
Do you really believe our Lord looks upon us as we have described Him under My Love To You?
How can we compare our Lord to other persons?
Discuss the meaning and application of the thoughts expressed under We Advertise to Others.
Isn-’t the thought exaggerated beyond meaning under the heading A Warning to Those Who Might Think to Presume Upon His Love? Discuss.
What is the warning of verse seveni.e., as it relates to our Lord?
Song of Solomon 2:8-14
TEXT 2:83:5
SHULAMMITE: NARRATION TO COURT LADIES (perhaps later)
a. Invitation from the beloved Son 2:8-14
- The voice of my beloved! Behold, he cometh, leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. 9. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall; he looketh in at the windows; he glanceth through the lattice. 10. My beloved spake, and said unto me, rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 11. For, lo, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone; 12. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land; 13. The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. 14. O my dove, thou art in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the steep place, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice and thy countenance is comely.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 2:8-14
Are we to imagine the shepherd has truly come for a visit to Solomon’s palace? Discuss.
What is suggested by leaping upon the mountains, and skipping upon the hills?
In what way does she compare her beloved to a gazelle or roe?
Why stand outside and look in? Why not knock and come in? Discuss the figure and its meaning.
Is the maid full of desire to escape her confinement and is this the reason for the invitation of verse ten? Discuss.
Why describe the time of the year?
What a lovely description of spring! What is the voice of the turtle-dove?
What hint is found in reference to the ripened figs? Come away from what to where? Cf. Son 2:13.
The attitude and response of the maiden is found in verse fourteen. What is it?
The invitation of the shepherd is to much more than physical relationship as seen in verse fourteen. What is involved?
PARAPHRASE 2:8-14
Shulammite to Court Ladies:
Hark, -tis the sound of my beloved! He comes
Bounding over the mountains, skipping over the hills.
My beloved is like a gazelle or a young deer.
See! he stands at our wall,
He peers in at the windows, Glancing through the lattice.
My beloved said to me,
Arise, O my companion, my fair one, and come away!
For, see! the winter is past;
The season of rains is over;
The flowers appear in the fields;
The time of singing is come.
And the cooing of the turtledoves is heard in the land;
The fig tree ripens its green figs,
The blossoming vines give forth their fragrance. Arise, O my companion, my fair one, and come away!
O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
In the crannies of the precipice,
Let me see thy face, let me hear thy voice; For sweet is thy voice and thy face comely.
COMMENT 2:8-14
Exegesis Son 2:8-14
We like the expression of Moffat as found in verses eight and nine. He says:
Listen, it is my darling, There he is, coming to me, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the window, glancing through the lattice!
The word voice in verse eight is better understood as sound; so the thought is that the maiden hears the footsteps of her beloved. In his eagerness of love the shepherd scorns all obstacles that would keep lovers apart, yet as he nears the maiden’s home he appears somewhat shy, not knowing, perhaps, what kind of reception he will get from the rest of the family (Son 1:6, Son 2:15) (Clarke) He is compared to a gazelle because of his beauty of formbut also because of his alertness and timidity. It would appear that the shepherd is not the only one who is unwilling to express himselfwhen he arrives at the house why isn-’t the lovely maiden there to greet him? The lattice window refers to the form of construction. Glaze or glass windows were not used. Evidently, the latticework was so built that a person on the outside could not see in but those on the inside could easily see out.
It would seem that beginning with verse ten through verse thirteen we have an eight line stanza of the beloved’s entreaty to his love. Notice: he invites her to come with him into the open country, which is now a place of unsurpassing beauty. The winter is over and the spring has come. It is a time of mirth and mutual affection. (Cook) It must be either the last week in March or the first or second week in April. Six signs of the season are given in these verses:
(1)
The winter and its heavy rain is overFor behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. (Son 2:11) For six months in the summer the rain rarely falls.
(2)
Buds and flowers appear on the earth (Son 2:12 a). When the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain. (2 Samuel 23:4)
(3)
The time for singing has come or the time has arrived for pruning the vines. It would seem considering the context of the first two signs that time for singing is much more parallel than pruning the vines. (Son 2:12 b)
(4)
The voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. (Son 2:12 c) This is a migratory bird that appears in Palestine the second week in April (Cf. Jeremiah 8:7). (A. F. Harper)
(5)
The fig tree has ripened its figs. The figs remained embalmed during the winter months and come to life or ripen in the early spring.
(6)
And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. The fragrance of the grape vine blossom is very sweet, but very brief. The inhabitants of grape country need no proofs or descriptions to appreciate this fact. (Adapted from C. F. Cook)
We like the words of W. J. Cameron as found in the New Bible Commentary. After the wintry months devoid of fresh life and growth, the stirring vigor of the Syrian spring follows of a sudden upon early rain. The earth rapidly assumes a mantle of bright green intermingled with the varied colors of innumerable flowers. The newly clad woodland comes alive with song amid which can be discerned the persistent mournful note of the turtledove. It is then that the voice of the beloved is heard. (quoted by Clarke)
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along! (Son 2:13 b) Verse fourteen continues in four lines an entreaty to the bride to come out of her seclusion. The modesty and shyness of the maiden are the points here. Her home must have been inaccessiblenote the description; O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your form (appearance), Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, and your form is lovely. Some render the phrase -the secret place of the ascent,-’ pointing to crevices in a cliff approachable only by a steep ascent. The wild dove chooses high and inaccessible rocks for its resting place. In poetic language the shepherd seems to intimate that the maiden is not easily accessible to him because the attitude of her brothers as shown in the next verse. (Clarke)
Marriage Son 2:8-14
Oh that my wife would want me and love me as this maid did her shepherd. Such an expression could well be the lament of many a husband. No doubt there are some wives who think as fondly of their husbands as the Shulammite did of the shepherd. Every wife (as well as husband) have known what it is to wait for the familiar sounds of the approach of their spouse but are they persuaded he (or she) is as eager to see them as the hero of our text? Such persuasion must be planned and cultivated long before he arrives. Actions in little areas of need met time after time will convince anyone that no hill or mountain will separate us from meeting a need when it is present. The largest need is one of companionship. It would be easy for me to change places with the maiden and imagine my wife as the eager, shy, beautiful gazelle anxiously-curiously-alertly looking through the almost impenetrable windows of my heart to see if she could discover a meaningful movement. Please exchange places husbandyou are to be just that eager to know what goes on in the heart of your wifenever mind that you cannot see or know, the important thing is that you are there and that you want to know. There are a thousand times a thousand wives who weep today for a husband who would dream a dream like the one described in verses eight through thirteen. Let’s take our wife on a picnic in the countryor to a lovely secluded spot by the seashore. The important part of this is not the picnic but her person. The spring is only lovely because she is the center attraction. Have we forgotten how to be romantic? Perhaps it is because the beauty of God’s creation and our willingness to give ourselves to our wife has ceased to be a reality.
Communion Son 2:8-14
As the bride of our Lord we can soliloquize concerning His coming againbut I would rather relate this passage to His present interest in us. There is no barrier that can or will separate usnot tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword (Romans 8:35). In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Behold! He stands at the door of our heartHe is beautiful in appearancebut He will not force entrance. He is more than curiousHe wants very much to come in and share every activity of oursHe is standing behind our wall and looking in at the windowssee Him there as He glances through the lattice? He is calling me to leave the television set and meet Him for a walk together in seeking and saving some poor lost person who lives but a few houses from me. One glad day He came and called me to put aside the winter of my backsliding and join Him in the springtime of my first love. There is so much beauty in holiness! The time of singing is come. The song of heaven’s dove is with me. What was once only hard words I find to be delectable fruit. What fragrance I find in His presence! I seem to hear His voice again and again Arise, O my companion, my fair one, and come away! Far too often I have been as inaccessible as the maiden in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the precipicebut no moreHe shall hear my voice and see my faceI love Him.
FACT QUESTIONS 2:8-14
What does Moffat’s translation add to our understanding?
The word voice in verse eight is not the best translation. What is?
The shepherd is eager but shy. Why?
In what way is he like a gazelle?
The maiden is also reticent. Why?
What is the context of the eight-line stanza of verses ten through thirteen?
What time of the year is indicated?
List and discuss the six signs of the season.
Discuss the context of verse fourteen?
Just where did the bride live?
What can husbands do to receive the welcome given by the Shulammite?
There is something very basic in the happy relationship of husband and wife. Is there an answer in this text? Discuss.
It isn-’t necessary to understand our wives or for the wives to understand all about their husbandsone thing is needfulwhat is that? Discuss.
Do you think we have overstated the case of our communion with our Lord? Discuss.
Offer some personal practical manner of application for the thought of returning to our first love.
Song of Solomon 2:15-17
TEXT 2:15-17
b. Intervention of the Brothers Son 2:15-17
Their behest, Son 2:15; Her avowal, Son 2:16;
Her request to the shepherd, Son 2:17.
- Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom. 16. My beloved is mine, and I am his; He pastures his flock among the lilies. 17. Until the cool of the day when the shadows flee away, Turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle Or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 2:15-17
How do these verses relate to what has just preceded?
When did this incident take place? At what location?
Is verse sixteen an answer to verse fifteen? Discuss.
What request is being made in Son 2:17?
PARAPHRASE 2:15-17
The Brothers:
Go, trap for us the foxes
The little foxes that ruin our vineyards; For our vineyards are in bloom.
Shulammite to the Brothers:
My beloved is mine and I am his!
He (who) pastures his flock where the anemones grow.
Shulammite to the Shepherd:
When the day cools and the shadows lengthen,
Return, my beloved, swift as a gazelle or a young deer. Over the mountains of Bether.
COMMENT 2:15-17
Exegesis Son 2:15-17
Let’s not forget that Son 2:8 to Son 3:5 is a narration given in the court of Solomon to the court ladies of an incident that occurred some time earlier in the experience of the Shulammite with the shepherd and her brothers. When the shepherd came to call he received something less than a welcome from the brothers. Perhaps their attitude would account for her unwillingness to appear at the door. The request of the shepherd was viewed as a total waste of time, if not a threat to the safety of their sister. She has a job to do. The traps must be set for the foxes. The vines are threatened by these rodents. There is no time for frolicthere is work to be done.
She will dress the vines and catch the foxes but this will not dissuade her from devotion to her lover. He is mine, and I am his. I know just where he pastures his flock, and when I am through with my work I will go to him.
Returning to her beloved she asks him to call again, when the day cools and the shadows lengthenin the evening come againcome to me as swiftly as a gazelle or young deer. Perhaps they had both observed the fleet-footed deer on the mountains near their home and it is to this she refers in his swift return to her. Bether means separation or division. It was a definite locality near Bethbara (2 Samuel 2:29, Bithron) and was separated from the rest of Israel by the river Jordan. The region was cut up by hills and valleys, rough, craggy, and difficult to cross, hence the allusion in a symbolic sense. (Clarke)
Marriage Son 2:15-17
Brother, sisters and mothers have all posed a threat to marriages. The demands by relatives are many times quite legitimate. This is what causes the rift. Such little foxes will cause all manner of havoc in married life. Yes, we must meet family responsibilities and catch a few foxesbut not to the extent of neglecting our love for the one to whom we have given our selves. To despise little things in relationships of love is to show ourself utterly ignorant of important facts of life. It is little things that often account for happiness or for sorrowa little remembrance, or a little forgetfulness. (A. F. Harper) We could also observe that these verses also exemplify the attitude that keeps a marriage together and makes the two an inseparable one. My beloved is mine and I am his. I know just where he (or she) is and what he (or she) is doing. My interest is his interest, where he goes there goes my heart. As soon as possible come to me as swiftly as at all possible. Such a constant mutual giving to each other insures happiness.
Communion Son 2:15-17
How often have we gone after the little foxes and lost our beloved? Just a little compromise with the worldjust a little disobedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit through our conscience; just a little indulgence of the flesh; it is easy to rationalize and justify all such action. Or perhaps the demands have no question about themthey are the affairs of this life in which we can be entangled and because of them we fail to please Him. (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:6)
We have pledged ourselves to our LordHe has never failed in his pledge to us. We know where we can find HimHe pastures His flock among the liliesit is a pleasant beautiful placelet’s go find Him and spend some time in His garden. When the rapid pace of the work-a-day world has come to an end, let’s find Him in the cool of the day. Or in the early morning before the shadows begin to form.
FACT QUESTIONS 2:15-17
What response did the Shepherd receive from the brothers?
Did the maiden catch the foxes? How did she plan on expressing her love.
Interpret in your own words Son 2:17.
What are the little foxes of marriage?
There is in this section the attitude that will hold a marriage together. What is it?
In our communion with our Lord how can we go after the little foxes and lose our beloved?
Where can we find our Lord? Is this a practical application of this text?