Solomon s Song of Songs CHAPTER 2: UNITED IN LOVE

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1 Solomon s Song of Songs CHAPTER 2: UNITED IN LOVE The Beginning of Love Verses 1-7 THE BRIDE DESIRES TO BE NEAR HER LOVER CANTICLES IV [I am the rose 1 of Sharon 2, and the lily 3 of the valleys.] A Targum 4 on {Song 2:1} explains the Hebrew word as "narcissus", a very common plant in the plains and mountains of Palestine and a great favorite with the natives. All authorities agree that the so-called "rose" was the flower of some kind of bulbous plant. Here the rose and lily may be the same or related plants. Here the bride speaks and describes herself as a humble flower ( rose ) in the midst of a plain and as a common lily in the midst of a valley. She is perhaps using figures of speech related to area in which she grew up. Psalm 45, which is a wedding song, has as part of its subtitle To the Tune of the Lilies. These flowers, the rose and lily, represent beauty, delicateness, and 1 Rose [2261 chabatstseleth (khab-ats-tseh'-leth) ] of uncertain derivation; probably a meadowsaffron or the crocus flower of the iris family usually yellow, yellow-orange, white or purple (lilac) in color. {Saffron is a bright-yellow flavoring and coloring material, consisting of the dried stigmas and style branches of the saffron crocus, used for flavoring in drinks and confections in order to promote perspiration for cooling of the body}. But it is probable that narcissus (common varieties are white or yellow, e.g., yellow daffodil) is the correct rendering. Two species, Narcissus Tazetta, L., and N. serolinus, L., grow in the Holy Land, the latter being the finer. Here and in Isaiah 35:1 "Hebrew habazzeleth, the autumn crocus". This is the Colchicum autumnale (Natural Order, Liliaceae). A Targum on {Song 2:1} explains the Hebrew word as "narcissus", a very common plant in the plains and mountains of Palestine and a great favorite with the natives. 2 Sharon is the name of Mediterranean coastal plain between Joppa and Caesarea. In the time of Solomon it was a place of great fertility. However, there is also a trans-jordanic Sharon and according to Eusebius and Jerome, there is also another district of this name between Mt. Tabor (about 6 miles east of Nazareth) and the Sea of Galilee. 3 Lily [7799 shuwshan (shoo-shan') ] or showshan (sho-shawn'); or shoshan (shoshawn'); and (feminine) showshannah (sho-shan-naw'); a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape). A plant that would naturally be called a lily (not a ranunculus, or an anemone, or a poppy, plants having names of their own in both Gk. and English, and never confounded with lilies in either ancient or modern speech), growing among the wheat, adorned with regal colors, and having stems, which, when dried, were used as fuel for the oriental oven. There are three species of the sword lily, Gladiolus segetum, Gawl, G. Illyricus, Koch, and G. atroviolaceus, Boiss., with pink to purple and blackish violet flowers, which grow everywhere among standing corn, and have stems suitable for light fuel. The lily was used as an ornament for the Temple <1 Kin. 7:22>. The Beloved and the Shulamite used lilies to describe their love <Song 2:1; 2:16; 4:5; 5:13; 6:3>.The Hebrew is probably a loan word from the Egyptian the original s-sh-n denoting the lotus-flower, Nymphaea lotus. This was probably the model of the architectural ornament, translated "lily-work," which appeared upon the capitals of the columns in the temple porch 1 Kin 7:19, upon the top of the pillars (verse 22) and upon the turned-back rim of the "molten sea". Botanically the word shoshannah, like the similar modern Arabic Susan, included in all probability a great many flowers, and was used in a way at least as wide as the popular use of the English word lily. 4 Ancient translations of parts of the Old Testament from the original Hebrew language into Aramaic. The word Targum is related to a Hebrew term meaning "translation." These translations were sometimes literal and exact, but often were paraphrased. Many translators took the opportunity to comment upon the Hebrew texts. In a sense, some Targumim (plural) are a form of commentary on the Bible. (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers.) 1

2 fertility. [Like a lily among thorns 5, so is my love among the daughters.] Here the groom speaks and, using his bride s humble description of herself as a lily, elevates the description to one of great value. He compares his great love to that of any other love as a lily among the thorns. This comparison is meant to convey his deep love and affection for his bride above all other women (the daughters). [Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste]. The bride describes her groom as an apple tree, strong and virile. Among all the trees in the forest, the apple tree combines delicious, sweet tasting fruit with refreshing shade. [He brought me to the banqueting 6 house, and his banner over me was love.] The groom has brought his bride to a banqueting chamber, probably at his palace, where he is accustomed to entertaining his guests with much wine evidently (see note 6). For the Shulamite maiden from Lebanon, this was something new and she would be inexperienced in such a setting. She appears to be overcome by both the excitement and her passionate love for Solomon. Even though the young maiden is anxious she realizes and appreciates the fact that Solomon s love for her is like a military banner 7. These banners are also called standards and used by almost all armies, including modern ones. They consisted of a pole or staff on which was mounted the colors or shield of the army. Often times the crest on such a banner prominently displayed the image of a powerful and swift animal of prey like an eagle, lion or snake. These banners represented the military strength, superior ability and might of the army in short its reputation. The surpassing and pervasive love of Solomon s waved over the poor sunburnt maiden like an army s standard and offered her trustworthy protection and safety. This so overwhelms the bride that she becomes weak and faint lovesick in v. 5. Every husband should so love his wife that she responds with respect and trust in his ability to protect and lead her. Integrity, honesty and trustworthiness are all characteristics wives want. Other examples of the symbolic nature of a banner can be found in Isaiah 5:25,26; 11:10-12 and Ruth 2:11,12 conveying the idea of 1:16,17}. [Sustain me with cakes of raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am lovesick.] Overcome with emotion in this setting the Shulamite maiden feels faint and requests to be fed with cakes of raisins and apples 8, both sources of quick energy, to be revived. {Another example of this is when Saul s army hadn t eaten and was famished after a long battle. Although Saul made the people swear an oath against eating anything until evening, Jonathan, his son, not knowing this eats honey to restore his strength and chastises his father for making 5 These thorns are not those of the plant itself or even those of a rose but here the Hebrew word means the thorns of weeds (thistles). 6 Literally wine and so translated in Song 1:2,4; 4:10; 5:1; 7:9; 8:2. 7 See for example Exodus 17:14-16; Isaiah 18:1-3; Jeremiah 4:5,6. Standards were also used by each of the tribes of Israel as they marched from place to place (see Numbers 2:1-3,34). 8 These could have also been pomegranates, quince or oranges. 2

3 this unreasonable prohibition 1 Samuel 14: See also 1 Samuel 30:12}. [His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me.] This could also be rendered as a request; Oh that his left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me! In either case, the bride experiences the comfort and peace that only her lover and protector can give her. The picture here is a loving and strong embrace as Solomon s arms reach around his bride to calm and soothe her. [I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.] The gazelles here may refer to young men and the does may refer to young maidens. That is, to those in the community that are eligible for marriage. Here is an admonition not to get over involved sexually until the proper time, and within the context, this means marriage. This is wise advice and demonstrates that one should. not do the crime and unless he/she can do the time. In other words, don t put yourself into a position that would naturally lead to having sex outside the confines of the long-lasting commitment of marriage. Another thought on this relates to the nature and behavior of gazelles and deer they are shy and timid creatures. The idea perhaps being sexual innocence which should not be frightened, corrupted or abused. Genesis 2:24 tells us: Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Sexual love needs to be experienced and enjoyed in the context that God created or it becomes a physically, psychologically and spiritually destructive force. That is why God places so many restrictions on human sexual activity. When God says, Don t!, He s saying I don t want you to hurt yourself. When God says, Do!, He s saying enjoy yourself! See also 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. This warning occurs again two more times as a refrain in Song 3:5; 8:4! Verses 8-13 VISIT OF THE GROOM TO THE BRIDE S HOME CANTICLES V The bride here is relating a visit the groom makes to her house in the early springtime (v. 11) which would be in the first month of the Jewish calendar Nisan. This is the month that the Passover was celebrated and it was a joyous time of new life resurrection! In verses six signs of the beginning of spring are listed: (1) the rains are over, (2) the flowers appear on the earth, (3) the season of singing [birds] has come, (4) the cooing of doves is heard in the land, (5) the fig tree forms its early fruit and (6) the grape vines are blooming spreading their fragrant aroma. [The voice 9 of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills.] Here one can sense the bride s excitement as she anticipates the groom coming to see her. He is not just casually walking, he is leaping and skipping to see her. This only endears him to his 9 Voice [6963 qowl (kole) ] from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice, noise or sound. 3

4 bride even more. We need to so treat each other in our marriage that we nurture anticipation in seeing one another. [My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he stands behind our wall; he is looking through the windows, Gazing through the lattice.] The description of the bridegroom as a gazelle or young stag occurs again in verse 17 and Song 8:14. The idea being vigor and swiftness the groom has to see his love. Solomon s beauty of form, grace and swiftness are compared to that of a gazelle. Princes are referred to as gazelles in 2 Samuel 2:18 and 1 Chronicles 12:8. There is somewhat of a playful attitude pictured here: The Shulamite maiden is anxious to see her lover and is inside her house. But Solomon is outside and going around to the windows, which are inset with lattice, and peering inside to get a view of his bride. As part of the romance of a good marriage it should contain an element of humor and adventure. When my daughter was young and dating, I told her that she needed to make a list of the qualities she wanted in a man and a good sense of humor should be in the top three. I would then often remind her that if the man she was dating did not have a good sense of humor as one of his top three characteristics dump him! [My beloved spoke, and said to me: Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. ] This verse frames the stanza found in verses where it occurs again in verse 13. The bride here is recounting the invitation of the groom to come out and enjoy a time in the great outdoors. It speaks of a longing to be together in a naturally beautiful setting. Isn t that one of the reasons we should take vacations to get away from it all? Romance seems to blossom and grow during relaxing and pleasant experiences when the focus is on the mutual love for one another. Husbands and wives should make it a point to get away together on occasion. [ For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. ] The first sign that spring is here. [ The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. ] The second, third and fourth signs that spring is here. The song of mating birds, especially the cooing of doves a symbol of love and fidelity. [ The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. ] The fifth and sixth signs that spring is here. The fig tree produces the fruit prior to leaves forming so this is early in the spring season. Remember that Jesus cursed the fig tree because it had leaves but no fruit on it {see Matthew 21:18,19}. 4

5 Tender grapes is better translated grape blossom for so is the meaning of the word. The grapevines were in full bloom and spreading their sweet smell. This is similar to orange trees when they blossom in the spring and fill the air with their fragrant perfume. [ Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away! ] It is a wonderful, beautiful spring day and the groom wants to spend it with his bride! This verse ends the stanza by repeating the statement at its beginning in verse 11. Another plea to come away with the groom. Persistence in marriage is a necessity in keeping it healthy. Verses MUTUAL EXPRESSIONS OF AFFECTION CANTICLES V [ O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret 10 places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. ] Or..secret places of the stairs. referring to a hidden nook or enclave approached by a zigzag path. The bride in her stone built home is compared to a dove hidden in the rocks of the mountainside, the secret places of the cliff. She appears to be hidden in a place not easy to get to or at least that s what it seemed to the groom. There is an air of mystery here. The groom longs to hear her sweet voice and fully see her lovely face (she is hidden behind the latticework of the windows). [ Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes. ] This sounds like it could be a stanza or refrain from a ballad that might have been sung while working in the vineyards. The word here for tender grapes means grape blossoms, the same as verse 13, and imply an early threat to the grape harvest. Foxes would eat the grapes off the vines and were one of the animals considered a threat to the grape harvest. Usually hedges were planted around the vineyard to keep them out. A tower was also built upon which a lookout could spy any animal attempting to get in. As foxes could spoil 11 the vines they represent people or circumstances that would spoil the love relationship between the Shulamite maiden and her bridegroom. The little foxes symbolize those little things which could destroy the love relationship the bride and groom enjoy. A husband and wife should seek to identify the subtle distractions and dangerous relationships of life and make and effort to eliminate them. 10 Secret places [5643 cether (say'-ther) ] a cover, hiding place, secretly, meaning to hide. 11 It is interesting to note that Samson used foxes to destroy the Philistine s crops. He caught 300 foxes, put them tail-to-tail and tied torches between their tails. Then he set fire to the torches and let them run through the fields of the Philistine s burning up their wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves! (See Judges 15:4,5). 5

6 [My beloved is mine, and I am his. He feeds his flock among the lilies.] The bride is content knowing that her love for the groom and his love for her is sure. She pictures him in a pastoral scene, attending to his sheep by feeding them among the flowers. [Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag upon the mountains of Bether.] The..day breaks. should be translated breathes meaning cools off ; i.e., at the end of the day in the evening as in Genesis 3:8. This phrase occurs again in Song 4:6. The sun is going down and the shadows are getting longer and just before twilight. The bride is evidently saying that she cannot come out until the evening, after Solomon has taken care of the sheep. Her counter invitation to Solomon s is that they can see each other in the evening of the day (actually the next day in Jewish reckoning). Gazelles and stags have a tremendous ability to climb rugged cliffs and hillsides. The allusion seems to be that the difficulties of the day will not be a hindrance to Solomon s ability to return to his bride. Note the allusion to this ability in Habakkuk 3:19: The LORD God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. 6