- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Solomon Admires His Bride
The Bridegroom
1How beautiful you are, my darling—
how very beautiful!
Your eyes are like doves
behind your veil.
Your hair is like a flock of goats
streaming down Mount Gilead.
2Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep
coming up from the washing;
each has its twin,
and not one of them is lost.
3Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon,
and your mouth is lovely.
Your brow behind your veil
is like a slice of pomegranate.
4Your neck is like the tower of David,
built with rows of stones;
on it hang a thousand shields,
all of them shields of warriors.
5Your breasts are like two fawns,
twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies.
6Before the day breaks and the shadows flee,
I will make my way
to the mountain of myrrh
and to the hill of frankincense.
7You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
in you there is no flaw.
8Come with me from Lebanon, my bride,
come with me from Lebanon!
Descenda from the peak of Amana,
from the summits of Senir and Hermon,
from the dens of the lions,
from the mountains of the leopards.
9You have captured my heart,
my sister, my bride;
you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes,
with one jewel of your neck.
10How delightful is your love,
my sister, my bride!
Your love is much better than wine,
and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices.
11Your lips, my bride,
drip sweetness like the honeycomb;
honey and milk are under your tongue,
and the fragrance of your garments
is like the aroma of Lebanon.
12My sister, my bride, you are a garden locked up,
a spring enclosed, a fountain sealed.
13Your branches are an orchard of pomegranates
with the choicest of fruits, with henna and nard,
14with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon,
with every kind of frankincense tree,
with myrrh and aloes,
with all the finest spices.
15You are a garden spring,
a well of fresh waterb
flowing down from Lebanon.
The Bride
16Awake, O north wind,
and come, O south wind.
Breathe on my garden
and spread the fragrance of its spices.
Let my beloved come into his garden
and taste its choicest fruits.
Footnotes:
8 aOr Look down
15 bOr flowing water or living water
(Through the Bible) Song of Solomon
By Zac Poonen53155:28SNG 4:7This sermon delves into the deep and intimate themes of love, marriage, and devotion as portrayed in the Song of Solomon. It emphasizes the importance of the sexual relationship in marriage being coupled with love, highlighting that any sexual relationship without love is deemed demonic. The sermon also draws parallels between the romantic love depicted in the Song of Solomon and the relationship between Christ and the Church, encouraging believers to read it through both lenses for spiritual growth and maturity.
Jesus Praises the Bride After Her Season of Testing
By Mike Bickle2747:05Spiritual GrowthFaith in TrialsSNG 4:16SNG 5:2Mike 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. He reassures believers that during times of testing, God is intimately aware of their struggles and is moved by their love and faithfulness, even when they feel abandoned. The sermon highlights that true love for God transcends feelings and circumstances, and that our responses during trials are recorded and cherished by Him. Ultimately, Bickle reveals that the Lord's heart is profoundly touched by our devotion, especially when we remain steadfast in love despite challenges.
07 the Ravished Heart of God (Song 4:9)
By Mike Bickle261:08:45The Love of GodGod's Desire for UsPSA 139:1SNG 4:9JHN 15:9JHN 17:24ROM 6:13EPH 5:27HEB 2:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound truth of God's desire for humanity, drawing parallels from the life of David, who sought to understand God's emotions. He highlights that this understanding can radically transform our spiritual lives, allowing us to embrace God's leadership without fear, knowing that His desire is for us. Bickle points out that many Christian traditions overlook this essential truth, leading to a tragic loss of connection with God's love. He illustrates this through the poetic language of the Song of Solomon, where the King expresses His deep affection for His bride, symbolizing God's love for us. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to recognize their worth in God's eyes and to respond to His love with a heartfelt commitment.
The God of Sardius-Like Passion (Rev. 4:3)
By Mike Bickle2556:00God's PassionUnderstanding God's LoveDEU 4:24SNG 4:9EZK 28:13MAT 26:31JHN 15:9JHN 17:23ROM 5:8HEB 4:151JN 4:19REV 4:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the passionate nature of God, likening Him to the sardius stone, which represents fiery desires and deep love for humanity. He explains that understanding God's beauty and majesty is essential for a genuine relationship with Him, urging believers to engage in dialogue with God about His attributes. Bickle highlights that God's passionate love is not just a fleeting interest but a consuming fire that defines His relationship with us, as seen in the incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus. He encourages believers to recognize their worth in God's eyes and to respond with wholehearted love, as this is the key to living a fulfilled and purposeful life. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's unrelenting desire for His people, which transforms our perspective on life's challenges.
Esther: Beauty Preparations for the Bride
By Mike Bickle2552:55Authority in PrayerPreparationEST 2:12EST 4:14PSA 27:4SNG 4:16ZEC 12:10MAT 6:16MAT 11:28ROM 8:26JAS 4:2REV 22:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Book of Esther as a model for the church's role in the end times, portraying the church as a bride prepared in beauty and intimacy with God. He highlights that Esther's preparation involved both suffering (the oil of myrrh) and joyful encounters with God (the fragrant perfumes), which are essential for the church to operate in authority during crises. Bickle stresses that the church must engage in prayer and fasting to cultivate a spirit of prayer, which is vital for spiritual authority and effectiveness in the world. He calls for believers to downsize their lives to prioritize this preparation and intimacy with God, as it is crucial for fulfilling their divine purpose. Ultimately, the sermon encourages the church to embrace its identity as the bride of Christ, prepared for the return of the King.
The Ravished Heart of God (Song 4.1-16)
By Mike Bickle2548:29God's LoveSpiritual GrowthSNG 4:1Mike Bickle explores the profound love and cherishing heart of God as depicted in Song of Solomon chapter 4, emphasizing that even in our spiritual immaturity, God sees and affirms our budding virtues. He highlights how the Lord's discipline is rooted in His commitment to our relationship, and how our sincere desires to obey Him, despite our shortcomings, are beautiful in His sight. Bickle encourages believers to recognize that God's love is not contingent on our perfection but rather on our hearts' intentions, and that He delights in our journey towards maturity. The sermon culminates in the understanding that our relationship with God transforms us, as we respond to His love and call to deeper fellowship.
05 the Beauty of the Bride (Song 1:15; 4:7)
By Mike Bickle2453:08The Beauty of GodIdentity in ChristPSA 149:4SNG 1:15SNG 4:7ISA 61:3MAL 3:17MAT 10:42JHN 3:2EPH 1:4PHP 3:211PE 3:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound beauty of the bride, representing the people of God, as depicted in the Song of Solomon. He explains that God sees His people as beautiful and beloved, regardless of their flaws, and that this beauty is rooted in His grace and love. Bickle encourages believers to embrace their identity as beautiful in God's eyes and to reject the lies of the enemy that suggest otherwise. He highlights the transformative power of recognizing one's beauty in Christ, which leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling life. Ultimately, he reassures that this beauty is eternal and will be fully realized in the resurrection.
16 the Cherished Heart: Equipped to Love Jesus (Song 4:1-8)
By Mike Bickle2347:36Spiritual GrowthCherishing Heart of JesusSNG 4:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cherishing heart of Jesus as He affirms the budding virtues within us, even after a season of discipline. Through the lens of Song of Solomon 4:1-8, Bickle illustrates how the Holy Spirit is actively working to restore the first commandment of loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength. He highlights that Jesus sees our sincere desires to obey Him and defines us by our longings rather than our struggles. This revelation encourages believers to respond to God's love and affirmation, leading to a deeper commitment to follow Him, even in challenging areas of obedience. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a shift in perspective, urging us to focus on how Jesus cherishes us, which empowers us to grow in our faith.
20 Jesus Praises Her After Her Season of Testing (Song 6:4-10)
By Mike Bickle1646:31Faithfulness in TrialsIntimacy With GodSNG 4:16SNG 6:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative journey of the bride in the Song of Solomon, illustrating her prayers for both adversity and blessing as she seeks deeper intimacy with Jesus. He highlights her unwavering love for Christ during trials, showcasing her maturity and the beauty of her devotion even when faced with rejection and silence from the body of Christ. Jesus responds to her faithfulness with profound praise, affirming her worth and place in His eternal purpose, revealing that true beauty lies in loving Him for who He is, not just for His blessings. The sermon encourages believers to remain steadfast in love, understanding that their devotion moves the heart of God, especially in times of testing.
Song of Solomon Part 6 (With Korean Translation)
By Mike Bickle1449:55God's LoveIdentity in ChristSNG 4:1EPH 5:25Mike Bickle teaches about the cherished heart of God as depicted in the Song of Solomon, emphasizing how Jesus calls His Bride to rise above fear and embrace a deeper commitment to Him. He highlights the importance of God's affirmations of beauty and potential in our lives, even amidst our struggles and immaturity. Bickle illustrates that God sees the seeds of commitment in our hearts and encourages us to respond to His love by stepping into spiritual challenges, symbolized by the call to the mountain. The sermon underscores that God's primary method of cleansing and nurturing His people is through love and affirmation rather than condemnation. Ultimately, Bickle invites believers to recognize their identity as cherished by God, motivating them to pursue Him wholeheartedly.
17 the Ravished Heart of God (Song 4:9-5:1)
By Mike Bickle1347:36God's LoveRadical ObediencePSA 139:14SNG 4:9SNG 4:16MAT 11:28JHN 15:9ROM 8:382CO 5:21HEB 4:151JN 4:19Mike 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 highlights that true obedience stems from a deep understanding of God's affection, which empowers believers to move beyond fear and shame. Bickle illustrates that even a sincere desire to obey, despite immaturity, is beautiful to God and moves His heart. The sermon encourages believers to embrace their identity as cherished brides of Christ, fostering a deeper relationship with Him through understanding His passionate love. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a revelation of God's tender emotions towards humanity, which is essential for the church's growth and maturity.
(A Heavenly Home) 3. a Marriage Like a Garden
By Zac Poonen2MarriageCultivation of RelationshipsGEN 2:15PRO 24:30SNG 4:12SNG 4:16ISA 58:11MAT 22:37JHN 19:41Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of cultivating a marriage like a garden, drawing parallels between the first marriage in Eden and the relationship between Sandeep and Laura. He highlights the importance of nurturing their relationship to prevent it from becoming a wilderness, as seen in Proverbs. Poonen discusses three gardens in Scripture: Eden, Gethsemane, and the Bridegroom's garden, illustrating how sin and salvation both occurred in gardens. He encourages the couple to prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring their marriage is a private garden for the Lord, and to cultivate it with love, humility, and selflessness. Ultimately, he reminds them that their marriage can glorify Christ and bear fruit in both adversity and prosperity.
Garden of the Heart - Part 1
By J.R. Miller1Spiritual GrowthService and SacrificeSNG 4:16ISA 61:3GAL 5:22J.R. Miller emphasizes the metaphor of the heart as a garden, urging believers to cultivate their inner lives by removing weeds of sin and nurturing the fruits of the Spirit. He illustrates how God desires to transform our hearts into beautiful gardens, filled with love, joy, and peace, akin to the resurrection of Christ in a garden. Miller encourages prayer for the 'winds of God' to awaken dormant spiritual gifts and to embrace both the north wind of conviction and the south wind of divine love. He reminds us that true glory in life comes from service and sacrifice, reflecting Christ's example as the ultimate servant. The sermon calls for self-examination and a commitment to live out the potential that God sees in each of us.
Whereby They Have Made Thee Glad.
By C.H. Spurgeon0Making God GladThe Power of LoveSNG 4:10MAT 5:16MAT 25:40MRK 14:3LUK 6:38JHN 15:132CO 9:7PHP 4:18HEB 13:161PE 4:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the church and its people have the privilege of making the Savior glad through their love, praise, and acts of kindness. He acknowledges that while our love may feel faint, it is sweet to Christ, who delights in our affection and gratitude. Spurgeon encourages believers to express their love not just through words but through heartfelt actions, such as forgiving others, giving to the poor, and sharing the gospel. He illustrates that even the smallest offerings, motivated by love, are precious to God. Ultimately, he calls on believers to joyfully honor Christ with their lives, just as the woman who anointed Him with precious oil did.
My Sister, My Spouse
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Church as the BrideIntimacy with ChristSNG 4:9EPH 5:25C.H. Spurgeon beautifully illustrates the intimate relationship between Christ and the Church, referring to her as 'My sister, My spouse.' He emphasizes the deep affection and connection Christ has with His Church, highlighting the dual nature of their relationship—both as family and as a beloved. Spurgeon reassures believers that they are cherished by Christ, who has a profound commitment to them, having chosen and loved them from the beginning. He encourages the faithful to respond to this love with their own devotion, recognizing the sacred bond they share with their Lord. Ultimately, the message is one of comfort and assurance in the unwavering love of Christ for His Church.
Your Life Can Be Like a Watered Garden (Isaiah 58:11)
By Zac Poonen0Relationship with GodSpiritual GrowthGEN 2:8SNG 4:12SNG 4:16MAT 22:37JHN 19:41Zac Poonen emphasizes that our lives can be like a watered garden by examining three biblical gardens: the Garden of Eden, where pride and selfishness led to sin; the Garden of Gethsemane and Calvary, where Jesus exemplified humility and selflessness for our salvation; and the Garden of the Bridegroom, representing our exclusive relationship with Christ. He highlights that our lives should be dedicated to God first, allowing us to bless others as a by-product. Poonen encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, ensuring that every aspect of their lives is under His control, resulting in a life that delights the Lord.
His Cheeks Are as a Bed of Spices,
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Beauty of ChristFellowship with JesusPSA 16:11PSA 42:1SNG 4:14ISA 53:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 15:4ROM 5:82CO 2:15PHP 4:7C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the beauty and fragrance of Jesus, likening His cheeks to a bed of spices that bring joy and refreshment to the soul. He emphasizes the significance of Christ's suffering and the love expressed through His pain, which makes His presence a source of delight and comfort. Spurgeon encourages believers to seek a deep, abiding fellowship with Jesus, finding in Him a continuous spring of grace and joy. The imagery of flowers and the changing seasons serves to illustrate the richness of spiritual life found in Christ. Ultimately, he expresses a longing to reciprocate the love of Jesus with heartfelt devotion.
Evening Thoughts - February
By Octavius Winslow0Living Under God's Watchful EyeHope in AfflictionPSA 33:18PSA 119:50SNG 4:6ISA 35:8JHN 1:13JHN 3:16ROM 6:4GAL 6:4PHP 1:29COL 1:22Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of living under the watchful eye of God, who tenderly invites us to return to Him despite our wanderings. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, especially in times of affliction, as it is through trials that our faith is strengthened and our spiritual lives revived. Winslow reminds us that the ultimate hope lies in the promise of eternal glory, where all sorrow and sin will cease, and we will be fully satisfied in God's likeness. He calls for self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth, urging believers to rely on God's grace and the power of prayer in their daily walk with Him.
We May Puff and Blow Our Hearts Out
By Thomas Brooks0Strength in ChristSpiritual GrowthPSA 138:3SNG 4:16ISA 58:11JHN 15:5ROM 15:132CO 12:9EPH 3:16PHP 4:13COL 1:111PE 5:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our strength and ability to thrive in various circumstances come solely through Christ. He illustrates that despite our efforts to cultivate our spiritual lives, true growth and fragrance can only come from Christ's internal operation within us. Brooks reassures believers that their graces, though they may seem weak, are nurtured by God, who will not let them wither. He encourages Christians to trust in God's timing for the increase of their spiritual gifts and to remain hopeful in their journey of faith.
Your Spots and Blots
By Thomas Brooks0Righteousness in ChristAssurance of SalvationSNG 4:7JER 23:6ROM 3:222CO 5:21EPH 1:6PHP 3:9COL 1:22HEB 10:141JN 1:7REV 14:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the assurance of believers standing before God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, despite their imperfections and struggles with sin. He encourages those with weak hearts to remember that they are seen as lovely and without flaw in God's eyes, as stated in Revelation 14:5. Brooks reassures that even when believers feel overwhelmed by their shortcomings, they should find strength in the truth of their identity in Christ, who covers their spots and blots with His righteousness.
Emblems From the Story of Creation
By A.B. Simpson0New Creation in ChristCreationGEN 1:26SNG 4:12JHN 6:51ROM 5:192CO 5:17EPH 2:10COL 3:10HEB 4:91PE 2:9REV 21:1A.B. Simpson explores the profound spiritual meanings embedded in the story of creation, emphasizing that while the Scriptures recount historical events, they also convey deeper truths about the new creation in Christ. He illustrates how the creation narrative parallels the spiritual transformation of believers, highlighting themes of light, order, and the divine image in humanity. Simpson draws connections between the creation of man and woman, emphasizing their roles and the relationship between Christ and the Church. He concludes with reflections on the Sabbath as a symbol of spiritual rest and the garden as a representation of paradise restored, ultimately pointing to Christ as the source of life and renewal.
Awake, O North Wind; and Come, Thou South
By C.H. Spurgeon0Embracing TrialsSpiritual GrowthSNG 4:16JAS 1:2C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of experiencing both trials and comforts in our spiritual lives, arguing that anything is preferable to the dead calm of indifference. He reflects on the longing for the north wind of trouble to awaken our graces and the south wind of comfort to bring joy and divine love. The spouse in the sermon exemplifies a humble submission to God's will, desiring any form of grace that would enable her to please her Beloved. Spurgeon encourages believers to embrace both affliction and consolation as means to cultivate their faith and produce the sweet fragrance of their graces for Jesus. Ultimately, he expresses the profound truth that even our feeble efforts can bring joy to Christ's heart.
His People's Scars and Warts
By Thomas Brooks0Identity in ChristGod's GracePSA 103:12SNG 4:7ISA 43:25ROM 8:11JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God lovingly acknowledges the scars and imperfections of His people, focusing instead on their beauty and worth. He illustrates that just as Caesar highlighted his own flaws, God chooses to overlook the sins He has forgiven, seeing only the fair and lovely aspects of His children. This assurance of God's grace encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, free from the burden of past sins.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Introduction
The bridegroom's description of his bride, her person, her accomplishments, her chastity, and her general excellence, vv. 1-16.
Introduction
Contrast with the bride's state by nature (Isa 1:6) her state by grace (Sol 4:1-7), "perfect through His comeliness put upon her" (Eze 16:14; Joh 15:3). The praise of Jesus Christ, unlike that of the world, hurts not, but edifies; as His, not ours, is the glory (Joh 5:44; Rev 4:10-11). Seven features of beauty are specified (Sol 4:1-5) ("lips" and "speech" are but one feature, Sol 4:3), the number for perfection. To each of these is attached a comparison from nature: the resemblances consist not so much in outward likeness, as in the combined sensations of delight produced by contemplating these natural objects. doves'--the large melting eye of the Syrian dove appears especially beautiful amid the foliage of its native groves: so the bride's "eyes within her locks" (Luk 7:44). MAURER for "locks," has "veil"; but locks suit the connection better: so the Hebrew is translated (Isa 47:2). The dove was the only bird counted "clean" for sacrifice. Once the heart was "the cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Grace makes the change. eyes-- (Mat 6:22; Eph 1:18; contrast Mat 5:28; Eph 4:18; Jo1 2:16). Chaste and guileless ("harmless," Mat 10:16, Margin; Joh 1:47). John the Baptist, historically, was the "turtledove" (Sol 2:12), with eye directed to the coming Bridegroom: his Nazarite unshorn hair answers to "locks" (Joh 1:29, Joh 1:36). hair . . . goats--The hair of goats in the East is fine like silk. As long hair is her glory, and marks her subjection to man (Co1 11:6-15), so the Nazarite's hair marked his subjection and separation unto God. (Compare Jdg 16:17, with Co2 6:17; Tit 2:14; Pe1 2:9). Jesus Christ cares for the minutest concerns of His saints (Mat 10:30). appear from--literally, "that lie down from"; lying along the hillside, they seem to hang from it: a picture of the bride's hanging tresses. Gilead--beyond Jordan: there stood "the heap of witness" (Gen 31:48).
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON 4 In this chapter is contained a large commendation of the church's beauty by Christ; first, more particularly, by an enumeration of several parts, as her eyes, hair, teeth, lips, temples, neck, and breasts, Sol 4:1; and more generally, Sol 4:7; And having observed where he himself was determined to go, he invites her to go with him; which he enforces, partly from the danger she was exposed unto where she was Sol 4:6; and partly from the comeliness of her person and graces in his esteem; with which he was ravished, and therefore was extremely desirous of her company, Sol 4:9; And then enters into some new descriptions of her; as a garden and orchard, as a spring and fountain, Sol 4:12; all which she makes to be owing to him, Sol 4:15; And the chapter is closed with an order from Christ to the winds to blow on his garden, and cause the spices of it to flow out; and with an invitation of the church to Christ, to come into his garden, and relax there, Sol 4:16.
Verse 1
4:1–5:1 The consummation of the marriage is now expressed. • This poem is the first “descriptive poem” in the book (see also 5:10-16; 6:4-6; 7:2-8). Scholars commonly refer to these poems by the Arabic term wasf (“description”); these poems are similar in form to songs sung at modern Arabic weddings. These sensuous poems are preludes to sexual intimacy. In their descriptions of physical beauty, they often move—as this one does—from the head downward.
4:1 my darling (literally companion): The man is about to consummate his love with the one who is his friend as well as lover (see also 4:7). • like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead: Middle Eastern goats are very dark, if not black. The woman’s hair flows over and down her lighter veil.
Verse 2
4:2 Your smile is flawless, each tooth matched with its twin: Her teeth are matched on both sides, with none missing. In an age when dental care was not what it is today, a woman with all her teeth was quite a prize!
Verse 3
4:3 Pomegranates have a rosy appearance and are one of the lushest Middle Eastern fruits.
Verse 4
4:4 A slender neck held high is a sign of confidence and dignity as well as beauty. The tower of David is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.
Verse 5
4:5 Your breasts are like two fawns . . . grazing among the lilies: The comparison can be seen in terms of physical softness, firmness, beauty, and roundness.
Verse 6
4:6 After mention of the breasts in the previous verse, the man’s exclamation that he wants to hurry to the mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense is easily understood as his desire to be intimately close to this beautiful woman.
Verse 8
4:8 Mount Amana, Senir, and Hermon are the three northernmost peaks in Israel and the highest point on the border with Lebanon. They represent the height of the couple’s ecstasy, from which they must at times descend.
Verse 9
4:9 my treasure (literally my sister): The man calls the woman his sister to emphasize their relationship as loving companions and his role as her protector. This sounds strange to modern ears, but it does not suggest an incestuous relationship. Ancient Near Eastern love poetry often uses the language of brother and sister to refer to two people in love.
Verse 10
4:10-11 wine . . . nectar . . . honey . . . milk: The woman is compared with much that is smooth, sweet, and sensuous. Her love and their kissing within the lavish fragrance around them is nearing the ultimate delight for this bridegroom.
Verse 12
4:12 private garden . . . secluded spring . . . hidden fountain (literally locked garden . . . locked spring . . . sealed fountain): This affirmation of her purity and virginity accentuates his exclusive and privileged position (see Prov 5:15 for similar imagery). The images of spring and fountain evoke thoughts of the most intimate parts of a woman’s body.
Verse 13
4:13-14 The man’s description of his lover now focuses on the most exquisite place of delight between her thighs.
Verse 16
4:16 Come into your garden, my love; taste its finest fruits: Finally, the woman invites the man to enter her and experience her now-unlocked body in all its sensual perfection. • The man had poetically affirmed the woman’s chastity (4:12). However, she is totally and exclusively committed to him, so she reveals her treasures and invites him into the garden.