Song of Solomon 3

The bride describes a night of searching for her beloved, a search that ends with her finding him and holding on. Then the scene shifts to a grand procession as Solomon’s carriage comes up from the wilderness for his wedding day. The chapter moves from longing, to joyful finding, to public celebration of love.

Song of Solomon 3:1

The bride lies in bed at night, longing for the one she loves, and he is not there. It may be a dream or a real night of aching. Either way, love that is real does not rest easily while the beloved is absent.

See also: Psalm 63:1; Psalm 63:6.

Song of Solomon 3:2

She will not lie there and wait. She gets up and goes out into the dark city, searching the streets and squares. Longing turns into action. Yet again she looks and does not find him, so the search is hard.

See also: Jeremiah 29:13.

Song of Solomon 3:3

The city watchmen are the people who patrol the streets at night, so she asks them if they have seen him. Her question is simple and urgent. She cares about only one thing. They give her no answer, so she must keep going.

Song of Solomon 3:4

Hardly has she passed the watchmen when she finds him. She takes hold of him and will not let him go until she brings him home to her mother’s house. Many Christians have read this as a picture of the soul clinging to Christ.

See also: Genesis 32:26.

Song of Solomon 3:5

She repeats the charge she gave earlier to the young women of Jerusalem. Love is powerful and must not be stirred up before its time. It is meant to grow in its right season, and the wise wait for that.

Song of Solomon 3:6

A new scene opens. Someone is seen coming up from the wilderness, with a trail of perfumed smoke rising behind. Myrrh and frankincense were costly, and the merchant’s spices suggest wealth and honor. The procession arrives with fragrance and splendor.

Song of Solomon 3:7

The onlookers announce that it is Solomon’s carriage. It is a royal litter, carried by men and surrounded by sixty chosen warriors. The king comes with honor and protection, to meet his bride.

Song of Solomon 3:8

Every one of the sixty guards is trained with the sword and has seen battle. They stand ready with swords at their sides because of the dangers of the night. The picture is of a love that is guarded, and a king who is protected on the road.

Song of Solomon 3:9

Solomon himself has had this carriage made, from the famous timber of Lebanon. Cedar was prized for its beauty and fragrance. The wood shows how much care and honor the king gives to this occasion.

See also: 1 Kings 7:2.

Song of Solomon 3:10

The carriage is richly made, with silver posts, a golden base and a seat of royal purple. The last line is the surprise. Its interior is inlaid with love by the daughters of Jerusalem, so what matters most is the love that fills it.

Song of Solomon 3:11

The women of Zion are called out of their houses to gaze at the king. He wears the crown his mother set on him for his wedding day, a day of gladness for his heart. The chapter ends in public joy at a marriage.

See also: Isaiah 62:5.