Song of Solomon 4

Song of Solomon 4:1-15

The Wedding Song - We may look at Son 4:1-15 as a wedding song in which the bridegroom expresses his devotion and love to his bride alone and asks her for the same commitment by giving her a wedding song (Son 4:1-15) before she yields to him in the marriage bed to consummate the wedding (Son 4:16 to Son 5:1). He first describes her beauty, beginning with her eyes, then her teeth, her lips, her speech, her temples, her neck and her breasts (Son 4:1-7). Then he makes his request for her to forsake her homeland and come to dwell with him (Son 4:8). He then bases this request upon his passionate love for her (Son 4:9-10). The bridegroom then describes her inner beauty (Son 4:11-15). Illustration - I remember the wedding of the music director of our church in the 1979 or 1980 at Hiland Park Baptist Church. During the wedding he sang to her a love song. Thus, such singing is not uncommon, even in our cultures today.

Song of Solomon 4:8

Son 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards. Son 4:8 — Word Study on “my spouse” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “spouse” “kal-law’” (λַּ ?μָּ ?δ) (H3618) means, “a bride, maiden bethrothed, a daughter-in-law.”Strong says it means, “a bride, a son’s wife.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 34 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “daughter in law 17, bride 9, spouse 8.” This word is found 6 times in the Songs (Son 4:8-12; Son 5:1). Son 4:8 — Word Study on “Amana” – Gesenius says the Hebrew name “Amanah” (ΰֲ ?ξָ ?πָ ?δ) (H549) means, “a covenant.” Strong says the name Amana is the same as “Amanah” (H548), and refers to “a mountain near Damascus.” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used only two times in the Scriptures, the other use being translated as “Abana” as a variant reading, in 2 Kings 5:12. According to Naaman the leper it was a very beautiful river of Damascus. 2 Kings 5:12, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.” Son 4:8 — Word Study on “Shenir” – Gesenius says the Hebrew name “Shenir” “shen-eer’” (ωְׂ ?πִ ?ιψ) (H8149) literally means, “coat of mail.” Strong says it is derived from an unused root that means “to be pointed, peak,” and refers to “Shenir or Senir, a peak of Lebanon.” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 4 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “Senir 2, Shenir 2.” Its other uses are: Deuteronomy 3:9, “(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)” 1 Chronicles 5:23, “And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.” Ezekiel 27:5, “They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.” Son 4:8 — Word Study on “Hermon” - Strong says the Hebrew name “Hermon” “kher-mone’” (ηֶ ?ψְ ?ξֹ ?εο) (H2768) means, “abrupt,” and refers to Hermon, “a mountain in Palestine.” The Enhanced Strong says it is found 13 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “Hermon 13.” Son 4:8 — Word Study on “mountains” – Strong says the Hebrew word “mountain” “harar” (δָ ?ψָ ?ψ) (H2042) means, “mountain, hill, mount.” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 13 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “mountain 10, hill 2, mount 1.” The Enhanced Strong says it is one time used in the Song of Songs (Son 4:8). The Song of Solomon describes the mountains metaphorically as “the mountains of Bether” (Son 2:17), “mount Gilead” (Son 4:1), “the mountain of myrrh” (Son 4:6), “the mountain of spices” (Son 8:14), “the mountains of the leopards” (Son 4:8). The hills are referred to as “the hill of frankincense” (Son 4:6). Watchman Nee says the phrase “the mountains of spices” refers to “the new millennial world of fragrance and beauty.”[196] The mountains and hills seem to refer to the heavenly, spiritual realm of eternity that the believer partakes of in a limited measure along his earthly journey. [196] Watchman Nee, Song of Songs (Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: CLC Publications, c1965, 2001), 157.Son 4:8 — Literal Interpretation – Many scholars interpret Son 4:8 as the Lover’s call for the Shulamite to forsake her homeland in Lebanon. Mounts Amana, Shenir and Hermon are evidently three high peaks on the mountain range in Lebanon. Perhaps these mountain ranges were viewed from the hometown and vineyards of the Shulamite woman, thus, reminding her of her beautiful homeland. In this case, the king is calling her to forsake what is pleasant and beautiful in her sight. In contrast, some scholars interpret Son 4:8 as a call from her Lover to come up to the tops of the mountains so that she can see the beloved Promised Land in its beauty and majesty. Figurative Interpretation – If the Lover is calling the Shulamite to forsake Lebanon, then the figurative interpretation means that Christ calls us at this point in our spiritual journey to forsake all and follow Him, much like Jesus called His disciples to do the same. Lebanon would represent the best that this world has to offer us. Figuratively speaking, this is the place in the Song of Solomon where a person is called to divine service, which is a greater sacrifice than what many believers are called to do. If the Lover is calling his beloved bride to come up to the tops of the mountains of Lebanon so that she can see the beloved Promised Land in its beauty and majesty, then Son 4:8 can be interpreted to mean that the Lord is calling us to walk in a higher realm, where we can see things from a heavenly perspective. From the mountains of Lebanon can be seen the beautify cedars of Lebanon. It may be possible to see portions of the Promised Land as well. The lion and the leopard represent the fact that strong demonic realms dwell on the mountain tops. There are great battles that must be fought in the heavenly realm. Christ is calling this person to walk in an elevated realm of authority and divine perception where the gifts of the Spirit manifest.

This is the place where one walks in the anointing for the work of the ministry and tears down the strongholds of Satan. If the names of these three mountains are relevant, then they symbolize the covenant a minister of the Gospel has with Christ, who has put on his armour in order to defeat the higher realms of Satan. This interpretation draws for us the image of spiritual warfare that Paul describes in Ephesians 6:11-18. Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Song of Solomon 4:9

Son 4:9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. Son 4:9 — Word Study on “ravished” - Strong says the Hebrew word “ravished” “law-bab’” (μָ ?αַ ?α) (H3823) means, “to be enclosed (as if with fat), to unheart, to transport (with love),” or to “stultify.” The Enhanced Strong says this Hebrew word is used 5 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “ravished my heart 2, make 1, made cakes 1, be wise 1.” It used twice in Songs (Son 4:9 twice). In Son 4:9 it is used in the Piel form, which intensifies the meaning of the verb. Comments - In its simple form the verb (μָ ?αַ ?α) means that the bride has stirred his heart. The Piel form intensives it to mean, “captured his heart.” With the repetitive statement in the Piel, it is the strongest way the Hebrew can say “You have uttered captured and ravished my heart.” Son 4:9 — Word Study on “my spouse” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “spouse” “kal-law’” (λַּ ?μָּ ?δ) (H3618) means, “a bride, maiden bethrothed, a daughter-in-law.”Strong says it means, “a bride, a son’s wife.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 34 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “daughter in law 17, bride 9, spouse 8.” This word is found 6 times in the Songs (Son 4:8-12; Son 5:1). Son 4:9 — “my sister, my spouse” – Comments - The phrase “my sister, my spouse” will be used in Son 4:9-10; Son 4:12; Son 5:1. Garrett suggests this phrase implies they have become “one family,” having “common flesh and blood.”[197] It is the bridegroom’s attempt to emphasize the bride’s covenant relationship so that she will yield to him in the marriage bed. [197] Duane Garrett, Song of Songs, in Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 23B (Dallas, Texas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 2.1c [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2000-2004), comments on Song of Solomon 4:9.Son 4:9 — Figurative Interpretation – “Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart” – The repetitive phrase in Son 4:9 is used to intensify its meaning. In other words, the king was ravished to the ultimate degree with his bride. “with one of thine eyes” - One look at a person’s eyes can tell a thousand words, if the two are intimate, if they know each other’s thoughts. “with one chain of thy neck” – Watchman Nee notes that the chains on one’s neck represents obedience.[198] [198] Watchman Nee, Song of Songs (Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: CLC Publications, c1965, 2001), 86.Proverbs 1:9, “For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”

Song of Solomon 4:10

Son 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! Son 4:10 — Word Study on “my spouse” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “spouse” “kal-law’” (λַּ ?μָּ ?δ) (H3618) means, “a bride, maiden bethrothed, a daughter-in-law.”Strong says it means, “a bride, a son’s wife.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 34 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “daughter in law 17, bride 9, spouse 8.” This word is found 6 times in the Songs (Son 4:8-12; Son 5:1). Son 4:10 — Word Study on “spices” – Strong says the Hebrew word “spices” “besem” (αֶּ ?ωֶׂ ?ν) or “bτsem” (αֹּ ?ωֶׂ ?ν) (H1314) means, “fragrance, spicery, the balsam plant.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 29 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “spice 24, sweet odours 2, sweet 2, sweet smell 1.” This word is used six times in the Song of Solomon (Son 4:10; Son 4:14; Son 4:16; Son 5:13; Son 6:2; Son 8:14).

Song of Solomon 4:11-15

Son 4:11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is as the honeycomb. Son 4:11 — Word Study on “my spouse” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “spouse” “kal-law’” (λַּ ?μָּ ?δ) (H3618) means, “a bride, maiden bethrothed, a daughter-in-law.”Strong says it means, “a bride, a son’s wife.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 34 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “daughter in law 17, bride 9, spouse 8.” This word is found 6 times in the Songs (Son 4:8-12; Son 5:1). Son 4:11-15 — The Bride’s Purity: The Bride is an Enclosed Garden - Literal Interpretation - Son 4:12 seems to be figurative of a description of the Shulamite woman’s virginity. Son 4:13-15 will describe the beauty of virginity. A similar metaphor is used for the Shulamite’s little sister. Son 8:8-9, “We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.” An enclosed garden is a place excluded for many. It is a place that only the chosen are allowed to enter. She will open only to him in Son 4:16. God created her garden and designed it entirely for the delight of her husband. Figurative Interpretation – “A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed” - We are to give our heart entirely unto the Lord, for it was created to belong entirely to Him. We are to guard our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). However, when He alone is the partaker of our heart and affections, as in Son 5:1, “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk,” then His love overflows through us so that He may now say, “eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” Then there is abundance for everyone to partake of. Proverbs 4:23 reads, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” “Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:” – Son 4:13-14 describes a garden with unlimited plants to delight a person’s senses and emotions. God created our hearts to be a source the source of gifts that bring delight to others. However, we must let these plantings be of the Lord and sanctify ourselves in holy living and communion with Him. Then our garden will be one of endless delights unto the Lord. Our joy will be full. These plants may symbolize the fruit of the Spirit, for in the moving of the wind (Son 4:16), these delights are released for others to enjoy (Son 5:1). Son 4:12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Son 4:12 — Word Study on “a garden” - Strong says the Hebrew word “garden” “gan” (βַּ ?ο) (H1588) literally means, “a garden (as fenced).” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 42 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “garden 42.” The word is used 8 times in the Song of Songs (Son 4:12; Son 4:15-16; Son 5:1; Son 6:2; Son 8:13). It figuratively refers to a place of communion with God; for this was one of the reasons God planted the Garden of Eden, to have fellowship with man in the cool of the day. Son 4:12 — Word Study on “my spouse” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “spouse” “kal-law’” (λַּ ?μָּ ?δ) (H3618) means, “a bride, maiden bethrothed, a daughter-in-law.”Strong says it means, “a bride, a son’s wife.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 34 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “daughter in law 17, bride 9, spouse 8.” This word is found 6 times in the Songs (Son 4:8-12; Son 5:1). Son 4:13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Son 4:13 — Word Study on “pomegranates” – Strong says the Hebrew word “pomegranate” “rimmτwn” (ψִ ?ξּ ?εֹ ?ο) (H7416) means “a pomegranate, the tree or the fruit,” and it also refers to the pomegranate ornament used in the Tabernacle and Temple. The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 32 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “pomegranate 31, pomegranate tree 1.” It is used times in the book of Songs (Son 4:3; Son 4:13; Son 6:7; Son 6:11; Son 7:12; Son 8:2). Comments - The pomegranate tree was one of the most attractive fruit trees in the Middle East, with brilliant scarlet blossom in the spring (Son 7:12). The Israelites planted the tree in orchards (Son 4:13; Son 6:11; Son 7:12) and made wine from its juice (Son 8:2) The beautiful texture of its inner fruit may have been behind the metaphorical phrase, “thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks” (Son 4:3; Son 6:7).[199] [199] E. W. G. Masterman, “Pomegranate,” in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. James Orr (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., c1915, 1939), in The Sword Project, v. 1.5.11 [CD-ROM] (Temple, AZ: CrossWire Bible Society, 1990-2008).Son 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: Son 4:14 — Word Study on “spices” – Strong says the Hebrew word “spices” “besem” (αֶּ ?ωֶׂ ?ν) or “bτsem” (αֹּ ?ωֶׂ ?ν) (H1314) means, “fragrance, spicery, the balsam plant.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 29 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “spice 24, sweet odours 2, sweet 2, sweet smell 1.” This word is used six times in the Song of Solomon (Son 4:10; Son 4:14; Son 4:16; Son 5:13; Son 6:2; Son 8:14). Son 4:15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. Son 4:15 — Word Study on “gardens” - Strong says the Hebrew word “garden” “gan” (βַּ ?ο) (H1588) literally means, “a garden (as fenced).” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 42 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “garden 42.” The word is used 8 times in the Song of Songs (Son 4:12; Son 4:15-16; Son 5:1; Son 6:2; Son 8:13). It figuratively refers to a place of communion with God; for this was one of the reasons God planted the Garden of Eden, to have fellowship with man in the cool of the day.

Song of Solomon 4:16-5

The Wedding Vows - Some Christian scholars have interpreted Son 4:16 to Son 5:1 as a description of the act of consummating the marriage between a man and a woman in the wedding bed. We find a similar description of this bed of spices in Proverbs 7:16-18 when the adulteress tries to woo the naive young man into her bed of worldly pleasures. However, I understand it to be symbolic of the couple’s wedding vows towards one another. Having been impressed by the wedding processional (Son 3:6-11) and wooed by a wedding song (Son 4:1-15), the bride finally yields to his desires by allowing him to come into her “garden,” which is figurative of an experience of intense delight (Son 4:16 to Son 5:1). She vows herself to him (Son 4:16) and he responds by accepting her as his wife (Son 5:1). Proverbs 7:16-18, “I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.” Son 4:16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Son 4:16 — Word Study on “garden” - Strong says the Hebrew word “garden” “gan” (βַּ ?ο) (H1588) literally means, “a garden (as fenced).” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 42 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “garden 42.” The word is used 8 times in the Song of Songs (Son 4:12; Son 4:15-16; Son 5:1; Son 6:2; Son 8:13). It figuratively refers to a place of communion with God; for this was one of the reasons God planted the Garden of Eden, to have fellowship with man in the cool of the day. Son 4:16 — Word Study on “the spices” – Strong says the Hebrew word “spices” “besem” (αֶּ ?ωֶׂ ?ν) or “bτsem” (αֹּ ?ωֶׂ ?ν) (H1314) means, “fragrance, spicery, the balsam plant.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 29 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “spice 24, sweet odours 2, sweet 2, sweet smell 1.” This word is used six times in the Song of Solomon (Son 4:10; Son 4:14; Son 4:16; Son 5:13; Son 6:2; Son 8:14). Son 4:16 — Literal Interpretation - A garden symbolizes a place of pleasure and delight. In fact, God created a garden for Adam and Eve and named it “Eden”, which means, “delight”. It was created as a place where God could fellowship with Adam and walk with him in the cool of the day. In the same way, the Beloved invites her Lover into her “garden of delights” to taste of them. This means that she has yielded herself entirely to him and allows their love to be consummated in the marriage bed. Figurative Interpretation – “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south” – The wind is figurative of the Holy Spirit; or, the north wind symbolizes her willingness to endure adversities, and the south winds symbolize times of refreshing. Her commitment to accept the north wind is tested in Son 5:3-7 as she faces persecution. “blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out” – Bickle refers to 2 Corinthians 2:15 to suggest the outflow of spices symbolizes her effort to offer life to others, committing herself to a deeper walk of consecration.[200] [200] Mike Bickle, Session 12 - The Ravished Heart of the Heavenly Bridegroom (Song of Solomon 4:9-5:1), in Song of Songs (Kansas City, Missouri: International House of Prayer, 1998), 24.2 Corinthians 2:15, “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” Son 4:16 may also suggest that she is opening her heart for the Holy Spirit comes upon her. His presence during times of communion allows us to pray effectively and confidently as we feel God’s presence. We can pray according to the will of God. This verse may also imply that a child of God is praying in the Holy Ghost, praying in tongues. Son 5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. Son 5:1 — Word Study on “a garden” - Strong says the Hebrew word “garden” “gan” (βַּ ?ο) (H1588) literally means, “a garden (as fenced).” The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 42 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “garden 42.” The word is used 8 times in the Song of Songs (Son 4:12; Son 4:15-16; Son 5:1; Son 6:2; Son 8:13). It figuratively refers to a place of communion with God; for this was one of the reasons God planted the Garden of Eden, to have fellowship with man in the cool of the day. Son 5:1 — Word Study on “my spouse” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “spouse” “kal-law’” (λַּ ?μָּ ?δ) (H3618) means, “a bride, maiden bethrothed, a daughter-in-law.”Strong says it means, “a bride, a son’s wife.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 34 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “daughter in law 17, bride 9, spouse 8.” This word is found 6 times in the Songs (Son 4:8-12; Son 5:1). Son 5:1 — Word Study on “O beloved” – Strong says the Hebrew word “love” “dτwd” (γּ ?εֹ ?γ) (H1730) means, a love-token, lover, friend, beloved, uncle,” and comes from an unused root properly meaning “to boil.” The Enhanced Strong says this word it is used 61 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “beloved 34, uncle 16, love(s) 8, father’s brother 2, wellbeloved 1.” It is used 39 times in the book of Songs of its 61 Old Testament uses. This Hebrew word in Son 5:1 is used in its plural form, so should be translated “beloved ones,” which is a reference to the wedding guests within the context of this passage. Son 5:1 — Comments - Son 5:1 serves as a final verse to one of the five divisions of the Song of Solomon. Literal Interpretation - “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk” - The bridegroom responds to the bride’s invitation and enters into the garden of delight, which is the first act of intercourse. It is a garden that God actually designed and made for this occasion. The variety of metaphors used in Son 5:1 implies the manifold delights of the marriage bed. “drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved” - The bridegroom invites his new bride as well as his wedding guests to enjoy the wedding festival by drinking wine in abundance so that they will feel the pleasure of its effects. Figurative Interpretation – “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk” – The bridegroom now calls her “my garden, my sister, my spouse,” indicating ownership over her will. We are to give our heart entirely unto the Lord. For it was created to belong entirely to Him. We are to guard our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). However, when He alone is the partaker of our heart and affections, as in Son 5:1, “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk,” then His love overflows through us so that He may now say, “eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” Then there is abundance for everyone to partake of. “eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved” – It is the Spirit of God that moves upon our hearts (Son 4:16) and releases His divine gifts that others may partake and be blessed. Communion with God through the Spirit is for everyone. Proverbs 4:23 reads, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”