Analysis of Song of Songs Chapter 2
The Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon, is a poetic and allegorical book of the Bible that explores themes of love, desire, and the beauty of the relationship between a bride and her bridegroom. Chapter 2 of the Song of Songs is rich with imagery and metaphors that reflect the depth of romantic love and the spiritual connection between the lovers. In this analysis, we will delve into the verses of Chapter 2, providing detailed explanations and interpretations to illuminate the profound meaning embedded in this poetic text.
Verse 1: “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.”
In this opening verse, the speaker, often identified as the Shulammite woman, describes herself using two flowers: the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. These flowers are symbols of beauty, purity, and delicacy. The “rose of Sharon” is believed to be a wildflower that grows in the fertile plains of Sharon, known for its simplicity and beauty. Similarly, the “lily of the valleys” is a symbol of purity and grace. By using these metaphors, the woman highlights her own beauty and the natural elegance that she embodies.
From a spiritual perspective, these flowers can also represent the Church or the soul of a believer. The Church, like the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys, is beautiful in the eyes of Christ, even though it may seem humble and ordinary in the world’s eyes. This verse also sets the stage for the mutual admiration and love that will be expressed throughout the chapter.
Verse 2: “As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.”
The bridegroom, often identified as Solomon, responds to the woman’s self-description by comparing her to a lily among thorns. This comparison elevates the woman’s beauty and purity above all others, suggesting that she stands out in a world that may be filled with “thorns” or imperfections. The image of the lily among thorns emphasizes the uniqueness and exceptional nature of the woman’s beauty and character.
Spiritually, this verse can be interpreted as Christ’s view of the Church or a believer. Despite being surrounded by the trials and tribulations of the world (the thorns), the Church remains pure and beautiful in the eyes of Christ. It is a testament to the transformative power of divine love and grace.
Verse 3: “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.”
In this verse, the woman reciprocates the bridegroom’s admiration by comparing him to an apple tree among the trees of the forest. The apple tree, which bears fruit and provides shade, represents nourishment, protection, and sweetness. The woman’s delight in sitting under his shadow and tasting the sweetness of his fruit illustrates her deep satisfaction and contentment in his presence.
This verse can also be viewed as an allegory of the believer’s relationship with Christ. The “apple tree” symbolizes Christ, who provides spiritual nourishment, protection, and joy. The believer finds comfort and delight in the presence of Christ, experiencing the sweetness of His love and grace. The imagery of sitting under the tree’s shadow also suggests a sense of rest and security in God’s presence.
Verse 4: “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”
The imagery of a banqueting house or a banquet hall conveys a sense of celebration, abundance, and joy. The bridegroom’s “banner” over the woman is an expression of his love. Banners in ancient times were used as symbols of identity, protection, and allegiance. By declaring his love as the banner over her, the bridegroom publicly and proudly displays his commitment and affection.
Spiritually, this verse speaks to the believer’s experience of being invited into the fellowship and abundance of God’s love. The banqueting house signifies the fullness of joy and blessings found in a relationship with God. The banner of love symbolizes God’s unwavering and encompassing love for His people, a love that offers protection, identity, and belonging.
Verse 5: “Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.”
Here, the woman expresses a deep and overwhelming sense of longing and passion, often referred to as being “lovesick.” She seeks sustenance and comfort, symbolized by “flagons” (possibly wine) and “apples,” to support her in her intense emotional state.
This verse can be interpreted spiritually as the soul’s deep yearning for God’s presence and love. The “lovesickness” represents the profound desire and longing for a deeper connection with the divine. The request for sustenance and comfort reflects the believer’s need for the spiritual nourishment and strength that only God’s love can provide.
Verse 6: “His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.”
This intimate and tender imagery depicts the bridegroom’s loving and protective embrace of the woman. The placement of his hands suggests a sense of support, care, and affection. It is a moment of deep connection and closeness between the lovers.
In a spiritual context, this verse can be seen as an expression of the comforting and protective presence of God in the life of the believer. God’s embrace symbolizes His unwavering support, care, and love. It is a reminder of the intimate and personal relationship that believers can experience with God, one marked by closeness and tender care.
Verse 7: “I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”
The woman addresses the “daughters of Jerusalem,” urging them not to disturb or awaken her love until it pleases him. The mention of “roes” (gazelles) and “hinds” (deer) of the field adds to the imagery of gentleness and natural beauty.
This verse emphasizes the importance of timing and the natural progression of love. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the need for patience and the understanding that spiritual experiences and growth happen in God’s perfect timing. It is a call for reverence and respect for the sacredness of love, both human and divine.
Verse 8: “The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.”
The woman excitedly recognizes the voice of her beloved and describes his approach with imagery of leaping and skipping over mountains and hills. This vivid portrayal highlights the eagerness, energy, and joy with which the bridegroom comes to her.
Spiritually, this verse can symbolize the anticipation and joy of the believer in recognizing the presence and voice of God. The imagery of leaping and skipping reflects the dynamic and vibrant nature of God’s interaction with His people. It is a reminder of the joy and excitement that comes with experiencing God’s presence and hearing His voice.
Verse 9: “My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.”
The bridegroom is likened to a “roe” (gazelle) or a “young hart” (deer), both symbols of grace and swiftness. The imagery of him standing behind the wall and looking through the windows and lattice suggests a sense of anticipation and longing, as well as the barriers that may temporarily keep them apart.
This verse can also be interpreted as a reflection of the believer’s experience of sensing God’s presence even when there are obstacles or barriers. The description of the bridegroom peering through the lattice symbolizes the glimpses of divine presence and the intimate connection that believers can feel, even when full communion may not yet be realized.
Verse 10: “My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
The bridegroom’s call to the woman—”Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away”—is an invitation to join him. This call reflects a desire for togetherness and shared experience, urging the woman to leave her current place and embrace a new journey with him.
Spiritually, this verse can be interpreted as God’s call to the believer to rise up and follow Him. It is an invitation to leave behind old ways and enter into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. The call to “come away” signifies a transition to a new, more profound spiritual journey.
Verse 11: “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;”
Here, the bridegroom describes a change in seasons, symbolizing the end of winter and rain—a time often associated with hardship and dormancy. This mention of the passing of winter suggests a new beginning and a time of growth and renewal.
This verse can be viewed as a metaphor for the spiritual seasons in a believer’s life. The end of winter and rain represents the conclusion of challenging times and the beginning of a season of spiritual growth and renewal. It reflects the hope and joy that come with the promise of new beginnings through God’s grace.
Verse 12: “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;”
The imagery of flowers blooming and birds singing portrays a scene of natural beauty and joy, indicating the arrival of spring. The “voice of the turtle” (likely a turtledove) adds to the sense of harmony and renewal in the environment.
Spiritually, this verse symbolizes a time of spiritual awakening and renewal. The blooming flowers and singing birds represent the flourishing of the soul and the joyful expressions of faith and worship. It is a depiction of the beauty and vitality that come with a revitalized relationship with God.
Verse 13: “The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
The mention of the fig tree producing green figs and the fragrant vines with tender grapes further emphasizes the imagery of growth and renewal. The repeated call to “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away” reinforces the invitation to embrace this new season of life and love.
This verse can be seen as a call to recognize and respond to the signs of spiritual fruitfulness and renewal in one’s life. The fig tree and vines symbolize the productive and fragrant outcomes of a life lived in alignment with God’s will. The repeated invitation reflects God’s persistent call for believers to rise and journey forward in faith.
Verse 14: “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.”
The bridegroom addresses the woman as a “dove,” a symbol of purity and peace, and expresses a desire to see her face and hear her voice. The “clefts of the rock” and “secret places of the stairs” suggest hidden or protected areas, indicating the woman’s secluded or private state.
In a spiritual context, this verse can symbolize God’s desire for the believer to come out of hiding and reveal their true self in His presence. The dove represents the soul, which may seek refuge in secret or solitary places. God’s request to see the believer’s countenance and hear their voice reflects His longing for open and honest communion with His people, appreciating the beauty and sweetness of their prayers and worship.
Verse 15: “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.”
The “little foxes” are intruders that can spoil the vines and harm the tender grapes. This verse highlights the need to protect the vineyard, which symbolizes the relationship between the lovers or the spiritual life of the believer.
Spiritually, the “little foxes” represent small but potentially harmful influences or sins that can disrupt and damage one’s spiritual growth and relationship with God. The call to “take us the foxes” is a reminder to be vigilant and proactive in addressing and removing these threats to maintain the health and fruitfulness of one’s spiritual life.
Verse 16: “My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.”
The woman declares her mutual belonging with the bridegroom: “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” This statement signifies a deep and exclusive bond between the lovers. The imagery of the bridegroom feeding among the lilies suggests a peaceful and nourishing environment.
This verse can be interpreted as an affirmation of the believer’s covenant relationship with God. The mutual belonging expresses the security and intimacy of being in a committed relationship with God, where both parties take delight in each other. The lilies symbolize purity and the serene nourishment found in God’s presence.
Verse 17: “Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.”
The chapter concludes with the woman addressing her beloved, asking him to be like a roe or a young hart on the mountains of Bether until daybreak and the shadows disappear. This imagery combines anticipation for the dawn with the swiftness and grace of the roe or hart.
Spiritually, this verse symbolizes the hope and anticipation for the full revelation of God’s presence and the dispelling of darkness. The mention of daybreak and fleeing shadows represents the coming of light and clarity. The swift and graceful movements of the roe or hart reflect the believer’s longing for God’s dynamic presence and guidance in their life.
In summary, Chapter 2 of the Song of Songs is a rich tapestry of romantic and spiritual imagery. Through metaphors of nature, seasons, and tender interactions, the chapter explores the profound beauty and depth of love, both human and divine. It highlights themes of mutual admiration, longing, renewal, and the transformative power of love. By interpreting the verses in both their romantic and spiritual contexts, we gain a deeper understanding of the intimate and sacred nature of the relationships portrayed in the Song of Songs.