Analysis of Song of Songs Chapter 7
Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon, is one of the most profound and poetic books of the Bible, filled with rich imagery and metaphors. Chapter 7 continues to explore the themes of love, beauty, and intimate desire between the lovers. This chapter is particularly evocative due to its vivid and sensuous descriptions, celebrating the physical and emotional connection in a way that is both passionate and deeply reverent.
Verses 1-2: Admiration of Beauty
The chapter begins with a detailed admiration of the feminine beauty of the Shulammite woman:
“How beautiful your sandaled feet, O prince’s daughter! Your graceful legs are like jewels, the work of an artist’s hands. Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.”
The imagery here is striking and precise. The mention of “sandaled feet” conveys a grace and nobility, which is emphasized by the appellation “prince’s daughter.” The description of her legs and navel using jewels and fine wine symbolizes refinement, luxury, and abundance. This demonstrates not just a physical admiration, but a recognition of her worth and elegance.
The “mound of wheat” encircled by lilies is an agricultural metaphor, evoking fertility, nourishment, and natural beauty. Wheat was a staple food in ancient times, representing sustenance and life, while lilies traditionally symbolize purity and beauty. Together, these images form a holistic view of womanhood, encompassing both sensual and virtuous qualities.
Verses 3-5: Continued Praise
The admiration of the woman’s physical form continues in these verses:
“Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle. Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon that looks toward Damascus. Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. Your hair is like royal tapestry; the king is held captive by its tresses.”
The metaphor of the breasts being likened to “twin fawns” suggests timidity, gentleness, and a natural, innocent beauty. The image of the neck as an “ivory tower” speaks to strength, dignity, and an almost regal posture. Ivory, being rare and valuable, underscores the preciousness of her person.
Her eyes, compared to “the pools of Heshbon,” utilize the image of tranquil and deep waters, indicating clarity, depth, and serenity. These pools were likely known for their beauty and purity, enhancing the illustration of her inner and outer beauty.
The “tower of Lebanon” and “Mount Carmel” are architectural and natural landmarks that convey a sense of grandeur and majesty. The nose and head comparisons suggest prominence and nobility. Damascus and Mount Carmel were significant locations, and likening her features to these places indicates a high esteem and admiration for her beauty and presence.
Verse 6: A Singular Proclamation
“How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights!”
This verse serves as a summary and reinforcement of the preceding verses, encapsulating the admiration and affection the speaker has for the woman. The repetition of praise emphasizes its sincerity and depth. The use of “my love” personalizes this admiration, making it intimate and devoted.
Verses 7-9: Descriptions of Sensual Delight
“Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine.”
The palm tree is a symbol of victory and resilience, highlighting the woman’s elegance and strength. The reference to “clusters of fruit” suggests abundance and the sweetness of her love. Climbing the palm tree and taking hold of the fruit is an unmistakable metaphor for intimacy, showing a desire to connect deeply and personally.
Linking the fragrance of her breath to apples invokes freshness and delight, commonly associated with the Garden of Eden and paradise. The metaphor extends to her “mouth like the best wine,” proposing that her kisses and words are intoxicating and infinitely pleasing.
Verse 10: Declaration of Mutual Belonging
“I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.”
This verse is profound in its mutual acknowledgment of love and desire. It signifies a reciprocal relationship, where both parties are equally invested and find joy in each other. The phrase “I belong to my beloved” underscores a union built on trust and intimacy, while “his desire is for me” highlights a strong, passionate love.
Verses 11-13: Invitation and Longing
“Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages. Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom—there I will give you my love. The mandrakes send out their fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have stored up for you, my beloved.”
Here, the Shulammite woman invites her lover to the countryside, a place often associated with freedom, privacy, and natural beauty. This invitation to retreat signifies a willingness to deepen their relationship away from societal constraints. Visiting the vineyards and observing the blossoming plants are metaphors for the growth and flourishing of their love.
Pomegranates, often symbolizing fertility and abundance, imply the fullness and richness of their connection. The mention of mandrakes, known for their supposed aphrodisiac properties, sends a strong signal of romantic and sexual longing.
The phrase “at our door is every delicacy” symbolizes the readiness and completeness of their love, ready to be enjoyed and cherished. It highlights a stored richness, suggesting that their relationship is both well-nourished by past experiences and ready to embrace the new.
Conclusion: Celebrating Love
Throughout Song of Songs Chapter 7, the vivid and enchanting imagery celebrates the beauty and intimacy of romantic love. The metaphors and similes used by the lovers to describe each other are saturated with a sense of wonder and delight, emphasizing the profound admiration and respect they hold for one another. This chapter is not just a celebration of physical attractiveness, but an exaltation of the emotional and spiritual connections that bind the lovers together.
In essence, Chapter 7 of Song of Songs serves as a beautiful ode to love in its purest form—selfless, passionate, and deeply meaningful. It reminds readers of the importance of cherishing and nurturing the bonds of love, recognizing the divine beauty inherent in these relationships.