Song of Solomon 2:10

My beloved calls to me, "Arise, my darling. Come away with me, my beautiful one.

Study Bible

My beloved spoke
The term "beloved" in Hebrew is "דּוֹדִי" (dodi), which conveys a deep sense of affection and intimacy. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this word is often interpreted as a representation of Christ's love for the Church. The act of speaking signifies communication and relationship. Historically, the Song of Solomon is seen as an allegory of God's love, and here, the beloved's voice is a call to attention, a divine invitation to listen and respond.

and said to me
The phrase "said to me" emphasizes personal communication. In Hebrew, "אָמַר" (amar) is used, which is a common verb for speaking or saying. This personal address highlights the intimate relationship between the speaker and the listener. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the personal nature of God's call to each believer, inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him.

Arise
The Hebrew word "קוּם" (qum) means to rise, stand up, or awaken. This is a call to action, a summons to leave a place of rest or inactivity. In the spiritual allegory, it can be seen as a call to spiritual awakening or renewal. The call to "arise" is often seen as an invitation to leave behind the old life and embrace a new, vibrant relationship with God.

my darling
The term "darling" is translated from the Hebrew "רַעְיָתִי" (ra'yati), which means "my companion" or "my love." This term of endearment signifies a cherished relationship. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it reflects the deep love and affection that Christ has for His Church. It is a reminder of the personal and loving relationship that God desires with each believer.

come away with me
The phrase "come away" is an invitation to leave one's current circumstances and join the beloved in a new place or journey. In Hebrew, "לֵךְ" (lek) is used, which means to go or walk. This is an invitation to intimacy and adventure, a call to leave behind distractions and focus on the beloved. Spiritually, it represents the call to follow Christ, to leave behind worldly concerns, and to pursue a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings. He is the one who speaks tenderly to his love.

2. The Darling
The darling, or the Shulammite woman, represents the bride or the church in allegorical interpretations. She is the recipient of the beloved's affection and invitation.

3. The Setting
The Song of Solomon is set in a pastoral and romantic landscape, often interpreted as a metaphor for the intimate relationship between God and His people.

4. The Invitation
The event described is an invitation to rise and come away, symbolizing a call to deeper relationship and communion.

5. The Season
The context of the passage suggests a change in season, often seen as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and awakening.

Teaching Points

The Call to Intimacy
Just as the beloved calls the darling to arise and come away, God calls us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. This requires us to leave behind distractions and focus on His voice.

Responding to God's Invitation
The passage encourages believers to respond to God's invitation with eagerness and readiness. It is a reminder to prioritize our spiritual journey and relationship with God.

Spiritual Renewal
The change in season signifies a time for spiritual renewal and growth. Believers are encouraged to embrace new beginnings and allow God to transform their lives.

The Beauty of the Church
The beloved's description of the darling as "beautiful" reflects how God sees His church. It is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the beauty of being part of His body.

Living in Expectation
The invitation to "come away" suggests living with an expectation of God's presence and work in our lives. It challenges us to be attentive and responsive to His leading.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the invitation in Song of Solomon 2:10 reflect God's call to us in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we "arise" and "come away" from distractions to focus on our relationship with God?

3. How does understanding the beloved's view of the darling as "beautiful" impact our view of ourselves and the church?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to experience spiritual renewal and growth in our current season?

5. How can the imagery of the bride and bridegroom in Song of Solomon enhance our understanding of Christ's relationship with the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:23-24
The intimate relationship between the beloved and the darling can be connected to the union of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the ideal of marital love.

Ephesians 5:25-27
The call to "arise" and "come away" can be seen as Christ's call to the church, paralleling the love and sanctification described in Ephesians.

Revelation 19:7-9
The imagery of the bride and the bridegroom in Song of Solomon connects to the marriage supper of the Lamb, symbolizing the ultimate union of Christ and the church.