Song of Solomon 3:5

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.

Study Bible

O daughters of Jerusalem
This phrase addresses the "daughters of Jerusalem," a group often interpreted as the women of the city or symbolic of the people of Israel. In the context of the Song of Solomon, they serve as a chorus or audience to the love story unfolding between the bride and the bridegroom. The mention of Jerusalem, the central city of worship and the heart of Israel, underscores the significance of the message. Jerusalem is not only a geographical location but also a spiritual symbol, often representing the people of God. This phrase invites the audience to heed the wisdom being imparted.

I adjure you
The term "adjure" is a solemn appeal or command, indicating the seriousness of the speaker's request. It suggests a binding oath or a strong urging, emphasizing the importance of the message that follows. In biblical times, oaths and adjurations were taken very seriously, often invoking divine witness to the truth or promise being made. This reflects the gravity of the counsel being given, highlighting its moral and spiritual weight.

by the gazelles and does of the field
Gazelles and does are gentle, graceful creatures often associated with beauty and swiftness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these animals were symbols of natural beauty and were sometimes linked to love and fertility. The invocation of these creatures in the adjuration may suggest a call to respect the natural order and timing of love, much like the natural instincts and rhythms observed in wildlife. This imagery also evokes a sense of purity and innocence, reinforcing the sanctity and patience required in matters of love.

Do not arouse or awaken love
This phrase serves as a caution against prematurely stirring or forcing love before its appropriate time. The repetition of this warning throughout the Song of Solomon underscores its importance. In the biblical context, love is seen as a powerful and profound force, one that should be approached with reverence and patience. The caution here aligns with the broader biblical teachings on love, which emphasize its depth and the need for it to be genuine and divinely timed.

until the time is right
The concept of timing is crucial in this passage, suggesting that love has a proper season or moment ordained by God. This aligns with the biblical theme of divine timing found throughout Scripture, such as in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks of a time for every purpose under heaven. The emphasis on waiting for the right time reflects a trust in God's perfect plan and timing, encouraging believers to exercise patience and discernment in their relationships. This principle can also be seen as a type of Christ, who came in the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4), fulfilling God's perfect plan for redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daughters of Jerusalem
These are likely young women of the city, representing a collective audience or witnesses to the love account unfolding in the Song of Solomon. They serve as a chorus or audience to the intimate exchanges between the lovers.

2. Gazelles and Does of the Field
These animals are often associated with beauty, grace, and gentleness. In the context of the Song of Solomon, they symbolize the natural and unforced nature of love.

3. The Speaker
The speaker in this verse is traditionally understood to be the bride, who is expressing a cautionary note about the timing and nature of love.

4. The Theme of Love
The central event or theme here is the expression of love and the caution against prematurely forcing or awakening it.

5. The Setting of the Song
The Song of Solomon is set in a pastoral and idyllic landscape, which serves as a backdrop for the romantic and poetic exchanges between the lovers.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Timing in Love
Love should not be rushed or forced. It is important to wait for the right time, as premature actions can lead to complications and heartache.

The Naturalness of Love
Just as gazelles and does move gracefully and naturally, love should develop in a natural and unforced manner. This reflects the beauty and purity of genuine affection.

Guarding the Heart
In relationships, it is crucial to guard one's heart and emotions, ensuring that love is awakened at the appropriate time and in the right context.

The Role of Community
The daughters of Jerusalem represent a community that observes and sometimes advises. In our lives, having a community that provides wisdom and accountability in relationships is valuable.

Patience and Trust in God's Timing
Trusting in God's timing for love and relationships is essential. Patience allows for the development of a deeper, more meaningful connection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of gazelles and does enhance our understanding of the nature of love in this verse?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "not arousing or awakening love until the time is right" in modern relationships?

3. How does the concept of waiting for the right time in love relate to other areas of life where timing is crucial?

4. What role does community play in helping us navigate relationships, as seen with the daughters of Jerusalem?

5. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing for our personal relationships, and what scriptures support this practice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 13
This chapter describes the nature of love, emphasizing patience and timing, which aligns with the caution in Song of Solomon 3:5 about not rushing love.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
This verse speaks to the idea that there is a time for everything, including love, reinforcing the message of waiting for the right time.

Proverbs 4:23
This verse advises guarding one's heart, which connects to the idea of not prematurely awakening love.