Song of Solomon 5:1

I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; 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, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.

Study Bible

I have come to my garden
The phrase "I have come to my garden" signifies a moment of intimate arrival and presence. In the Hebrew context, the word for "garden" (גַּן, gan) often symbolizes a place of beauty, fertility, and delight. This imagery is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, a place of perfect communion and relationship. The speaker's arrival in the garden suggests a fulfillment of desire and a deep, personal connection. Spiritually, this can be seen as an allegory for Christ's presence in the Church, His "garden," where He finds delight and communion with His people.

O my sister, my bride
The dual address "O my sister, my bride" reflects a profound and multifaceted relationship. In ancient Near Eastern culture, referring to a beloved as "sister" was a term of endearment and intimacy, indicating a bond that transcends mere romantic love. The term "bride" (כַּלָּה, kallah) emphasizes the covenantal and exclusive nature of this relationship. From a Christian perspective, this can be seen as a representation of the Church as the Bride of Christ, highlighting both the familial and covenantal aspects of the believer's relationship with Jesus.

I have gathered my myrrh with my spice
"Myrrh" (מוֹר, mor) and "spice" (בְּשָׂמִים, besamim) are aromatic substances often associated with beauty, sacrifice, and worship. Myrrh, in particular, was used in anointing oils and embalming, symbolizing both life and death. The act of gathering these suggests a preparation and offering of something precious. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as Christ gathering the fruits of His labor, the Church, which is both a fragrant offering and a testament to His sacrificial love.

I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey
The consumption of "honeycomb" (נִפְתִּי, niphthi) and "honey" (דְּבַשׁ, devash) speaks to the enjoyment and satisfaction found in the relationship. Honey, a symbol of sweetness and abundance, reflects the richness and delight of communion with God. In the biblical narrative, honey is often associated with the Promised Land, a place of divine provision and blessing. This imagery can inspire believers to find their ultimate satisfaction and joy in the presence of Christ.

I have drunk my wine and my milk
"Wine" (יָיִן, yayin) and "milk" (חָלָב, chalav) are symbols of celebration and nourishment. Wine, often associated with joy and festivity, and milk, a basic sustenance, together represent the fullness of life and spiritual nourishment found in Christ. This phrase can be seen as an invitation to partake in the abundant life that Jesus offers, a life filled with joy, sustenance, and spiritual vitality.

Eat, O friends, and drink
The call to "Eat, O friends, and drink" is an invitation to communal celebration and fellowship. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it reflects the joy and abundance of love shared not only between the lovers but also with their community. From a Christian perspective, this can be seen as an invitation to the Lord's Supper, where believers gather to remember and celebrate the sacrificial love of Christ.

drink freely, O beloved
The exhortation to "drink freely, O beloved" emphasizes the generosity and abundance of the love being offered. The term "beloved" (דּוֹד, dod) is a term of deep affection and endearment, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of the relationship. This can be seen as an encouragement for believers to fully embrace and enjoy the love and grace offered by Christ, without reservation or hesitation. It is a call to experience the fullness of joy and communion with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Bridegroom
Often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ, the bridegroom speaks of intimate union and satisfaction.

2. The Bride
Symbolic of the church or the individual believer, she is addressed with terms of endearment and intimacy.

3. The Garden
Represents a place of intimacy and personal relationship, often seen as the heart or life of the believer.

4. Friends
Those invited to share in the joy and celebration, possibly representing the community of believers.

5. The Feast
Symbolizes the abundance and satisfaction found in a relationship with God.

Teaching Points

Intimacy with God
The passage invites believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, akin to the intimate bond between bride and bridegroom.

Spiritual Abundance
Just as the bridegroom enjoys the fruits of the garden, believers are encouraged to experience the fullness of life in Christ.

Community Celebration
The invitation to friends to partake in the feast highlights the importance of communal joy and fellowship in the Christian life.

Symbolism of the Garden
Reflect on the state of your "garden"—your heart and spiritual life—and how it can be a place of meeting with God.

Invitation to Participate
The call to "eat and drink freely" is an invitation to actively engage in the blessings and joy of a life with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the garden in Song of Solomon 5:1 enhance your understanding of your personal relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, similar to the relationship between the bride and bridegroom?

3. How does the concept of spiritual abundance in this verse challenge or encourage you in your current walk with Christ?

4. What role does community play in your spiritual life, and how can you invite others to share in the joy of your relationship with God?

5. Reflect on other biblical passages that speak of feasting or celebration. How do these enhance your understanding of the joy found in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
The union of husband and wife as one flesh parallels the intimate relationship between Christ and the church.

John 15:1-5
The imagery of the garden and vine reflects the abiding relationship between Christ and believers.

Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage supper of the Lamb echoes the celebratory feast and union depicted in Song of Solomon.

Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good" connects to the invitation to partake in the abundance of God's blessings.

Ephesians 5:25-32
The relationship between Christ and the church is mirrored in the love and intimacy between the bridegroom and bride.