King Solomon
The mention of King Solomon immediately sets the context within the historical and biblical narrative of Israel's third king, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's reign is often seen as a golden age for Israel, marked by peace and prosperity. In the context of the Song of Solomon, Solomon is often interpreted as a type of Christ, representing divine love and wisdom. His presence in this verse underscores the grandeur and majesty associated with the love being described.

has made
This phrase indicates intentionality and craftsmanship. The Hebrew root "עָשָׂה" (asah) implies not just creation but careful and purposeful construction. It suggests that the object being described is not only functional but also a work of art, reflecting the care and attention that God invests in His creation and, by extension, in His relationship with His people.

his carriage
The term "carriage" refers to a portable throne or palanquin, a symbol of royal authority and splendor. In ancient times, such a carriage would be used in processions, signifying the presence of royalty. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the way God carries His people, providing protection and honor. The carriage is a place of intimacy and closeness, much like the relationship between Christ and the Church.

out of the timber of Lebanon
Lebanon was famous for its cedar trees, which were highly valued for their durability, fragrance, and beauty. The "timber of Lebanon" signifies quality and excellence. In biblical times, cedar wood was used in the construction of temples and palaces, symbolizing strength and permanence. This phrase highlights the idea that the love and relationship being described are built on a foundation that is both beautiful and enduring. The use of such precious materials reflects the value and importance of the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that it is crafted from the finest resources available.

(9) A chariot.--Marg., bed; Heb., appiryon. A word of very doubtful etymology. Its derivation has been sought in Hebrew, Persian, Greek, and Sanskrit. The LXX. render ???????; Vulg., ferculum; and it seems natural, with Gesenius, to trace the three words to the root common in parah, ????, fero, fahren, bear, and possibly the sign of such a common origin in the Sanskrit pargana = a saddle (Hitzig). At all events, appiryon must be a palanquin, or litter, both from the context, which describes the approach of a royal cortege, and from the description given of it, where the word translated covering suggests the notion of a movable litter, rather than of a State bed.

Verses 9, 10. - King Solomon made himself a palanquin of the wood of Lebanon. He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the seats of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, from the daughters of Jerusalem. The palanquin is described, that the attention may be kept fixed awhile on the bridal procession, which, of course, forms the kernel of the whole poem, as representing the perfect union of the bride and bridegroom. The Greek versions translate φορεῖον: the Vulgate, ferculum. We read in Athenaeus (5:13) that the philosopher and tyrant Athemon showed himself on "a silver-legged φορεῖον with purple coverlet." There probably is some connection between the Hebrew appiryon and the Greek phoreion, but it is exceedingly doubtful if the Hebrew is merely a lengthened form of the Greek. Delitzsch derives the Hebrew from a root parah, "to cut or carve" anything of wood. The Greek would seem to be connected with the verb φερω, "to bear," "carry." The resemblance may be a mere coincidence. The rabbinical tradition is that the Hebrew word means "couch, or litter." Hitzig connects it with the Sanscrit paryana, meaning "saddle," "riding saddle," with which we may compare the Indian paryang. "bed." Others find a Chaldee root for the word, פָרָא, "to run," as currus in Latin, or from a root גָּאַר, "to shine," i.e." to be adorned." At all events, it would not be safe to argue the late date of the book from such a word as appiryon, on account of its resemblance to a Greek word. The "wood of Lebanon" is, of course, the cedar or cypress (1 Kings 5:10, etc.). There may be a covert allusion intended to the decoration of the temple as the place where the honour of the Lord dwelleth, and where he meets his people. The frame of the palanquin was of wood, the ornaments of silver. The references to the high value set upon silver, while gold is spoken of as though it was abundant, are indications of the age in which the poem was composed, which must have been nearly contemporaneous with the Homeric poems, in which gold is spoken of similarly. Recent discoveries of the tomb of Agamemnon, etc., confirm the literary argument. The palanquins of India are also highly decorated. The daughters of Jerusalem, i.e. the ladies of the court, in their affection for King Solomon, have procured a costly tapestry, or several such, which they have spread over the purple cushion. Thus it is paved, or covered over, with the tokens of love - while all love is but a preparation for this supreme love. (For the purple coverings of the seat, see Judges 5:10; Amos 3:12; Proverbs 7:16.) The preposition מִן in the last clause is rendered differently by some, but there can be no doubt that the meaning is "on the part of," that is, coming from. The typical interpreter certainly finds a firm ground here. Whether we think of the individual believer or of the Church of God, the metaphor is very apt and beautiful - we are borne along towards the perfection of our peace and blessedness in a chariot of love. All that surrounds us speaks to us of the Saviour's love and of his royal magnificence, as he is adored by all the pure and lovely spirits in whose companionship he delights.

Parallel Commentaries ...


King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

has made
עָ֤שָׂה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

his carriage
אַפִּרְי֗וֹן (’ap·pir·yō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 668: A sedan, litter, palanquin

out of the timber
מֵעֲצֵ֖י (mê·‘ă·ṣê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

of Lebanon.
הַלְּבָנֽוֹן׃ (hal·lə·ḇā·nō·wn)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844: Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel


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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 3:9 King Solomon made himself a carriage (Song Songs SS So Can)