◄ Song of Solomon 5 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The Bride and Her Beloved The Bridegroom 1I 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. The Friends Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved. The Bride 2I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.” 3I have taken off my robe— must I put it back on? I have washed my feet— must I soil them again? 4My beloved put his hand to the latch; my heart pounded for him. 5I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh on the handles of the bolt. 6I opened for my beloved, but he had turned and gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him but did not find him. I called, but he did not answer. 7I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city. They beat me and bruised me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls. 8O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love. The Friends 9How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than another, that you charge us so? The Bride 10My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. 11His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. 12His eyes are like doves beside the streams of water, bathed in milk and mounted like jewels. 13His cheeks are like beds of spice, towers of perfume. His lips are like lilies, dripping with flowing myrrh. 14His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is polished ivory bedecked with sapphires. 15His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, as majestic as the cedars. 16His moutha is most sweet; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. Footnotes: 16 a Hebrew palate Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Song of Solomon 5 Summary The Bride and Her Beloved Verse 1 – Celebration in the Garden The Bridegroom joyfully enters the garden—symbol of exclusive intimacy—enjoying honey, wine, and milk, then invites the “friends” to share in the festive delight. Verses 2–5 – A Nighttime Knock and Reluctant Response The Bride half-asleep hears her beloved knocking. She hesitates, reluctant to soil her feet or dress again, yet love stirs her to rise. As she reaches for the door, her fingers drip with fragrant myrrh he left behind. Verses 6–8 – Painful Search and Plea She opens, but he has gone. Panic follows. She roams the streets, is wounded by the city watchmen, and begs the daughters of Jerusalem: “Tell him I am sick with love.” Verses 9–16 – The Bridegroom’s Unmatched Beauty Asked why he is so special, she pours out a ten-line portrait: dazzling complexion, raven hair, dove-like eyes, fragrant cheeks, gold-set arms, marble legs, cedar-like stature, and a mouth “most sweet.” He is both beloved and friend. Chapter 5 of Song of Solomon, as interpreted in the Berean Standard Bible, presents an intricate portrayal of passionate love, longing, and the trials of separation. The intimate dialogue between the Shulammite woman and King Solomon underlines the intense love and the complexities of their relationship. Historical Setting and Authorship • Traditionally ascribed to King Solomon (cf. 1 Kings 4:32). • Likely written during Israel’s united monarchy when royal gardens, spice trade, and urban watchmen matched the imagery. • The public squares, walls, and watchmen reflect the fortified Jerusalem of the 10th century BC. Literary Flow and Scene Changes • Chapter 5 marks the poetic center of the song. Scene shifts from garden banquet (v 1) to a dream-like search (vv 2–8) and back to dialogue with the daughters (vv 9–16). • The sudden movement parallels other biblical “night visions” (Genesis 28; Daniel 7). • Repetition of smells (myrrh, spice) stitches earlier scenes (1:13; 3:6) to this one. Key Images and Ancient Near Eastern Background Garden – Private, walled space for royalty; echoes Eden (Genesis 2:8). Myrrh – Imported resin used in love-oil and Temple incense (Exodus 30:23). Lock/Latch – Sliding bolt of cedar or bronze common on Judean doors. Watchmen – City guards patrolling narrow streets, a feature noted on 8th-century seal impressions. Gold, alabaster, marble – Luxury materials present in Solomon’s palace complex (1 Kings 7). Themes of Covenant Love and Commitment 1. Invitation and Response: The beloved knocks (v 2); refusal leads to distance—compare Revelation 3:20 where the risen Christ stands at the door. 2. Costly Pursuit: Wounds and loss of cloak (v 7) show love’s price, echoed in Hosea’s search for Gomer (Hosea 3). 3. Verbal Praise: She builds her husband up publicly (vv 10–16), mirroring Proverbs 31:23. Scripture Connections • Genesis 2:23–25 – One-flesh intimacy in a garden. • Psalm 45 – Royal bridegroom “fairer than the sons of men.” • Isaiah 62:5 – “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.” • Ephesians 5:25–33 – Husband cherishing wife as Christ the Church. • Revelation 19:7 – Marriage supper of the Lamb, answering the feast imagery of 5:1. Archaeological Notes • Spiced wine jars unearthed at Tel Kabri confirm luxury drinks in the Late Bronze and Iron Ages. • Ivory panels like those decorating the beloved’s torso (v 14) parallel finds from Samaria and Nimrud. • Watchtower remains on Jerusalem’s eastern ridge illustrate the patrol routes implied in v 7. Word Studies • “Myrrh” (Heb. mor) – root meaning “bitter,” yet valued for fragrance; contrasts pain and pleasure in love. • “Outstanding among ten thousand” (v 10, dagul) – military banner imagery, stressing visibility and honor. • “Flawless one” (v 2, tammah) – same root as “perfect” in Psalm 18:30, indicating moral and physical wholeness. Practical Reflections for Marriage and Faith • Prompt responsiveness matters; delayed affection can create unnecessary distance. • Healthy love pursues even after setbacks, refusing to settle for estrangement. • Public affirmation strengthens relationships; speak well of one another before others. • Intimacy thrives in exclusivity—“my garden,” “my sister, my bride.” Glimpses of Christ and the Church • The Bridegroom comes “drenched with dew” (v 2)—a picture of the Savior who endured the chill of betrayal night (Luke 22:39-46). • The beloved’s departure upon refusal (v 6) foreshadows missed moments of fellowship when believers neglect His prompting. • His unrivaled beauty (vv 10–16) prefigures the “fairest of ten thousand” exalted in Revelation 1:13-16. • The closing confession, “This is my beloved and this is my friend” (v 16), echoes John 15:15 where Jesus names His followers friends. Summary Takeaway Song 5 moves from shared joy to regretted delay, painful pursuit, and renewed admiration. It reminds couples—and all who love the Lord—that true intimacy is nurtured by quick welcome, persistent seeking, and heartfelt praise. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. This verse underscores the unity and intimacy in marriage. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 The famous passage on love that describes its enduring and selfless nature, complementing the themes of perseverance and admiration in Song of Solomon 5. Ephesians 5:25-33 This passage calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, highlighting the sacrificial and nurturing aspects of love. Teaching Points The Intimacy of Love Song of Solomon 5:1 begins with a celebration of love's consummation, I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. This verse highlights the sanctity and joy of marital intimacy. The Pain of Separation Verses 2-6 describe a dream-like sequence where the bride searches for her beloved, I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking. This illustrates the emotional turmoil and longing that can occur when lovers are apart. The Pursuit of Love The bride's search for her beloved in verses 7-8, despite facing challenges, underscores the perseverance required in love. The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city; they beat me, they bruised me. The Beauty of the Beloved Verses 10-16 provide a detailed and poetic description of the beloved, emphasizing the admiration and deep affection present in a loving relationship. My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. Practical Applications Cherish Intimacy Recognize and honor the sacredness of marital intimacy as a gift from God, meant to be celebrated and protected. Endure Through Challenges Understand that love often involves challenges and separations, but perseverance and commitment can strengthen the bond. Pursue Your Beloved Actively pursue and cherish your spouse, even in difficult times, demonstrating love through actions and words. Appreciate Your Partner Take time to express admiration and appreciation for your spouse, focusing on their unique qualities and strengths. People 1. The Beloved (Bridegroom) Often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings. He is the one who knocks on the door and speaks lovingly to the Shulammite. In the Hebrew text, he is referred to as "דּוֹדִי" (dodi), meaning "my beloved." 2. The Shulammite (Bride) The primary female character, who is deeply in love with the Beloved. She is the one who responds to his call and describes her longing for him. In Hebrew, she is referred to as "שׁוּלַמִּית" (Shulammith), which is often understood as a feminine form of Solomon or a term of endearment. 3. The Daughters of Jerusalem These are the women who interact with the Shulammite, often seen as a chorus or collective group that provides commentary or asks questions. They are referred to in Hebrew as "בְּנוֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַם" (benot Yerushalayim). Places 1. Garden The garden is a recurring metaphor in the Song of Solomon, symbolizing a place of intimacy and delight. In Song of Solomon 5:1, the beloved says, "I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride." The Hebrew word for garden, "גַּן" (gan), suggests a private, enclosed space, often interpreted as a symbol of the beloved's heart or the intimate relationship between the lovers. 2. Bedchamber In Song of Solomon 5:2, the bride speaks of being in her bedchamber when she hears her beloved knocking. The bedchamber represents a place of rest and intimacy, where the bride is vulnerable and open to her beloved. The Hebrew root "מִטָּה" (mittah) refers to a bed or place of reclining, emphasizing the personal and private nature of this space. 3. City Streets In Song of Solomon 5:7, the bride describes her search for her beloved in the city streets, saying, "The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city." The city streets symbolize the public realm, contrasting with the private intimacy of the garden or bedchamber. The Hebrew word "עִיר" (ir) for city indicates a place of community and social interaction. Events 1. The Beloved's Invitation The chapter begins with the beloved inviting his friends to partake in the joy of love. He says, "I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved." (Song of Solomon 5:1). The imagery of a garden and the consumption of honey and wine symbolize the consummation and celebration of love. 2. The Bride's Dream The bride recounts a dream where she is searching for her beloved. She says, "I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking: 'Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my perfect one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.'" (Song of Solomon 5:2). The knocking represents the beloved's desire for intimacy and connection. 3. The Bride's Hesitation The bride hesitates to open the door, saying, "I have taken off my robe—must I put it back on? I have washed my feet—must I soil them again?" (Song of Solomon 5:3). This hesitation reflects a moment of reluctance or inconvenience in responding to the beloved's call. 4. The Beloved's Departure When the bride finally opens the door, she finds that her beloved has left. "I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him, but did not find him; I called him, but he did not answer." (Song of Solomon 5:6). This event highlights the pain of missed opportunities and the longing for reconciliation. 5. The Bride's Search The bride goes out to search for her beloved, encountering difficulties. "The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls." (Song of Solomon 5:7). The watchmen's actions symbolize the challenges and obstacles faced in the pursuit of love. 6. The Bride's Plea to the Daughters of Jerusalem The bride implores the daughters of Jerusalem to help her find her beloved. "O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am lovesick." (Song of Solomon 5:8). This plea emphasizes the depth of her love and longing. 7. The Daughters of Jerusalem's Question The daughters of Jerusalem ask the bride what makes her beloved special. "How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than others, that you adjure us so?" (Song of Solomon 5:9). This question invites the bride to express the uniqueness of her beloved. 8. The Bride's Description of Her Beloved The bride describes her beloved in vivid detail, highlighting his physical and personal attributes. "My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand." (Song of Solomon 5:10). The description continues with a series of metaphors that celebrate the beloved's beauty and character. Lessons from Song of Solomon 5 1. The Beauty of Love and Desire Song of Solomon 5 is a vivid portrayal of love and desire, reminding us that love is a beautiful gift from God. The bride's longing for her beloved is expressed with poetic intensity, illustrating the depth of genuine affection. As it is written, "I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine" (Song of Solomon 6:3). This mutual belonging reflects the divine design for love, encouraging us to cherish and nurture our relationships. 2. The Importance of Seeking and Finding The bride's search for her beloved in the night teaches us the value of seeking diligently. Her determination to find him, despite obstacles, mirrors our spiritual journey. "I sought him, but did not find him" (Song of Solomon 5:6) reminds us that persistence in seeking God leads to deeper understanding and connection. Just as she eventually finds her beloved, we too are promised that those who seek will find. 3. The Power of Words in Relationships The bride's description of her beloved is filled with admiration and respect, highlighting the power of words in relationships. "His mouth is most sweet; he is altogether desirable" (Song of Solomon 5:16) shows how affirming words can strengthen bonds. This encourages us to speak life and love into our relationships, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions. 4. The Role of Patience and Timing The narrative in Song of Solomon 5 underscores the importance of patience and timing in love. The bride's waiting and longing teach us that true love often requires patience. "I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone" (Song of Solomon 5:6) serves as a reminder that timing is crucial, and waiting on God's perfect timing is always worth it. 5. The Significance of Intimacy Intimacy is a central theme in Song of Solomon 5, emphasizing its significance in a loving relationship. The bride's intimate knowledge of her beloved's features and character illustrates the depth of their connection. This mirrors the intimacy we are invited to have with God, as we are called to know Him deeply and personally. 6. The Value of Community Support The daughters of Jerusalem play a supportive role in the bride's search, showing the value of community in our lives. "What is your beloved more than another beloved, O most beautiful among women?" (Song of Solomon 5:9) highlights how community can encourage and uplift us. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community can help us grow in love and faith. 7. The Reflection of Christ's Love The love depicted in Song of Solomon 5 is a reflection of Christ's love for His church. The bride's devotion to her beloved mirrors the church's devotion to Christ. This chapter invites us to reflect on the sacrificial and unconditional love of Jesus, who "loved us and gave Himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:2). 8. The Joy of Reconciliation The eventual reunion of the bride and her beloved after a period of separation highlights the joy of reconciliation. This mirrors the joy we experience when we are reconciled with God through Christ. "I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine" (Song of Solomon 6:3) reminds us of the joy and peace found in restored relationships. 9. The Expression of True Beauty The bride's admiration for her beloved's physical and character traits teaches us about true beauty. "His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven" (Song of Solomon 5:11) shows that true beauty encompasses both inner and outer qualities. This encourages us to appreciate and cultivate beauty in all its forms, as a reflection of God's creation. 10. The Celebration of Commitment Song of Solomon 5 celebrates the commitment between the bride and her beloved, reminding us of the importance of commitment in relationships. Their unwavering devotion to each other is a testament to the strength of love that is rooted in commitment. This serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant love God has for us, and the commitment we are called to have in our relationships. Topics 1. The Bridegroom's Arrival The chapter begins with the bridegroom arriving and expressing his delight in his bride. He says, "I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice" (Song of Solomon 5:1). The Hebrew word for "garden" (גַּן, gan) symbolizes a place of intimacy and delight. 2. The Bride's Dream and Longing The bride recounts a dream where she longs for her beloved but finds him absent. She says, "I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking" (Song of Solomon 5:2). The Hebrew word for "knocking" (דּוֹפֵק, dofeq) suggests a persistent call for attention and intimacy. 3. The Bride's Hesitation and Regret The bride hesitates to open the door, leading to regret when she finds her beloved gone. She laments, "I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone" (Song of Solomon 5:6). This reflects the Hebrew concept of missed opportunity and the pain of separation. 4. The Bride's Search and Suffering The bride searches for her beloved in the city and suffers at the hands of the watchmen. She describes, "The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city; they beat me, they bruised me" (Song of Solomon 5:7). The Hebrew word for "watchmen" (שֹׁמְרִים, shomrim) indicates those who are supposed to protect, yet they cause harm. 5. The Bride's Appeal to the Daughters of Jerusalem The bride appeals to the daughters of Jerusalem to help her find her beloved. She implores, "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, tell him I am lovesick" (Song of Solomon 5:8). The Hebrew term for "lovesick" (חֹלַת אַהֲבָה, cholat ahavah) conveys a deep, consuming longing. 6. The Description of the Beloved The bride describes her beloved's physical and personal attributes in detail, highlighting his uniqueness and beauty. She begins, "My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand" (Song of Solomon 5:10). The Hebrew word for "radiant" (צַח, tzach) suggests purity and brilliance. 7. The Bride's Declaration of Love The chapter concludes with the bride's declaration of her beloved's unmatched qualities, emphasizing her deep love and admiration. She concludes, "This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem" (Song of Solomon 5:16). The Hebrew word for "friend" (רֵעַ, rea) indicates a close, intimate companion. Themes 1. Intimacy and Desire Song of Solomon 5 explores the theme of deep intimacy and longing between the lovers. The bride expresses her yearning for her beloved, highlighting the passionate and personal nature of their relationship. This theme is evident in verses like Song of Solomon 5:2, where the bride says, "I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking." 2. Separation and Longing The chapter also delves into the pain of separation and the intense longing that follows. The bride's search for her beloved after he departs is a central focus, illustrating the emotional turmoil and desire for reunion. This is captured in Song of Solomon 5:6, "I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone. My heart sank at his departure." 3. Beauty and Admiration The admiration of physical beauty is another theme, as the bridegroom describes the bride's features in detail. This reflects the appreciation and celebration of God-given beauty within the context of marriage. Song of Solomon 5:11-16 provides a vivid description of the bridegroom's admiration for his beloved. 4. Commitment and Devotion The theme of unwavering commitment and devotion is evident as the bride continues to seek her beloved despite challenges. Her determination to find him underscores the steadfast love and dedication inherent in their relationship. This is seen in Song of Solomon 5:8, "I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, tell him I am lovesick." 5. Spiritual Allegory From a conservative Christian perspective, the chapter can also be viewed as an allegory of Christ's relationship with the Church. The longing and pursuit reflect the believer's desire for communion with Christ and the spiritual intimacy that characterizes this divine relationship. This allegorical interpretation is supported by the depth of love and commitment depicted throughout the chapter. Prayer Points Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sanctity of marital intimacy. Ask for strength and perseverance in facing challenges within relationships. Seek God's guidance in actively pursuing and cherishing your spouse. Pray for the ability to see and appreciate the unique qualities in your partner, fostering a spirit of gratitude and admiration. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the bride be “asleep” yet her heart is “awake” in Song of Solomon 5:2, and does this concept align with any known scientific or psychological states? 2. If the setting is historical, why would the watchmen attack the beloved in Song of Solomon 5:7 instead of recognizing her station or status? 3. What evidence supports Solomon as the author of Song of Solomon 5, and if lacking, why attribute these verses to him at all? 4. Why does a sensuous love poem like Song of Solomon 5 exist in a religious text, given its apparent divergence from other doctrinal messages? 5. Are there any archaeological or historical records indicating cultural practices similar to the depictions in Song of Solomon 5, or is it purely literary imagery? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do the metaphorical descriptions of the beloved and lover enhance your understanding of their relationship? 2. Explore the theme of longing and desperation in this chapter. How does it contribute to the overall narrative? 3. How does the dream sequence in verses 2-6 mirror the challenges of communication in relationships? 4. Can you identify moments in your life where you hesitated like the Shulammite woman? What did you learn from it? 5. In what ways does the search for the lover reflect the spiritual quest for God? 6. Compare the portrayal of love in Song of Solomon 5 with other Biblical texts. What are the similarities and differences? 7. What does the interaction with the city guards tell us about societal barriers to love and personal desire? 8. Discuss the role of regret in this chapter. How might it be a warning for present-day relationships? 9. How can the affectionate description of the lover serve as an example of expressing love and admiration in a relationship? 10. How does the intense longing and searching reflect human nature's desire for love and connection? 11. In what ways can we apply the teachings of Song of Solomon 5 in our everyday relationships? 12. How does the complexity of the lovers' relationship mirror real-life relationships? 13. Discuss the significance of the woman's request to the daughters of Jerusalem. How does it reflect her desperation? 14. In what ways can the Shulammite woman's delayed response be interpreted as a test of love? 15. How does the chapter challenge or support your understanding of love and relationships? 16. In present day, how would you handle a situation where a loved one is missing or distant? 17. Discuss the Shulammite woman's description of her lover. How important is physical attraction in love, according to this chapter? 18. How does the chapter tackle the concept of vulnerability in love? 19. Can you connect the Shulammite woman's emotions of regret and longing to any personal experiences? 20. How does the chapter inspire you to express love and affection in your relationships? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions