Song of Solomon 5:5

I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh on the handles of the bolt.

Study Bible

I arose to open for my beloved
The phrase "I arose" signifies an action of readiness and willingness. In the Hebrew context, the act of rising often symbolizes a transition from a state of rest to one of action, reflecting the bride's eagerness and love for her beloved. The term "beloved" is a recurring theme in the Song of Solomon, representing not only the romantic relationship between the bride and groom but also symbolizing the deep, covenantal love between Christ and His Church. This phrase invites readers to consider the importance of being spiritually alert and responsive to the call of Christ, our Beloved.

My hands dripped with myrrh
"Myrrh" is a fragrant resin used in ancient times for anointing and embalming, symbolizing purity, sacrifice, and love. The imagery of hands dripping with myrrh suggests an abundance of love and devotion. In the context of the Song of Solomon, myrrh represents the richness and depth of the bride's affection. Spiritually, it can be seen as the outpouring of a believer's love and dedication to Christ, reflecting the sacrificial nature of true love.

my fingers with flowing myrrh
The repetition of "myrrh" emphasizes its significance. "Flowing myrrh" suggests a continuous, generous outpouring, indicating that the bride's love is not only abundant but also active and dynamic. In a spiritual sense, this can be interpreted as the believer's ongoing commitment to live a life of love and service, continually offering themselves as a living sacrifice to God, as described in Romans 12:1.

on the handles of the bolt
The "handles of the bolt" refer to the mechanism used to secure a door, symbolizing barriers or obstacles. The presence of myrrh on the handles suggests that love has the power to overcome barriers and open doors. In a spiritual context, this can be seen as the transformative power of Christ's love, which removes the barriers of sin and separation, allowing believers to enter into a deeper relationship with Him. The act of opening the door for the beloved is a metaphor for inviting Christ into one's life, echoing Revelation 3:20, where Christ stands at the door and knocks, waiting to be invited in.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as a representation of Christ in the allegorical sense, symbolizing the deep love and relationship between Christ and the Church.

2. The Bride
The bride represents the Church or the individual believer, expressing a longing and readiness to respond to the call of the beloved.

3. Myrrh
A fragrant spice used in anointing oils and perfumes, symbolizing love, sacrifice, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

4. The Door
Represents the barrier or separation between the beloved and the bride, which she is eager to open, symbolizing the desire to remove any obstacles between herself and her beloved.

5. The Event of Opening
This action signifies the bride's readiness and willingness to receive her beloved, reflecting the believer's readiness to respond to Christ's call.

Teaching Points

Readiness to Respond
Just as the bride arises to open the door, believers should be ready to respond to Christ's call in their lives, removing any barriers that hinder their relationship with Him.

Symbolism of Myrrh
The use of myrrh signifies a costly and sacrificial love. Believers are called to offer their lives as a fragrant offering to God, living in a way that reflects His love and sacrifice.

Intimacy with Christ
The intimate relationship between the bride and the beloved serves as a model for the believer's relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of closeness and communion with Him.

Spiritual Alertness
The bride's action of opening the door highlights the need for spiritual alertness and sensitivity to the presence and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Removing Barriers
The act of opening the door symbolizes the removal of obstacles that prevent deeper fellowship with Christ. Believers are encouraged to identify and remove such barriers in their spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the imagery of myrrh in Song of Solomon 5:5 teach us about the nature of love and sacrifice in our relationship with Christ?

2. How can we apply the bride's readiness to open the door to our own spiritual lives, particularly in responding to Christ's call?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are spiritually alert and sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated by the bride's actions?

4. What are some common barriers that might prevent us from experiencing deeper intimacy with Christ, and how can we work to remove them?

5. How does the relationship between the bride and the beloved in Song of Solomon reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate this relationship in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 3:20
This verse speaks of Christ standing at the door and knocking, inviting believers to open their hearts to Him, similar to the bride opening the door for her beloved.

Psalm 45:8
This psalm describes the garments of the king being fragrant with myrrh, connecting the imagery of myrrh to royalty and divinity, as seen in the beloved's presence.

John 12:3
The anointing of Jesus' feet with costly perfume by Mary, which parallels the use of myrrh as a symbol of devotion and love.