Song of Solomon 5:8

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love.

Study Bible

O daughters of Jerusalem
The "daughters of Jerusalem" are often interpreted as the women of the city, possibly representing the collective people of Israel or the church. In the context of the Song of Solomon, they serve as a chorus or audience to the dialogue between the lovers. This phrase suggests a communal aspect to the love story, indicating that love is not only personal but also has a public dimension. The city of Jerusalem, being the center of Jewish worship and culture, adds a layer of spiritual significance, symbolizing the heart of God's people.

I adjure you
To "adjure" means to earnestly request or command under oath. This strong language indicates the urgency and intensity of the speaker's desire. It reflects a deep emotional plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the request. In biblical times, oaths and adjurations were binding and carried significant weight, often invoking God's name as a witness to the promise or request.

if you find my beloved
The search for the "beloved" is a central theme in the Song of Solomon, symbolizing the longing and pursuit inherent in true love. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's search for God or Christ, reflecting the deep yearning for spiritual communion. The beloved is often interpreted as a type of Christ, representing the intimate relationship between Christ and the church or the individual believer.

tell him I am sick with love
The expression "sick with love" conveys an overwhelming, consuming passion. It suggests a love so intense that it affects the physical and emotional state of the speaker. This phrase can be connected to the idea of divine love, where the soul longs for union with God. In a broader biblical context, it echoes the deep desire for God's presence found in the Psalms and other scriptures, such as Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." The intensity of this love can also be seen as a reflection of Christ's love for the church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-27.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daughters of Jerusalem
These are likely the women of the city, serving as a chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon. They represent the community or society that observes and sometimes participates in the unfolding love account.

2. The Beloved
This refers to the male lover in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon himself or a representation of an idealized lover. In a spiritual allegory, he can symbolize Christ.

3. The Shulammite Woman
The speaker in this verse, expressing her deep longing and love for her beloved. She is often seen as a representation of the bride or the church in allegorical interpretations.

4. Jerusalem
The city serves as a backdrop for the events and is symbolic of a place of spiritual significance, often representing the center of worship and community in biblical literature.

5. Lovesickness
This term describes the intense longing and desire the Shulammite feels for her beloved, illustrating the depth of her emotional and spiritual connection.

Teaching Points

The Nature of True Love
True love involves deep longing and desire, as seen in the Shulammite's expression of being "lovesick." This reflects the passionate pursuit of a relationship, whether human or divine.

Community in Love
The involvement of the "daughters of Jerusalem" highlights the role of community in supporting and witnessing love. In our spiritual journey, community plays a vital role in encouraging and guiding us.

Spiritual Longing
The lovesickness of the Shulammite can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual longing. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep desire for Christ, seeking Him with all their heart.

Communication in Relationships
The Shulammite's request to the daughters of Jerusalem to communicate her feelings to her beloved underscores the importance of communication in relationships. Open and honest expression is key to nurturing love.

Allegorical Interpretation
In a spiritual sense, the beloved can represent Christ, and the Shulammite the church. This verse can be seen as an allegory for the church's longing for Christ's presence and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "lovesickness" in Song of Solomon 5:8 relate to our spiritual longing for God?

2. In what ways can the "daughters of Jerusalem" be seen as a representation of the church community in supporting our spiritual journey?

3. How can we apply the Shulammite's passionate pursuit of her beloved to our relationship with Christ?

4. What role does communication play in both our human relationships and our relationship with God, as seen in this verse?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 42:1 and Ephesians 5:25-27, enhance our understanding of the themes presented in Song of Solomon 5:8?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 42:1
This verse speaks of a deep longing for God, similar to the Shulammite's longing for her beloved, illustrating the soul's thirst for divine connection.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus speaks of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, paralleling the intense love and devotion expressed in Song of Solomon.

Ephesians 5:25-27
Paul describes the relationship between Christ and the church as a marriage, drawing a parallel to the love and commitment seen in Song of Solomon.