Song of Solomon 5:9

How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than another, that you charge us so?

Study Bible

How is your beloved better than others
This phrase is a question posed by the "daughters of Jerusalem," a recurring group in the Song of Solomon who often serve as a chorus or audience to the dialogue between the bride and the bridegroom. The Hebrew word for "beloved" here is "דּוֹד" (dod), which signifies a deep, intimate love, often used to describe the relationship between God and His people. The question challenges the bride to articulate the unique qualities of her beloved, prompting a reflection on the distinctiveness and superiority of true love. In a broader spiritual context, this can be seen as a call for believers to consider and express the unparalleled nature of Christ's love for the Church.

O most beautiful among women
This phrase acknowledges the bride's exceptional beauty, both physical and spiritual. The Hebrew word "יָפָה" (yafah) means beautiful or fair, and it is used here to denote not just outward appearance but also inner grace and virtue. In the allegorical interpretation, the bride represents the Church or the individual believer, adorned with the righteousness of Christ. This beauty is not self-derived but is a reflection of the divine love and grace bestowed upon her. Historically, beauty in biblical times was often associated with favor and blessing, and here it underscores the bride's esteemed position.

How is your beloved better than others
The repetition of this question emphasizes the importance of the bride's response. It invites a deeper exploration of the beloved's attributes, encouraging the bride to articulate her devotion and admiration. In the context of a believer's relationship with Christ, it serves as a reminder to continually seek and proclaim the unique and incomparable nature of His love and sacrifice. The repetition also serves a poetic function, creating a rhythm and emphasis that draws the reader into the narrative.

that you charge us so?
The word "charge" in Hebrew is "שָׁבַע" (shava), which can mean to adjure or to earnestly request. This indicates a sense of urgency and importance in the bride's request to the daughters of Jerusalem. She is not merely asking them to listen but is imploring them to understand and appreciate the depth of her love for her beloved. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call to witness and testify to the world about the love of Christ, urging others to recognize and respond to His call. The bride's earnestness reflects the passion and commitment that should characterize the believer's witness to the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The male figure in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings.

2. The Shulammite Woman
The female protagonist, representing the bride, often seen as a symbol of the Church or individual believers.

3. The Daughters of Jerusalem
A group of women who serve as a chorus or audience, questioning and interacting with the Shulammite woman.

4. Jerusalem
The setting for much of the Song, symbolizing a place of spiritual significance and community.

5. The Search for the Beloved
An event where the Shulammite woman seeks her beloved, illustrating themes of longing and desire.

Teaching Points

The Uniqueness of Christ
Just as the Shulammite woman describes her beloved as unique, believers are called to recognize and proclaim the unparalleled nature of Christ.

The Role of Community in Faith
The daughters of Jerusalem represent the community of faith, encouraging believers to share their experiences and testimonies with others.

Longing for God
The Shulammite’s search for her beloved mirrors the believer’s pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, encouraging persistent seeking and devotion.

Witnessing to Others
The question posed by the daughters of Jerusalem challenges believers to articulate why their faith and relationship with Christ is significant and transformative.

Beauty in Relationship
The mutual admiration between the beloved and the Shulammite highlights the beauty of a Christ-centered relationship, whether in marriage or in the believer’s walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Shulammite woman’s description of her beloved challenge us to view our relationship with Christ?

2. In what ways can the community of faith, like the daughters of Jerusalem, support and encourage our spiritual journey?

3. How can we cultivate a longing for God similar to the Shulammite’s longing for her beloved?

4. What are some practical ways to articulate the uniqueness of Christ to those who question our faith?

5. How can the mutual admiration in Song of Solomon inspire us to strengthen our relationships, both with God and with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 45
This royal wedding psalm shares themes of love and admiration, often seen as a messianic prophecy.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Paul’s teaching on marriage reflects the love between Christ and the Church, paralleling the love depicted in Song of Solomon.

Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage supper of the Lamb connects to the bridal imagery in Song of Solomon, emphasizing the union between Christ and His Church.