Song of Solomon 6:5

Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead.

Study Bible

Turn your eyes away from me
The phrase "Turn your eyes away from me" suggests an overwhelming intensity in the gaze of the beloved. In Hebrew, the word for "eyes" (עֵינַיִם, 'eynayim) often symbolizes perception and understanding. The lover is so captivated by the beloved's gaze that it becomes overpowering. This reflects the deep emotional and spiritual connection between the two, where even a look can convey profound love and admiration. Historically, eyes have been seen as windows to the soul, and in the context of the Song of Solomon, they represent the intimate and personal connection that transcends mere physical attraction.

they overwhelm me
The word "overwhelm" in this context conveys a sense of being overpowered by emotion. The Hebrew root for overwhelm (רָהַב, rahab) can imply being overcome or conquered. This suggests that the beloved's beauty and presence are so powerful that they leave the lover in a state of awe and admiration. This overwhelming feeling is not one of fear but of deep, consuming love that reflects the passionate and intense nature of the relationship depicted in the Song of Solomon. It is a reminder of how true love can be both beautiful and overwhelming, capturing the heart and soul completely.

Your hair is like a flock of goats
The comparison of hair to "a flock of goats" is a vivid pastoral image. In ancient Israel, goats were common in the landscape, and their movement across the hills would have been a familiar and beautiful sight. The Hebrew word for goats (עִזִּים, izzim) evokes a sense of grace and fluidity. This simile highlights the beloved's natural beauty and elegance, suggesting that her hair flows with the same grace and beauty as a flock of goats descending a hillside. This imagery is not only a compliment to her physical appearance but also an appreciation of the natural world and its beauty, which is a recurring theme in the Song of Solomon.

streaming down Mount Gilead
Mount Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, was known for its lush pastures and fertile land. The phrase "streaming down" (גָּלַשׁ, galash) suggests movement and vitality, as if the hair is alive and dynamic. This imagery conveys a sense of abundance and richness, as Mount Gilead was a place of plenty and prosperity. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this comparison not only emphasizes the beloved's beauty but also her vitality and the life-giving nature of love. The reference to a specific geographical location also roots the text in a real-world setting, reminding readers of the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ, expressing admiration and being overwhelmed by the beauty of the beloved.

2. The Shulammite
The recipient of the speaker's admiration, representing the bride or the church in allegorical interpretations.

3. Mount Gilead
A region known for its lush pastures, symbolizing beauty and abundance. It is used metaphorically to describe the beloved's hair.

Teaching Points

The Power of Beauty
The verse highlights the overwhelming power of beauty, both physical and spiritual. In a Christian context, this can be seen as a reflection of God's creation and the beauty He instills in His people.

Symbolism of Hair
Hair, described as a flock of goats, symbolizes abundance and grace. This can remind believers of the importance of seeing beauty in God's creation and in each other.

Spiritual Overwhelm
Just as the speaker is overwhelmed by the beloved's beauty, believers can be overwhelmed by the love and grace of Christ. This calls for a response of worship and adoration.

Mount Gilead's Significance
The reference to Mount Gilead emphasizes the richness and fertility of the land, which can be a metaphor for spiritual growth and fruitfulness in a believer's life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of beauty in Song of Solomon 6:5 reflect the nature of God's creation?

2. In what ways can the overwhelming beauty described in this verse be related to the spiritual beauty of a believer?

3. How does the metaphor of hair as a flock of goats enhance our understanding of the beloved's character?

4. What can we learn from the speaker's reaction to beauty about our own responses to God's love and grace?

5. How can the symbolism of Mount Gilead inspire us to pursue spiritual growth and fruitfulness in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29:17
Leah's eyes are described, providing a contrast to the overwhelming beauty of the beloved's eyes in Song of Solomon.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Discusses the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which can be connected to the overwhelming beauty described in Song of Solomon.

Psalm 45:11
Speaks of the king's desire for the beauty of his bride, paralleling the admiration expressed in Song of Solomon.