Song of Solomon 7:11

Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside; let us spend the night among the wildflowers.

Study Bible

Come, my beloved
This phrase is an invitation, a call to intimacy and companionship. The Hebrew word for "beloved" is "דּוֹדִי" (dodi), which conveys deep affection and love. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this reflects the mutual desire and longing between the lovers, symbolizing the intimate relationship between Christ and His Church. The call to "come" is reminiscent of Christ's invitation to His followers to draw near to Him, emphasizing the personal and relational nature of faith.

let us go to the countryside
The countryside, or "שָׂדֶה" (sadeh) in Hebrew, represents a place of natural beauty and tranquility, away from the busyness of city life. This setting is symbolic of a return to simplicity and purity, where the lovers can enjoy each other's presence without distraction. Historically, the countryside was a place of sustenance and life, often associated with agricultural abundance. Spiritually, it can be seen as an invitation to retreat from the chaos of the world and find rest and renewal in God's creation.

let us spend the night
Spending the night together signifies a deeper level of intimacy and commitment. In the Hebrew context, night is often a time of vulnerability and trust, where one seeks refuge and comfort. This phrase suggests a desire for prolonged fellowship and communion, reflecting the believer's longing to dwell in the presence of God. It is an encouragement to seek deeper spiritual experiences and to rest in the assurance of God's love and protection.

among the wildflowers
Wildflowers, or "כְּפָרִים" (kepharim) in Hebrew, are a symbol of beauty, spontaneity, and the natural order of creation. They grow freely and abundantly, often in unexpected places, representing the uncontainable and lavish nature of God's love. In the biblical context, wildflowers can also signify the fleeting nature of life, reminding believers to cherish the moments of beauty and grace that God provides. This imagery invites the reader to appreciate the simple, yet profound, expressions of God's presence in the world around us.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings. Here, the beloved is invited to join in an intimate and personal journey.

2. The Shulammite Woman
The speaker in this verse, traditionally understood as the Shulammite woman, who expresses her desire for closeness and shared experiences with her beloved.

3. The Countryside
Represents a place of natural beauty and tranquility, away from the busyness of city life, symbolizing a retreat into a more intimate and personal setting.

4. The Wildflowers
Symbolic of beauty, renewal, and the natural world, often representing the purity and simplicity of love in its natural state.

Teaching Points

Intimacy in Relationships
The invitation to the countryside signifies the importance of nurturing intimacy in relationships. Just as the Shulammite seeks to deepen her connection with her beloved, we are called to invest time and effort into our relationships, both with our spouses and with God.

Retreat and Renewal
The countryside represents a place of retreat and renewal. In our busy lives, it is essential to find time to withdraw from the chaos and seek spiritual and emotional rejuvenation, much like Jesus did when He withdrew to solitary places to pray.

Appreciation of Creation
The mention of wildflowers encourages us to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the simple joys and the intricate beauty that God has placed in the world around us.

Symbolism of Love
The natural setting symbolizes the purity and simplicity of love. In our relationships, we should strive for a love that is genuine, unpretentious, and rooted in the beauty of God's design.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the invitation to the countryside in Song of Solomon 7:11 reflect the biblical principle of leaving and cleaving found in Genesis 2:24?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of retreat and renewal into our daily lives, as suggested by the imagery in this verse?

3. How does the symbolism of wildflowers in this verse enhance our understanding of the beauty and simplicity of love?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to nurture intimacy in our relationships, both with our spouses and with God?

5. How can the appreciation of God's creation, as seen in this verse, influence our perspective on the world and our relationship with the Creator?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
The call to leave and cleave, as the Shulammite invites her beloved to leave the city and join her in the countryside, echoes the biblical principle of leaving one's family to unite with a spouse.

Matthew 6:28-29
Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field, highlighting the beauty and provision of God, which parallels the imagery of wildflowers in this verse.

Psalm 23:2
The imagery of peaceful pastures and still waters connects to the idea of finding rest and renewal in the countryside.