Song of Solomon 7:2

Your navel is a rounded goblet; it never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by the lilies.

Study Bible

Your navel is a rounded goblet;
In ancient Near Eastern poetry, the navel often symbolizes the center of life and vitality. The imagery of a "rounded goblet" suggests beauty and abundance, as goblets were used in festive and sacred contexts. This metaphor may also imply a sense of completeness and perfection. The goblet, a vessel for wine, can symbolize joy and celebration, which are central themes in the Song of Solomon. The navel's comparison to a goblet may also reflect the intimate and cherished nature of the beloved, emphasizing her desirability and the joy she brings.

it never lacks blended wine.
Wine in biblical times was a symbol of joy, prosperity, and divine blessing. The phrase "never lacks blended wine" suggests an unending source of joy and satisfaction. Blended wine, often mixed with spices, was considered a luxury, indicating the richness and depth of the beloved's character and the relationship. This imagery can also be seen as a reflection of the abundance and generosity of God's love, as wine is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize divine blessing and covenant (e.g., John 2:1-11, the wedding at Cana).

Your waist is a mound of wheat
Wheat is a staple grain, symbolizing sustenance, fertility, and prosperity. The comparison of the waist to a "mound of wheat" suggests fruitfulness and abundance. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, wheat was a critical part of daily life and a sign of God's provision. This imagery may also evoke the harvest, a time of joy and celebration, further emphasizing the themes of abundance and blessing. The waist, as a central part of the body, represents strength and stability, qualities that are admired in the beloved.

encircled by the lilies.
Lilies are often associated with beauty, purity, and love in biblical literature. The image of the waist being "encircled by the lilies" suggests a sense of grace and elegance. Lilies are mentioned elsewhere in the Song of Solomon (e.g., 2:1-2), reinforcing the theme of natural beauty and the beloved's allure. This phrase may also symbolize the protective and nurturing aspect of love, as the lilies encircle and adorn the mound of wheat. In a broader biblical context, lilies can represent the beauty of creation and God's care for His people (e.g., Matthew 6:28-29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse is the bridegroom, often interpreted as Solomon, who is expressing admiration for his bride. The beloved is a central figure in the Song of Solomon, representing beauty and love.

2. The Bride
The bride is the recipient of the bridegroom's admiration. She symbolizes purity, beauty, and the ideal of romantic love.

3. Imagery of Agriculture
The use of "wheat" and "lilies" reflects the agrarian culture of ancient Israel, where such imagery would resonate with the audience's daily life and environment.

Teaching Points

Celebration of Marital Love
The verse highlights the beauty and joy found in marital love, encouraging couples to appreciate and celebrate each other.

Symbolism and Imagery
The use of rich imagery invites believers to see the beauty in God's creation and in the relationships He has ordained.

Spiritual Reflection
While the text is a celebration of human love, it also invites reflection on the deeper spiritual love between Christ and the Church.

Cultural Context
Understanding the cultural and historical context of the imagery used can enrich our appreciation of the text and its meaning.

Holistic Appreciation
The verse encourages a holistic appreciation of one's spouse, valuing both physical beauty and the deeper, spiritual connection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "a rounded bowl" and "a mound of wheat" enhance our understanding of the bridegroom's admiration for the bride?

2. In what ways can the celebration of marital love in Song of Solomon inspire modern Christian marriages?

3. How can the agricultural imagery in this verse help us appreciate the cultural context of the Bible and its relevance today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the love described in Song of Solomon and the love between Christ and the Church as described in Ephesians 5?

5. How can we apply the principles of admiration and appreciation found in this verse to our own relationships, both marital and otherwise?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 5:18-19
This passage also celebrates marital love and the joy found in the relationship between husband and wife, emphasizing the importance of delighting in one's spouse.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Paul speaks of the love between Christ and the Church, using the marriage relationship as a metaphor for this divine love, which can be seen as a deeper spiritual connection to the love expressed in Song of Solomon.

Genesis 2:24
The foundational concept of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, which is celebrated and poetically explored in Song of Solomon.