The "Description of the Beloved" is a poetic and vivid portrayal found in the Song of Solomon, a book in the Old Testament that celebrates love and the beauty of the marital relationship. This description is often interpreted allegorically by conservative Christian scholars as a representation of the love between Christ and His Church, while also acknowledging its literal celebration of human love.

Biblical Context

The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is attributed to King Solomon and is a collection of lyrical poems. The book is unique in its focus on romantic love, and it is often read as an allegory of God's love for His people. The description of the beloved is primarily found in Song of Solomon 5:10-16, where the Shulammite woman describes her beloved with rich and evocative imagery.

Description in Song of Solomon 5:10-16

The passage begins with the Shulammite declaring, "My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand" (Song of Solomon 5:10). This introduction sets the tone for the ensuing description, emphasizing the beloved's exceptional and striking appearance.

1. Head and Hair: "His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven" (Song of Solomon 5:11). The imagery of gold suggests nobility and value, while the description of his hair as wavy and black conveys youth and vitality.

2. Eyes: "His eyes are like doves beside the streams of water, bathed in milk and mounted like jewels" (Song of Solomon 5:12). The comparison to doves suggests peace and gentleness, while the imagery of water and milk implies purity and clarity.

3. Cheeks and Lips: "His cheeks are like beds of spice, towers of perfume. His lips are lilies, dripping with flowing myrrh" (Song of Solomon 5:13). The cheeks are likened to fragrant gardens, indicating attractiveness and allure, while the lips are compared to lilies, symbolizing beauty and sweetness.

4. Arms and Body: "His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is an ivory panel bedecked with sapphires" (Song of Solomon 5:14). The arms, described as gold and beryl, suggest strength and preciousness, while the body is likened to ivory and sapphires, indicating elegance and splendor.

5. Legs and Appearance: "His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, as majestic as the cedars" (Song of Solomon 5:15). The legs, compared to marble and gold, convey stability and grandeur, while the overall appearance is likened to the majestic cedars of Lebanon, symbolizing strength and dignity.

6. Mouth and Overall Impression: "His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem" (Song of Solomon 5:16). The mouth, described as sweetness, emphasizes the beloved's words and character, while the declaration of being "altogether lovely" encapsulates the entire description, affirming the beloved's unparalleled beauty and charm.

Theological and Allegorical Interpretations

In conservative Christian theology, the description of the beloved is often seen as an allegory for Christ's love for the Church. The attributes of the beloved—purity, strength, beauty, and majesty—are seen as reflections of Christ's divine nature and His perfect love for His people. The intimate and personal nature of the description underscores the closeness and depth of the relationship between Christ and believers.

The passage also serves as a reminder of the sanctity and beauty of marital love, reflecting God's design for human relationships. The vivid imagery and poetic language celebrate the physical and emotional aspects of love, affirming its goodness and divine origin.

Conclusion

The "Description of the Beloved" in the Song of Solomon remains a profound and evocative passage that continues to inspire both literal and allegorical interpretations. Its rich imagery and deep emotional resonance offer insights into the nature of love, both human and divine, as understood within the Christian tradition.