Song of Solomon 6
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1Where has your beloved gone, you fairest among women? Where has your beloved turned, that we may seek him with you? 2My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. 3I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine. He browses among the lilies, 4You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners. 5Turn away your eyes from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats, that lie along the side of Gilead. 6Your teeth are like a flock of ewes, which have come up from the washing; of which every one has twins; no one is bereaved among them. 7Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil. 8There are sixty queens, eighty concubines, and virgins without number. 9My dove, my perfect one, is unique. She is her mother’s only daughter. She is the favorite one of her who bore her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed; the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. 10Who is she who looks out as the morning, beautiful as the moon, clear as the sun, and awesome as an army with banners? 11I went down into the nut tree grove, to see the green plants of the valley, to see whether the vine budded, and the pomegranates were in flower. 12Without realizing it, my desire set me with my royal people’s chariots. 13Return, return, Shulammite! Return, return, that we may gaze at you. Lover Why do you desire to gaze at the Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim?
World English Bible (public domain)
“"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies."”
Song of Solomon 6:3
Summary
Song of Solomon chapter 6 continues to explore the ongoing dialogue between the lovers, highlighting both admiration and mutual affection. The chapter opens with the Daughters of Jerusalem expressing their eagerness to find the beloved, asking where he has gone. The Shulammite woman responds, describing her beloved as having descended to his garden, which is metaphorical for being among the lilies, symbolizing a place of beauty and intimacy. The chapter then shifts to a detailed description of the woman's beauty, as the beloved praises her, likening her to majestic and significant images such as an army with banners. This comparison underscores the awe and splendor of her presence. The chapter captures a picture of harmonious love, emphasizing admiration, commitment, and a deep, personal connection between the two lovers.
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Chapter outline
How Song of Solomon 6 unfolds
Song of Solomon 6:1–2 Searching for the Beloved
The Daughters of Jerusalem eagerly inquire where the beloved has gone, demonstrating their interest in the relationship. They wish to assist the Shulammite woman in finding him, indicating a supportive community around her.
Song of Solomon 6:3–4 Mutual Affection Expressed
The Shulammite declares her belonging to her beloved, emphasizing their deep connection. This mutual affection is further highlighted by her beauty being compared to significant and majestic images.
Song of Solomon 6:5–7 Praise for Beauty
The beloved praises the Shulammite’s beauty with vivid metaphors that convey deep admiration. Comparisons to goats and ewes illustrate the natural beauty and purity that captivate him.
Song of Solomon 6:8–10 Uniqueness and Worth
The beloved acknowledges the Shulammite's uniqueness amid many other women, emphasizing her singular beauty. This admiration affirms her esteemed position within the community and highlights her exceptional qualities.
Song of Solomon 6:11–13 Journey and Return
The Shulammite describes her own journey to see the beauty of nature, leading to a yearning for her beloved. The chapter closes with a call for her return, suggesting an ongoing desire for connection.
Key verses
Song of Solomon 6:3This verse encapsulates the essence of their relationship by affirming their deep commitment and mutual belonging.
Main themes in Song of Solomon 6
Love
Love is a central theme in Song of Solomon 6, particularly highlighted in the Shulammite's declaration that she is her beloved's in verse 3. The repeated affirmations of belonging throughout the chapter emphasize the depth and intensity of their love for one another. This discourse between the lovers illustrates the joy and fulfillment found in their committed relationship, showcasing how love can be a source of strength and security.
Explore love in the Bible →Beauty
The theme of beauty is prominently displayed in the beloved's praises of the Shulammite, especially in verses 4-7. His use of vivid and striking imagery conveys not only her physical attractiveness but also her inherent worth, which captivates him deeply. This celebration of beauty serves to reflect the significance of their relationship and the admiration shared between them, illustrating how beauty enhances their emotional connection.
Commitment
Commitment emerges strongly through the Shulammite's assertion of belonging in verse 3, where she confidently claims, 'I am my beloved’s.' Their exchanges throughout this chapter highlight a steadfastness that goes beyond fleeting attraction, demonstrating a deeper connection. This commitment underscores the importance of loyalty and enduring connection in love, shaping their relationship and illustrating the foundation on which it is built.
Mutual Admiration
Mutual admiration is expressed as both lovers celebrate each other’s qualities, particularly seen in the beloved's affectionate descriptions of the Shulammite in verses 4-10. The rich imagery used reflects not just admiration, but also a profound recognition of one another’s worth and uniqueness. This mutual appreciation strengthens their bond and illustrates the depth of their emotional connection, emphasizing the value of recognizing and honoring each other in love.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Song of Solomon 6
- Song of Solomon 4Both chapters showcase the beloved's admiration for the Shulammite, highlighting her beauty as a central theme.
- Song of Solomon 2The exploration of love and beauty in both chapters illustrates the development of the Shulammite's character.
- Song of Solomon 5In both chapters, the connection between the lovers is underscored through mutual desire and affection.
- Psalm 45This psalm celebrates the beauty and grace of the beloved, resonating with the Shulammite's portrayal here.
- Song of Solomon 1The themes of love and beauty are introduced in this chapter and further developed in the dialogue of chapter 6.
- Proverbs 31Both passages reflect on the qualities of a virtuous woman, connecting the Shulammite's beauty with her character.
Study questions
Questions for studying Song of Solomon 6
- Who asks about the beloved in verse 1?
- What images does the beloved use to describe the Shulammite's beauty?
- How does the Shulammite express her belonging in verse 3?
- What does the mention of 'royal people's chariots' signify in verse 12?
- Why do the Daughters of Jerusalem want to help find the beloved?
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