Song of Solomon 8
Read Song of Solomon 8 (WEB)+
1Oh that you were like my brother, who nursed from the breasts of my mother! If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me. 2I would lead you, bringing you into my mother’s house, who would instruct me. I would have you drink spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate. 3His left hand would be under my head. His right hand would embrace me. 4I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires. 5Who is this who comes up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I aroused you. There your mother conceived you. There she was in labor and bore you. 6Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of Yahweh. 7Many waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned. 8We have a little sister. She has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for? 9If she is a wall, we will build on her a turret of silver. if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. 10I am a wall, and my breasts like towers, then I was in his eyes like one who found peace. 11Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon. He leased out the vineyard to keepers. Each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit. 12My own vineyard is before me. The thousand are for you, Solomon; two hundred for those who tend its fruit. 13You who dwell in the gardens, with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice! 14Come away, my beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!
World English Bible (public domain)
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord.”
Song of Solomon 8:6
Summary
Song of Solomon chapter 8 brings the poetic and romantic dialogue to a passionate and climactic conclusion. The chapter opens with the bride expressing a longing desire to be close to her beloved, wishing for a societal acceptance of their love that would allow her to express her affection publicly without shame. The couple's relationship exemplifies a mature love that flourishes despite any possible societal pressures or expectations. Throughout the chapter, there is a celebration of love's enduring nature and an acknowledgment of its power and invincible strength, akin to death's unstoppable force. The chapter also highlights the unyielding and fiery intensity of true love, suggesting that neither floods nor wealth can quench or buy it. It is shown as a divine gift that commands respect and reverence. The poem closes with an encouragement to maintain and protect this unique bond. Additionally, the chapter underscores mutual possession in the relationship, as seen in their repeated affirmations of belonging exclusively to one another. The theological significance of this chapter lies in its portrayal of love as a sacred, eternal force that should be valued above all material wealth. It mirrors the deep, covenantal love God desires with humanity, emphasizing love's resilience and transformative power. The passage invites reflection on the nature of committed, covenantal relationships, urging believers to protect and cherish their love as a divine treasure.
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