Ecclesiastes 4
Song of Songs 4 begins with praise for the bride by the bridegroom. In the early part of the text (verses 1-7), the bridegroom describes the bride’s beauty in detail from head to toe, expressing his love for her deeply. Then, in verses 8-15, the bridegroom invites the bride and marvels at her purity and fragrance. In the final verse, verse 16, the bride opens her heart in response to love and confesses that she will entrust herself to the bridegroom. Overall, this chapter beautifully sings of affection for one another and the communion of pure love.
1verseThen I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
2verseTherefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.
3verseYes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4verseThen I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5verseThe fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.
6verseBetter is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
7verseThen I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
8verseThere is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.
9verseTwo are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
10verseFor if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.
11verseAgain, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?
12verseIf a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13verseBetter is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more.
14verseFor out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.
15verseI saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.
16verseThere was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Key Symbols and Meanings in Song of Songs 4
The various images used in Song of Songs 4 are rich in metaphor and symbolism. The natural elements compared to each body part of the bride—her hair, eyes, lips, and neck—express the beauty, purity, and dignity that were regarded as the highest in the culture of the time. The bridegroom also calls the bride a “locked garden” and a “sealed spring,” highlighting her purity and distinctiveness. The scene in which the bride compares herself to a garden and invites the bridegroom shows her posture of giving herself completely in love. In this way, Song of Songs 4 teaches how respect, devotion, and the joy of love toward one another should be expressed.
Meditation Points
- Let’s reflect on how our hearts to cherish each other’s beauty and respect one another are being put into practice in our relationships.
- Think about whether we value the people we meet with God’s perspective, just as the bridegroom’s loving gaze is detailed and careful.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Check how carefully you understand and respect the family, friends, and neighbors you love.
- May you also be able to keep the “garden” of your heart in purity, and reflect on whether there is wholeness and purity in your relationship with God in your life.
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