Song Of Solomon 2
Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, begins with conversations between a loving couple and beautiful descriptions of nature, where the joy of love and the hopes of the lovers blend naturally. At first, the woman expresses herself modestly (2:1), followed by praise of the man's love and protection (2:2–2:6). After that, she reveals her excited feelings as she waits for a meeting with her beloved (2:8–2:13). In the end, a heartfelt longing for love appears, and the request to wait carefully for the right time for love is repeated (2:7, 2:15–2:17).
1verseI am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
2verseAs a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
3verseAs the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, his fruit was sweet to my taste.
4verseHe brought me to the banquet hall. His banner over me is love.
5verseStrengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples; for I am faint with love.
6verseHis left hand is under my head. His right hand embraces me.
7verseI adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, or by the hinds of the field, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires.
8verseThe voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping on the mountains, skipping on the hills.
9verseMy beloved is like a roe or a young deer. Behold, he stands behind our wall! He looks in at the windows. He glances through the lattice.
10verseMy beloved spoke, and said to me, “Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
11verseFor behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone.
12verseThe flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
13verseThe fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give out their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.”
14verseMy dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places of the mountainside, let me see your face. Let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.
15verseCatch for us the foxes, the little foxes that plunder the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom.
16verseMy beloved is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies.
17verseUntil the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a roe or a young deer on the mountains of Bether.
Key Content and Overall Meaning
- The harmony of nature and love: Images of nature—such as flowers, doves, and fig trees—show just how full and beautiful the feelings of love are.
- Conversation between lovers: The love between a man and a woman is not merely a simple emotion; mutual respect, waiting, and fluttering feelings are expressed in a delicate way.
- Purity of love and protection: The lovers call each other “those who love” and “friends,” reminding us that love is a precious feeling that must be protected. “The foxes that spoil the vineyards” symbolizes how small issues can damage love.
- The right time for love: The repeated request, “Do not awaken love,” emphasizes that love cannot happen in a rush, inviting reflection on mature love and an attitude of patience.
Points for Reflection
- Through the beautiful nature and the language of love in Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, reflect on the precious relationships in your own life.
- As you reflect that love requires endurance and waiting, you can also think about the time of preparation for love to grow deeper and bloom.
- Take a look within your relationships to see whether there are any small problems that harm our hearts, like “little foxes.”
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In my relationships with the people I love, I reflect on whether I have an attitude of carefulness, respect, and patience.
- Think about what “little foxes” might be—small things that could break down precious feelings or relationships—and take time to check in advance and protect them in your heart.
- With each season of life, cherish the time of waiting that is given, and you can pray so that, just as nature changes, my heart can grow as well.
