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Song of Solomon 1

17 verses

TL;DR

Song of Solomon 1 opens with a lyrical invitation of the beloved, expressing affection and admiration through rich sensual and pastoral imagery, portraying a romantic longing between two lovers.

Summary

The chapter begins with a poetic opening that introduces the speaker’s desire for her beloved, likening his love to the sweetness of wine. She compares herself to a black, comely woman, yet praises her beauty, using imagery of Kedar and Solomon’s tents. The presence of the king is noted as he brings her into his chambers, hinting at a royal context. Pastoral scenes of vineyards, flocks, and shepherds illustrate the setting and the beloved’s pastoral worth. The beloved is likened to a horse in Pharaoh’s chariot, emphasizing his strength and elegance. The passage ends with intimate details of domestic life—golden ornaments, cedar beams, and a green bed—showing their shared love in a home setting.

Outline
  1. Invocation and setting of the beloved
  2. Descriptive imagery of beauty and pastoral symbolism
  3. Domestic details and shared life
Themes
lovebeautysensuality
Keywords
lovewinebeautyspicesvineyardsdomesticpastoralsensual
People
Solomonthe belovedthe kingthe daughters of Jerusalemthe mothershepherds
Places
JerusalemKedarEngedithe king's chambersvineyardsthe house
Things
wineointmentspikenardmyrrhcamphiregolden studschains of goldcedar beamsfir raftersdoves' eyes
Key Verses
  • Song of Solomon 1:2: The beloved's love is likened to being better than wine, establishing the poem’s passionate tone
Questions
  • What does the comparison of love to wine suggest about affection in this context?
  • How does the use of pastoral imagery enhance the portrayal of the beloved?
  • What role does the king play in the relationship described in this chapter?
  • In what ways does the domestic setting reflect the intimacy between the lovers?
  • How does the author balance physical description with emotional longing?
  • What might the repeated emphasis on beauty signify about identity in the Song of Solomon?
Sentiment

positive
Affectionate, celebratory, and romantic.