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Song of Solomon 3

11 verses

TL;DR

The speaker ardently searches for her beloved in the city, encounters him, and praises the splendor of Solomon’s love and royal gifts, while urging restraint among the daughters of Jerusalem.

Summary

The speaker recounts her nightly quest for the one she loves, wandering the city streets and streets of the broad ways, but initially failing to find him. She is discovered by watchmen who ask if she is looking for her beloved; she confirms and finds him. After holding him, she brings him to her mother's house and her mother’s chamber. The speaker then admonishes the daughters of Jerusalem not to disturb her love until it pleases. She describes a man coming from the wilderness, surrounded by fragrant scents, and then shifts to a majestic portrayal of King Solomon’s bed and chariot, rich with silver, gold, and purple, signifying divine love. The chapter ends with an invitation to behold Solomon’s crown and the joy of his marriage, linking personal love to regal splendor.

Outline
  1. The lover’s nightly search and encounter with the beloved in the city
  2. Admonition to the daughters of Jerusalem to refrain from stirring love
  3. Vivid depiction of Solomon’s royal symbols and the joy of marriage
Themes
Yearning and pursuit of loveRoyal symbolism and divine patronageGuarded intimacy and cultural propriety
Keywords
lovecitywatchmenSolomonbedchariotwildernessfragranceroyaltycrown
People
The speaker (her soul)Daughters of JerusalemWatchmenKing SolomonMother of the speaker
Places
City streetsBroad waysMother’s houseChamber of the motherJerusalemZionWilderness
Things
BedChariotSilver pillarsGold bottomPurple coveringLoveSwordsCrownPowders of the merchantMyrrh and frankincense
Key Verses
  • Song of Solomon 3:3: Shows the watchmen discovering the speaker and the pivotal moment of meeting the beloved
  • Song of Solomon 3:6: Vivid wilderness imagery that highlights the beloved’s noble and fragrant presence
  • Song of Solomon 3:10: Describes Solomon’s chariot with rich detail, linking personal love to royal wealth and reverence
Questions
  • How does the speaker’s longing for the beloved reflect the broader biblical theme of love’s pursuit?
  • What might the description of Solomon’s chariot and bed symbolize in the context of a romantic relationship?
  • Why does the speaker advise the daughters of Jerusalem to refrain from awakening love, and what does this suggest about cultural norms of intimacy?
Sentiment

positive
The tone conveys passionate longing and admiration, despite moments of tension.