1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.
2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.
3 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.
5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries.
6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!
7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.
8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;
9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.
10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.
11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages.
12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.
13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is one of the poetic books of the Old Testament in the Holy Bible. It is a unique book that stands out for its romantic and sensual tone, focusing on the celebration of love and sexual desire between a man and a woman. This essay examines Chapter 7 of the Song of Solomon, exploring its main themes, and interpreting its symbolic and spiritual meaning within the context of biblical teachings.
Chapter 7 of the Song of Solomon continues the intimate dialogue between the man, often interpreted as King Solomon, and the woman, referred to as the Shulamite. This chapter, like others in the book, is characterized by vivid and sensual imagery, with the lovers expressing their admiration for each other's physical beauty. However, the beauty of their expressions goes beyond the physical, pointing to a deeper spiritual and emotional connection.
The chapter starts with the man describing the woman's beauty, from her feet to her head. Using metaphors and similes drawn from nature and royal imagery, he praises her grace, elegance, and attractiveness. This celebration of physical beauty is a recurring theme in the Song of Solomon, reflecting the biblical view that human bodies, as creations of God, are good and beautiful. Moreover, it underscores the importance of physical attraction and intimacy within the context of a loving relationship.
The woman's response to the man's praises is equally passionate. She invites him to enjoy the fruits of her love, using the metaphor of a garden filled with exotic fruits. This imagery of a garden is significant, as it evokes the Garden of Eden, the biblical archetype of paradise. By associating their love with the Garden of Eden, the lovers suggest that their relationship is a return to the original state of innocence and harmony that existed before the Fall.
Another major theme in Chapter 7 is the expression of sexual desire. Both the man and the woman are not shy about expressing their longing for each other. They use suggestive and erotic language, demonstrating a comfort and freedom in expressing their sexual desires. This openness about sexual desire is unusual in the biblical text, indicating the Song of Solomon's unique contribution to biblical teachings on love and sexuality.
Importantly, the expression of desire in this chapter is marked by mutual consent. The woman invites the man to come into her garden and taste its fruits, and he accepts her invitation with enthusiasm. This exchange models a healthy sexual relationship, where both parties express their desires openly and respect each other's autonomy.
While the Song of Solomon is explicit in its celebration of physical beauty and sexual desire, it also carries a deeper symbolic and spiritual meaning. Many Christian interpreters have read the Song of Solomon as an allegory of the love between Christ and the Church. In this interpretation, the man represents Christ, while the woman represents the Church or the individual believer. The passionate love between the man and the woman is seen as a reflection of Christ's love for the Church, which is described in the New Testament as a deep, self-sacrificial love that goes beyond physical attraction.
This interpretation is supported by the use of royal imagery in the description of the man. He is portrayed as a king, and his love is described as better than wine, suggesting a love that is intoxicating and satisfying. This aligns with the New Testament portrayal of Christ as the King who loves the Church and gives Himself up for her.
In the same vein, the woman's invitation to the man to enjoy the fruits of her love can be seen as a symbol of the Church's invitation to Christ to dwell within her. The Church, like the woman's garden, is filled with the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – which are pleasing to Christ.
In conclusion, Chapter 7 of the Song of Solomon is a powerful celebration of physical beauty, sexual desire, and mutual consent within a loving relationship. While it is explicit in its eroticism, it also carries a deeper spiritual message, symbolizing the passionate love between Christ and the Church. This chapter, like the rest of the Song of Solomon, challenges us to embrace a holistic view of love and sexuality that acknowledges both the physical and spiritual dimensions of love.
Share this page