Song Of Solomon 3
Song of Songs chapter 3 can be divided into three parts. First, it presents a scene in which the bride searches for her beloved at night (verses 1-5). Second, it continues into a scene featuring King Solomon’s procession (verses 6-11). This chapter poetically describes both the bride’s earnest longing for her beloved and the preciousness of a meeting born of love.
1verseBy night on my bed, I sought him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I didn’t find him.
2verseI will get up now, and go about the city; in the streets and in the squares I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I didn’t find him.
3verseThe watchmen who go about the city found me; “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?”
4verseI had scarcely passed from them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, into the room of her who conceived me.
5verseI 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.
6verseWho is this who comes up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all spices of the merchant?
7verseBehold, it is Solomon’s carriage! Sixty mighty men are around it, of the mighty men of Israel.
8verseThey all handle the sword, and are expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh, because of fear in the night.
9verseKing Solomon made himself a carriage of the wood of Lebanon.
10verseHe made its pillars of silver, its bottom of gold, its seat of purple, the middle of it being paved with love, from the daughters of Jerusalem.
11verseGo out, you daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon, with the crown with which his mother has crowned him, in the day of his weddings, in the day of the gladness of his heart.
The Bride Who Sets Out to Find Her Beloved (3:1-5)
The bride searches for her beloved in the night on her bed, but she does not find him. After getting up and walking around the city, she searches earnestly until, at last, she meets him. Her determination not to lose him again reveals the fervor and fragility of love, as well as the preciousness of the encounter.
King Solomon’s Procession (3:6-11)
Beginning with verse 6, King Solomon’s grand procession is described. The scene in which aromatic goods, weapons, and servants escort Solomon creates an atmosphere that is both majestic and mysterious. This procession symbolically shows that the union of love is beautiful and honorable.
The Meaning of Love Seen Through Song of Songs Chapter 3
Song of Songs chapter 3 emphasizes the attitude of seeking love, persevering, and valuing the love one receives. The bride knows how precious love is and strives not to lose it; and King Solomon’s parade poetically symbolizes how glorious and joyful love is. It delivers the message that love becomes even more beautiful when it is found, waited for, and enjoyed.
Meditation Points
- How am I seeking true love in my life?
- What are the relationships and loves I treasure, and how am I protecting them?
Applying It to Myself
- Let’s reflect again on the precious things I once gave up too easily, and think about what efforts are needed for true love and relationships.
- Remembering the preciousness of love, let’s cultivate a heart of gratitude even in the small encounters and relationships of each day.
