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Introduction

The chapter opens with the woman recounting a night scene, possibly a dream or vision, in which she searches earnestly for her beloved but cannot find him on her bed. Restless, she rises and searches the city streets, seeking him in the broad ways. This search reflects deep longing and the pain of feeling distant from the one she loves.

She encounters the watchmen of the city and asks if they have seen her beloved. Shortly after, she finds him, and her response is immediate and passionate: she holds him and refuses to let him go until she brings him into her mother’s house. This imagery reflects both emotional relief and cultural customs concerning courtship and family involvement in marriage during that time.

Once again, she repeats the refrain given earlier in the book, charging the daughters of Jerusalem not to stir up or awaken love until it pleases, reinforcing the theme of patience and proper timing that has already been established in the previous chapters.

The chapter then shifts dramatically in tone and imagery. It describes Solomon’s approach in a magnificent procession, coming out of the wilderness like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense. This depicts wealth, majesty, and honor associated with a royal wedding.

Solomon’s bed or litter is described in detail, guarded by sixty mighty men, all skilled warriors, symbolizing security and protection. The description continues with mention of Solomon’s chariot, made with luxurious materials such as silver, gold, and purple, reflecting the grandeur befitting a king.

The chapter closes with the image of Solomon coming forth on his wedding day, crowned by his mother, a moment of joy and celebration, marking the culmination of the courtship into a public, honored union.

Chapter 3

1 By night on my bed I was looking for him who is the love of my soul: I was looking for him, but I did not see him.
2 I will get up now and go about the town, in the streets and in the wide ways I will go after him who is the love of my soul: I went after him, but I did not see him.
3 The watchmen who go about the town came by me; to them I said, Have you seen him who is my heart’s desire?
4 I was but a little way from them, when I came face to face with him who is the love of my soul. I took him by the hands, and did not let him go, till I had taken him into my mother’s house, and into the room of her who gave me birth.
5 I say to you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes of the field, let not love be moved till it is ready.
6 Who is this coming out of the waste places like pillars of smoke, perfumed with sweet spices, with all the spices of the trader?
7 See, it is the bed of Solomon; sixty men of war are about it, of the army of Israel,
8 All of them armed with swords, trained in war; every man has his sword at his side, because of fear in the night.
9 King Solomon made himself a bed of the wood of Lebanon.
10 He made its pillars of silver, its base of gold, its seat of purple, the middle of it of ebony.
11 Go out, O daughters of Jerusalem, and see King Solomon, with the crown which his mother put on his head on the day when he was married, and on the day of the joy of his heart.

Important Verses

  • Song of Solomon 3:1 “By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.” This verse captures the emotional intensity of longing for a loved one.
  • Song of Solomon 3:4 “I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go.” This reflects the relief and determination associated with reuniting with someone deeply loved.
  • Song of Solomon 3:6-7 The description of Solomon’s procession emphasizes the honor and majesty associated with marriage and covenant commitment.
  • Song of Solomon 3:11 “Go forth… and behold king Solomon with the crown… in the day of his espousals.” This verse highlights the celebratory and honorable nature of marriage.

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