By /

Introduction

The chapter opens with the daughters of Jerusalem responding to the woman’s detailed praise of her beloved from the previous chapter, asking where he has gone so they might help her search for him. She responds by explaining that he has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed his flock and gather lilies, imagery suggesting that he has not abandoned her but is engaged in his own pursuits, possibly symbolizing renewed intimacy and connection within their relationship.

She then reaffirms their mutual belonging by declaring that she is his and he is hers, echoing the earlier statement made in chapter two, showing restored confidence and security in their relationship after the earlier season of separation and searching.

Solomon then speaks, praising his bride once again with rich and admiring language. He compares her beauty to Tirzah and Jerusalem, cities known for their attractiveness and significance, and describes her as terrible or awe inspiring like an army with banners, an expression emphasizing her commanding presence and strength of character, not literal fear.

He continues with imagery similar to earlier chapters, praising her eyes, hair, teeth, and cheeks, reaffirming his admiration for her without introducing significant new physical descriptions, thereby emphasizing consistency and steadfastness in his affection.

Solomon further distinguishes her by describing her as his only one, his undefiled, setting her apart from queens and concubines who also praise her uniquely, suggesting that her character and beauty stand unmatched and universally recognized among other women, reinforcing the theme of exclusivity and honor within their marriage.

The chapter closes with an unclear or debated scene involving the woman going down to the garden, possibly to observe its growth or check on her beloved. The daughters call her to return, referring to her as the Shulammite, and the imagery evokes admiration comparing her, once again, to a company of two armies, likely symbolizing her graceful yet strong and dignified movement or presence.

Chapter 6

1 Where is your loved one gone, O most fair among women? Where is your loved one turned away, that we may go looking for him with you?
2 My loved one is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to take food in the gardens, and to get lilies.
3 I am for my loved one, and my loved one is for me; he takes food among the lilies.
4 You are beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, as fair as Jerusalem; you are to be feared like an army with flags.
5 Let your eyes be turned away from me; see, they have overcome me; your hair is as a flock of goats which take their rest on the side of Gilead.
6 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep which come up from the washing; every one has two lambs, and there is not one without young.
7 Like pomegranate fruit are the sides of your head under your veil.
8 There are sixty queens, and eighty servant-wives, and young girls without number.
9 My dove, my very beautiful one, is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the dearest one of her who gave her birth. The daughters saw her, and gave her a blessing; yes, the queens and the servant-wives, and they gave her praises.
10 Who is she, looking down as the morning light, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, who is to be feared like an army with flags?
11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the green plants of the valley, and to see if the vine was in bud, and the pomegranate-trees were in flower.
12 Before I was conscious of it, …
13 Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, so that our eyes may see you. What will you see in the Shulammite? A sword-dance.

Important Verses

  • Song of Solomon 6:3 “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” This verse reaffirms mutual belonging and restored security within the marriage relationship.
  • Song of Solomon 6:4 “Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.” This highlights both beauty and inner strength recognized in the beloved.
  • Song of Solomon 6:9 “My dove, my undefiled, is but one… the queens and the concubines… praised her.” This emphasizes exclusivity and the unmatched honor given to the wife within the relationship.
  • Song of Solomon 6:13 The closing imagery, though debated in interpretation, reflects admiration and continued desire for closeness between the couple.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

O seu endereço de email não será publicado. Campos obrigatórios marcados com *

Scroll to Top