Song of Songs Chapter 2

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Overview of Song of Songs Chapter 2

Song of Songs Chapter 2 is a continuation of the poetic dialogue between two lovers. This book, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, is unique in the Bible due to its focus on human love and romantic desire. Chapter 2 emphasizes springtime imagery, deep longing, and mutual admiration between the bride (often called the Shulammite woman) and her beloved.

Structure of Chapter 2

Verses 1–2 – Metaphors of beauty and uniqueness
Verses 3–6 – The bride’s delight in her lover
Verse 7 – A caution about awakening love
Verses 8–14 – The arrival of the beloved and his invitation
Verses 15–17 – Call to protect love and the bride’s yearning

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Verse 1

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.”

The woman speaks here. “Rose of Sharon” and “lily of the valleys” are metaphors. These flowers were common, yet beautiful. She may be expressing humility—she’s not proud but acknowledges her natural beauty. Some also see it as her identifying herself as accessible and genuine, not elevated above others.

Alternatively, the “lily” can be seen as a symbol of purity, love, and femininity.

Verse 2

“As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.”

The man responds, contrasting the woman with others. She’s not just any lily—she’s a rare beauty among thorns. The metaphor elevates her above all other women; she is delicate, graceful, and incomparable. This speaks of exclusive affection and high esteem.

Verse 3

“As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men…”

The woman compares her lover to an apple tree, suggesting he is delightful, refreshing, and nourishing, unlike the other “trees” (other men). Apple trees in arid areas were valued for shade and fruit. He provides both shelter and sustenance—symbolizing emotional and physical protection.

“…I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.”

This speaks to the intimacy and pleasure she finds in him. “Sitting in his shade” evokes rest, safety, and satisfaction. The “fruit” could symbolize his affections or physical love, showing that she enjoys and treasures his love deeply.

Verse 4

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”

The banqueting house symbolizes public joy and celebration. “His banner over me was love” suggests she is claimed, honored, and protected by him. In battle, banners show allegiance; here, it signifies his loving commitment.

Verse 5

“Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love.”

The woman is overwhelmed by love—emotionally and physically. “Sick with love” means she’s deeply affected—perhaps longing or exhausted from desire. Raisins and apples were thought to restore strength, indicating her need to be revived from this intense emotional experience.

Verse 6

“His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!”

This is a highly intimate moment. It could be describing a dream, a memory, or a yearning. Either way, it expresses the closeness of their relationship and the physical affection they share.

Verse 7

“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”

This is a refrain repeated throughout the Song (see 3:5, 8:4). The woman urges restraint—not to rush love or force romantic feelings before the right time. Gazelles and does are gentle, timid animals; by invoking them, the woman emphasizes tenderness and patience.

Verse 8

“The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.”

The woman hears him approaching and is thrilled. The imagery of him “leaping” portrays excitement, strength, and eagerness. It’s a romantic anticipation, like a lover coming swiftly to meet his beloved.

Verse 9

“My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag…”

Again, he is compared to graceful, swift animals, symbolizing youth, passion, and energy.

“…Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, looking through the lattice.”

He’s yearning for connection. There’s distance (a wall), but he watches her—perhaps desiring union or longing for her attention. It’s intense yearning, like a lover waiting just outside.

Verses 10–13

“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away…’”

These verses are a loving invitation. The man is calling her out of hiding, perhaps into marriage or deeper relationship. It also evokes springtime, a time of new beginnings and growth.

He says:

“The winter is past…” – Difficult times are over.
“Flowers appear…” – New life is blossoming.
“The time of singing has come…” – Joy and celebration are near.
“The fig tree ripens… the vines are in blossom…” – Fruition, maturity, and readiness.

All these images reinforce the idea that now is the perfect time for love to bloom.

Verse 14

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice…”

The woman is hiding—figuratively or literally. He longs for intimacy and closeness, wanting to see her and hear her. Doves are symbols of gentleness and purity, and this line speaks to his desire to draw her out from a place of shyness or retreat.

“For your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”

He is genuinely captivated by her.

Verse 15

“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards…”

This verse stands out for its symbolic meaning. Foxes are small, destructive creatures that sneak into vineyards and ruin the harvest. The vineyard likely represents their love relationship, and the “little foxes” could symbolize small problems, doubts, or external threats.

This is a call to protect their relationship—to guard it against the seemingly small things that could cause big harm over time.

Verse 16

“My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies.”

This is a declaration of mutual belonging—a poetic way of saying, “We belong to each other.” This kind of covenantal love is key throughout the Song.

“He grazes among the lilies” could be metaphorical for their continued intimacy and affection, or symbolic of the man enjoying the company of the beloved (who previously called herself a lily).

Verse 17

“Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, be like a gazelle or a young stag on cleft mountains.”

This closing line is ambiguous and poetic. It may express the woman’s desire to be with her beloved until dawn—suggesting they are together during the night and she wishes him to return at morning light. Or it might imply she wants him to leave temporarily but return quickly and passionately, like a gazelle.

The “mountains of Bether” (from some translations) could represent separation or passion—perhaps a poetic way of describing her longing or their romantic union.

Themes in Chapter 2

1. Romantic and Physical Love

This chapter celebrates human love, physical attraction, and the emotional depth of romance. It is sensual but respectful, full of poetic admiration.

2. Timing of Love

The recurring refrain (“Do not awaken love until it pleases”) emphasizes the importance of waiting for the right time, not rushing emotional or physical intimacy.

3. Longing and Anticipation

There is a deep longing expressed through both lovers. Their words are full of anticipation, underscoring the powerful draw they feel toward one another.

4. Spring and Renewal

The language of springtime suggests new beginnings, growth, and readiness. This reinforces the idea that love, like seasons, has its time.

5. Vulnerability and Intimacy

The woman hides, the man seeks her out, and both express vulnerability—inviting each other into deeper relationship. This highlights the trust and tenderness that love requires.

6. Obstacles and Protection

The “little foxes” symbolize how small disruptions can harm love. Both lovers must work to guard and nurture their relationship.

Spiritual Interpretations

While Song of Songs is primarily a love poem, many Christian and Jewish traditions interpret it as an allegory:

Jewish tradition: God’s love for Israel.
Christian tradition: Christ’s love for the Church or the soul.

In that view, Chapter 2 could be read as:

The soul responding to divine love.
Christ inviting the believer into a deeper, joyful relationship.
The need to wait on God's timing and remove obstacles to spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Song of Songs Chapter 2 is a rich, poetic chapter full of love, longing, and beauty. It celebrates the intimacy of two lovers while teaching timeless lessons about the importance of timing, vulnerability, and guarding love from harm. Whether read as a romantic dialogue or an allegory of divine love, it offers profound insight into the nature of deep, committed relationships.

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