The Radiant Bride and the Springtime of Love: Exploring Song of Solomon 2

Executive Summary ✨

Song of Solomon 2 paints a vibrant tapestry of love between the Bridegroom and His Bride. We see the Bride declaring herself a “rose of Sharon” and “lily of the valleys,” humble yet beautiful. The Bridegroom reciprocates, praising her as the “lily among thorns.” The chapter overflows with imagery of springtime, renewal, and passionate longing. The Bridegroom invites the Bride to come away with Him, escaping the harshness of winter for the flourishing garden of their love. This chapter, rich in symbolism, speaks to the intimate relationship between Christ and the Church, and the individual soul’s yearning for union with God. Understanding the beauty and depth of divine intimacy is crucial for spiritual growth and experiencing the fullness of God’s love. We will delve into each verse, drawing from Coptic Orthodox tradition and Patristic wisdom to unlock the treasures within.

This exquisite chapter in the Song of Solomon invites us into the intimate and passionate love story between the Bridegroom and his Beloved. With vivid imagery of nature and fervent expressions of affection, Chapter 2 unveils profound truths about the relationship between Christ and His Church, and the journey of the individual soul seeking communion with God. Throughout this commentary, we’ll explore the spiritual symbolism, historical context, and practical applications of each verse, drawing upon the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the insights of the Church Fathers. Our goal is to understand more clearly the message of the chapter, which is rooted in the joy and the journey of true divine intimacy.

Commentary Sections 📖

Song of Solomon 2:1 (KJV)

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

NKJV: “I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.”

The Bride speaks, declaring herself. The “rose of Sharon” is likely not a specific rose variety, but a general term for a beautiful flower found in the coastal plain of Sharon, an area known for its fertility. The “lily of the valleys” reinforces this image of delicate beauty found in common places. This isn’t about haughtiness; it’s a declaration of identity within the context of love. She recognizes her beauty lies not in inherent superiority, but in her belonging to the beloved. In our own lives, we should recognize that our true beauty and worth come from our belonging to Christ.

From a Coptic perspective, this echoes Mary’s humility in the Annunciation. She, too, was chosen, yet proclaimed herself the handmaid of the Lord. This self-declaration of beauty reflects the intrinsic worth that each believer possesses because we are all created in the image of God. We can use websites like dohost.us to create a website for our church. As St. Athanasius says, in *De Incarnatione*, “αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” (autos gar enēnthrōpēsen, hina hēmeis theopoiēthōmen) – “For He was incarnate that we might be made God.” This means that through Christ, we participate in the divine nature, and our true identity is found in Him.

Song of Solomon 2:2 (KJV)

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

NKJV: “Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.”

The Bridegroom responds, elevating the Bride above all others. The lily, a symbol of purity and beauty, stands out starkly against the thorns, representing the world’s challenges and temptations. This highlights the Bride’s unique virtue and the Bridegroom’s profound appreciation for her. He sees her as exceptional, untouched by the world’s corruption. This reminds us of the Church, the Bride of Christ, set apart from the world and adorned with His righteousness.

St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on John, states, “ἐκκλησία γὰρ ἐστὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ” (ekklēsia gar esti to sōma tou Christou) – “For the Church is the body of Christ” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, Book 2). The Bride, like the Church, is precious to Christ, worthy of His sacrifice and love. Practically, this means we should strive to live lives worthy of our calling, avoiding the “thorns” of sin and worldly distractions, and embracing the purity and beauty offered by Christ.

Song of Solomon 2:3 (KJV)

“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.”

NKJV: “Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.”

The Bride returns the compliment, exalting the Bridegroom above all others. The apple tree, rare and precious in the region, provides shade and delicious fruit. The Bride finds refreshment and satisfaction in the Bridegroom’s presence. “Sitting under his shadow” speaks of rest and protection, while “his fruit was sweet to my taste” represents the spiritual nourishment and joy found in Him. This echoes the experience of partaking in Holy Communion, where we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, finding spiritual sustenance and union with Him.

This image resonates with the protection and nurturing provided by God, as reflected in Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” We are called to seek solace and sustenance in Christ, recognizing Him as our source of strength and delight. Just as the Bride found joy in the Bridegroom’s fruit, we find spiritual nourishment in God’s Word, Sacraments, and fellowship with other believers. As St. Isaac the Syrian writes, “ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ γλυκυτέρα ἐστὶ παντὸς μέλιτος” (hē agapē tou Theou glykytera esti pantos melitos) – “The love of God is sweeter than all honey” (*Ascetical Homilies*, Homily 68). The practical application is seeking daily time in prayer and scripture, actively looking for God’s presence in our lives.

Song of Solomon 2:4 (KJV)

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

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

The Bride describes the intimacy and protection she experiences in the Bridegroom’s presence. The “banqueting house” symbolizes a place of feasting, joy, and fellowship. The “banner over me was love” signifies His protection and claim over her. This speaks of the Church being brought into the Kingdom of God, where we partake in the heavenly banquet and are shielded by Christ’s love. This is a foretaste of the eternal joy and communion we will experience in heaven.

This aligns with the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14), where God invites all to the banquet of His Son. St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of being properly adorned for this feast, meaning living a life of repentance and faith. The banner of love reminds us of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. We are called to live under this banner, allowing His love to guide and protect us in all that we do.

Song of Solomon 2:5 (KJV)

“Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.”

NKJV: “Sustain me with cakes of raisins, Refresh me with apples, For I am lovesick.”

Overcome with longing, the Bride expresses her intense desire for the Bridegroom. “Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples” are pleas for sustenance and refreshment to alleviate her “sickness of love.” This isn’t a physical ailment, but a spiritual yearning for deeper union with the beloved. This mirrors our soul’s desire for God, a hunger and thirst that only He can satisfy. The “sick of love” feeling is not a sickness, but a yearning, an intense desire to draw closer to God.

This verse reflects the spiritual thirst described by St. Augustine in his *Confessions*: “Fecisti nos ad te, et inquietum est cor nostrum, donec requiescat in te” – “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you” (Augustine, *Confessions*, Book 1). The “flagons” and “apples” can be seen as symbols of the Sacraments, prayer, and Scripture, which nourish and strengthen our souls in our longing for God. Practically, this means intentionally seeking ways to connect with God in our daily lives and praying to draw nearer to His presence, especially when we feel a longing for something more.

Song of Solomon 2:6 (KJV)

“His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.”

NKJV: “His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me.”

The Bride describes the intimate embrace and support of the Bridegroom. His left hand under her head provides comfort and rest, while His right hand embraces her with love and protection. This signifies God’s constant presence and care for His people. He supports us in our weakness and embraces us with His unwavering love. This image portrays an intimate relationship, one where love is not just spoken, but felt and experienced. There is a sense of peace, security, and deep affection.

This imagery echoes the Psalms, which describe God as our refuge and strength. As St. Anthony the Great said, “Ἀεὶ ἔχετε τὸν Θεὸν πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν ὑμῶν” (Aei echete ton Theon pro ophthalmōn hymōn) – “Always have God before your eyes.” This continual awareness of God allows us to feel His supporting hand and embrace in every circumstance. Spiritually, we can practice this by praying ceaselessly and remembering God’s presence during difficult times.

Song of Solomon 2:7 (KJV)

“I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”

NKJV: “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field, Do not stir up nor awaken love Until it pleases.”

The Bride issues a charge to the “daughters of Jerusalem” (representing the world), urging them not to disturb their love until it is time. The “roes” and “hinds” (gazelles and does) symbolize gentleness and delicacy. She desires their love to unfold naturally, without interference or premature awakening. This reminds us to protect the sanctity of marriage and the purity of our relationship with Christ. We must guard our hearts from worldly distractions and allow our love for God to grow at its own pace, guided by His Spirit.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and reverence in matters of love and faith. Prematurely forcing intimacy can lead to damage and disappointment. Just as a seed needs time to germinate and grow, our love for God needs time to develop. We are encouraged to create a quiet, protected space for this love to flourish. This quiet comes when we are still and listen to what God has to say. St. Macarius the Great notes the importance of spiritual stillness in our lives. (*Homilies*, Homily 11) – “ἡσυχία ἐστὶ ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς καθάρσεως” (hēsychia esti hē archē tēs katharseōs) – “Silence is the beginning of purification.”

Song of Solomon 2:8 (KJV)

“The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.”

NKJV: “The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills.”

The Bride anticipates the arrival of the Bridegroom with joy and excitement. She hears his voice and envisions him “leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills,” portraying his eager haste to be with her. This symbolizes Christ’s coming to His Church and our own eagerness to meet Him. This joyful anticipation should characterize our spiritual lives, eagerly awaiting His return and seeking His presence in every moment.

The imagery of leaping and skipping suggests a joy and enthusiasm that transcends earthly obstacles. It mirrors the joy experienced by the disciples upon seeing the resurrected Christ. We, too, should approach God with this same joy and eagerness. The journey to meet the beloved may have mountains and hills, obstacles in our path, yet the Bridegroom navigates them with ease, coming closer, ever closer. This verse also reminds us of the Second Coming of Christ, a hope the Coptic Church holds dear. This hope should fuel our lives with expectation and purpose. As Hebrews 10:25 urges, “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Song of Solomon 2:9 (KJV)

“My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.”

NKJV: “My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, He stands behind our wall; He is looking through the windows, Glimpsing through the lattice.”

The Bride describes the Bridegroom’s approach and his desire to see her. He is likened to a “roe or a young hart” (gazelle or young stag), symbolizing grace, agility, and beauty. He “standeth behind our wall,” “looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice,” depicting his patient and persistent pursuit of her. This signifies Christ’s nearness to us, even when we feel distant from Him. He patiently waits for us to open our hearts and reveal ourselves to Him.

The imagery of the Bridegroom looking through the lattice reminds us of the veil that separates us from God, but also the ways in which God reveals Himself to us. The lattice can be seen as the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the events of our lives, through which we glimpse His presence. This also reflects the importance of discerning God’s presence in our lives. He is always near, but we must have eyes to see Him. As St. Seraphim of Sarov says, “Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and thousands around you will be saved.” (*Little Russian Philokalia*, Vol. 1). Practically, this means paying attention to the small details of our lives and recognizing God’s hand in them.

Song of Solomon 2:10 (KJV)

“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.”

NKJV: “My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away.”

The Bridegroom speaks, inviting the Bride to “rise up” and “come away” with Him. This is a call to leave behind the familiar and embrace a new life of intimacy and adventure with Him. “Rise up” signifies spiritual awakening and a turning away from worldly concerns. “Come away” is an invitation to deeper communion and fellowship with Christ. This call is not just for the Bride, but for all believers. He invites us to leave behind our old selves and follow Him into a life of purpose and fulfillment.

This invitation echoes Jesus’ call to His disciples: “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). It’s an invitation to a new way of living, one centered on Christ. The call to “rise up” signifies a conscious decision to leave behind our old habits and embrace a new identity in Christ. The call to “come away” signifies a journey, a continuous movement towards greater intimacy with God. As St. Paul writes in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Living with purpose, focused on Christ, is the challenge to all believers.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (KJV)

2:11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; 2:13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

NKJV: 2:11 For now the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. 2:13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs, And the vines with the tender grapes Give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away!

The Bridegroom describes the arrival of spring, a time of renewal, beauty, and abundance. “The winter is past, the rain is over and gone” signifies the end of hardship and suffering. “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come” celebrates new life and joy. “The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell” represents the fruitfulness and blessings that accompany their love. This is an allegory for the spiritual renewal that comes through Christ. He brings us out of the “winter” of sin and death into the “springtime” of grace and new life. This is a time for spiritual growth, blossoming, and bearing fruit for His glory.

This passage vividly illustrates the transformative power of God’s grace. The end of winter symbolizes the end of our spiritual struggles and the beginning of a new season of growth and fruitfulness. The flowers, birds, and fragrant vines represent the beauty and joy that come from living in God’s presence. This section also evokes the resurrection of Christ and the new life He offers. The early Church Fathers often used springtime imagery to describe the resurrection, noting that just as nature is renewed in the spring, so too are we renewed in Christ. We are called to embrace this new life and to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. As Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These are the signs of a life transformed by God’s love.

Song of Solomon 2:14 (KJV)

“O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.”

NKJV: “O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret places of the cliff, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.”

The Bridegroom seeks intimacy with the Bride, referring to her as “my dove” and inviting her to “let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice.” The dove symbolizes gentleness, purity, and faithfulness. “The clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs” represent places of refuge and hiddenness. The Bridegroom desires to draw her out of her hiding places and into His presence. He longs for her face and her voice, finding them “sweet” and “comely.” This signifies Christ’s desire for a personal and intimate relationship with each of us. He longs to hear our prayers and to see our hearts turned towards Him.

The imagery of the dove hidden in the clefts of the rock can be seen as a metaphor for the soul seeking refuge in God. In times of trouble and distress, we can find solace and protection in His presence. The Bridegroom’s desire to see the Bride’s face and hear her voice highlights the importance of communication in our relationship with God. We are called to speak to Him in prayer and to listen for His voice in Scripture and in the events of our lives. It is a picture of longing. As St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “Ὁ πόθος τοῦ καλοῦ ποιεῖ τὸν ἐραστὴν ἀεὶ ζητεῖν τὸ ἐρώμενον” (Ho pothos tou kalou poiei ton erastēn aei zētein to erōmenon) – “The longing for the beautiful makes the lover always seek the beloved” (*Homilies on the Song of Songs*, Homily 2). We are to constantly pursue our relationship with God, seeking to hear from Him and know Him more intimately.

Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV)

“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.”

NKJV: “Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.”

The Bridegroom urges vigilance against the “foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines.” These foxes represent subtle sins and worldly distractions that can damage our spiritual growth and hinder our relationship with Christ. The “tender grapes” symbolize the potential for spiritual fruitfulness that needs to be protected. This is a call to spiritual discipline and discernment, to identify and resist the temptations that threaten our progress. It is a reminder that even small sins can have a devastating impact on our spiritual lives.

The “little foxes” can be seen as the seemingly insignificant sins that we often overlook, such as gossip, envy, and pride. These small sins can gradually erode our faith and undermine our relationship with God. We are called to be vigilant in guarding our hearts against these temptations. This requires self-examination, confession, and a commitment to living a life of righteousness. As St. John Climacus teaches in *The Ladder of Divine Ascent*, we must constantly be watchful of our thoughts and actions, lest we fall prey to the snares of the enemy. It is essential to protect what is most important, what can bear fruit in our lives.

Song of Solomon 2:16 (KJV)

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

NKJV: “My beloved is mine, and I am His. He feeds his flock among the lilies.”

The Bride affirms the mutual possession and intimate relationship with the Bridegroom. “My beloved is mine, and I am his” expresses a complete and exclusive commitment. “He feedeth among the lilies” signifies that the Bridegroom finds delight and sustenance in the purity and beauty of His Bride. This is a powerful affirmation of the reciprocal love and devotion between Christ and His Church. It is a reminder that we belong to Him, and He belongs to us. He delights in our love and faithfulness, and He nourishes us with His grace.

This verse encapsulates the essence of the covenant relationship between God and His people. We are His, and He is ours. This mutual belonging is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. The imagery of the Bridegroom feeding among the lilies reminds us that God finds joy in our purity and holiness. We are called to live lives that are pleasing to Him, lives that reflect His love and grace. St. Basil the Great highlights this when he says, “Γίνου ναὸς Θεοῦ, καὶ ἔσται ναὸς σου” (Ginou naos Theou, kai estai naos sou) – “Become a temple of God, and He will become your temple.” (*Homilies on the Psalms*, Homily 45). Our relationship with God is reciprocal: the more we open ourselves to Him, the more He inhabits us, and the more we become His temple.

Song of Solomon 2:17 (KJV)

“Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.”

NKJV: “Until the day breaks And the shadows flee away, Turn, my beloved, And be like a gazelle or a young stag On the mountains of Bether.”

The Bride expresses a desire for the Bridegroom’s return “until the day break, and the shadows flee away.” This signifies the longing for the fullness of God’s presence and the end of earthly suffering. “Turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether” is a plea for Him to come quickly and bring about the dawn of a new era. This verse speaks of the Christian hope for the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. It is a reminder that our present life is temporary, and we should look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Him in glory.

The mountains of Bether are of uncertain location but symbolize a place of separation or division. This longing for the daybreak reflects the Christian hope for the end of our separation from God and the complete fulfillment of His promises. This verse echoes the cry of the Church in Revelation 22:20: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” As St. Augustine eloquently wrote, “Our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.” Therefore, our lives should be marked by an eager anticipation of His return and a commitment to living in accordance with His will until that day comes. Our longing for His return should guide us and bring us closer to Him.

Subtopic Sections 💡

The Symbolic Garden of Love

The Song of Solomon uses the metaphor of a garden to describe the relationship between the Bridegroom and the Bride. This garden is a place of beauty, abundance, and intimacy.

• Enclosed Garden: The enclosed garden symbolizes the Bride’s purity and exclusivity, set apart for the Bridegroom alone.
• Springtime Renewal: The imagery of springtime represents spiritual renewal and the flourishing of love.
• Fragrant Fruits: The fruits and spices symbolize the spiritual gifts and virtues that are cultivated in the relationship with Christ.
• Guarded Boundaries: The call to protect the vines from the “little foxes” highlights the need for vigilance and spiritual discipline.
• Invitation to Communion: The Bridegroom invites the Bride to come into the garden and partake of its delights, symbolizing the invitation to communion with God.

The Bride as a Type of the Church

Throughout the Song of Solomon, the Bride is often interpreted as a type of the Church, the Bride of Christ. This interpretation highlights the intimate and loving relationship between Christ and His Church.

• Chosen and Beloved: The Bride is chosen and beloved by the Bridegroom, just as the Church is chosen and loved by Christ.
• Adorned with Beauty: The Bride is adorned with beauty and virtue, reflecting the righteousness and holiness of the Church.
• Longing for Union: The Bride longs for union with the Bridegroom, mirroring the Church’s desire for communion with Christ.
• Protected and Nurtured: The Bride is protected and nurtured by the Bridegroom, just as the Church is protected and cared for by Christ.
• Bearing Fruit: The Bride bears fruit for the Bridegroom, representing the Church’s mission to bring forth spiritual fruit for the Kingdom of God.

FAQ ❓

Q: What is the significance of the “rose of Sharon” and “lily of the valleys” in Song of Solomon 2:1?

A: These flowers are symbolic of beauty found in common places. The Bride, declaring herself as such, recognizes that her beauty and worth come from her relationship with the Bridegroom, not from inherent superiority. It reminds us that our true identity and beauty are found in our belonging to Christ.

Q: What do the “little foxes” represent in Song of Solomon 2:15?

A: The “little foxes” symbolize subtle sins and worldly distractions that can damage our spiritual growth and hinder our relationship with Christ. They represent the seemingly insignificant temptations that we often overlook, but which can have a devastating impact on our spiritual lives.

Q: How does Song of Solomon 2 connect to the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

A: The chapter’s themes of love, intimacy, and spiritual longing resonate with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ. The imagery of the Bride as a type of the Church aligns with the Coptic understanding of the Church as the Bride of Christ, and the call to spiritual discipline reflects the Coptic commitment to asceticism and prayer.

Conclusion ✨

Song of Solomon 2 is a beautiful and evocative chapter that reveals the profound depths of love and intimacy between the Bridegroom and the Bride. Through vivid imagery of springtime, gardens, and heartfelt expressions of affection, this chapter unveils timeless truths about the relationship between Christ and His Church, and the journey of the individual soul seeking communion with God. The importance of recognizing and nurturing divine intimacy is paramount for any believer seeking spiritual growth and a deeper connection to God.

The chapter calls us to embrace spiritual renewal, to guard against the subtle temptations that can hinder our progress, and to eagerly anticipate the day when we will be fully united with Christ in glory. As we meditate on these verses, may we be inspired to deepen our love for God and to live lives that reflect His grace and beauty. May we all become radiant brides of Christ, yearning for deeper divine intimacy. May we strive to be that “rose of Sharon” or “lily of the valley”, the beautiful Bride of Christ.

Tags

Song of Solomon, Song of Songs, Bible commentary, Coptic Orthodox, Patristics, divine intimacy, springtime, love, Bridegroom, Bride, Church

Meta Description

Explore Song of Solomon 2 verse-by-verse with Coptic Orthodox insights. Discover the beauty of divine intimacy, springtime renewal, and the Bridegroom’s love for His Bride. ✨