Old Testament: Song 5.9–16

To read the Bible in a year, read Song of Solomon 4–5 on September 22, In the year of our Lord 2022

By Don Ruhl 

The daughters of Jerusalem wanted to know what made the Shulamite’s beloved special. Why was he different from any other men; they wanted to know why they should help in her search of him: 

What is your beloved
More than another beloved, 
O fairest among women?
What is your beloved
More than another beloved,
That you so charge us?

My beloved is white and ruddy,
Chief among ten thousand.
His head is like the finest gold;
His locks are wavy,
And black as a raven.
His eyes are like doves
By the rivers of waters,
Washed with milk,
And fitly set.
His cheeks are like a bed of spices,
Banks of scented herbs.
His lips are lilies,
Dripping liquid myrrh.
His hands are rods of gold
Set with beryl.
His body is carved ivory
Inlaid with sapphires.
His legs are pillars of marble
Set on bases of fine gold.
His countenance is like Lebanon,
Excellent as the cedars.
His mouth is most sweet,
Yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved,
And this is my friend,
O daughters of Jerusalem!

– Song 5.9–16

She declared that he stood out among ten thousand men. Then she painted a picture of him. They wanted to know how to identify him. She provided the details, starting from the head down. She spoke of his value to her. She found no fault in him. See the loveliness of her man: 

• Hair – valuable and dark 
• Eyes – peaceful and pure 
• Cheeks – colorful and aromatic 
• Lips – produce beautiful words 
• Hands – valuable 
• Body – a work of creation 
• Legs – strong 
• Face – exudes excellence 
• Mouth – sweet words 

Notice that his head, hands, and feet she compared to gold. 

The top, middle, and bottom are gold. 

I think we can break down this section in this way: 

• Love questions (v. 9). 
• Love answers (vv. 10–16). 
• Love cherishes above others (v. 10). 
• Love sees perfection (vv. 11–16a). 
• Love endears (v. 16).

Questions: 

• How do you view your spouse? 
• If your friends asked what was so special about your spouse, how would you answer? 

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