Song of Songs - Chapter 7

Song of Songs 7.1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. Song of Songs 7.2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. Song of Songs 7.3 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins. Song of Songs 7.4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. Song of Songs 7.5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. Song of Songs 7.6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! Song of Songs 7.7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. Song of Songs 7.8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples; Song of Songs 7.9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. Song of Songs 7.10 I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me. Song of Songs 7.11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Song of Songs 7.12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. Song of Songs 7.13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.

Song of Songs : Chapter 7

Celebration of Intimacy in the Song of Songs

Chapter 7 of Songs continues the mutual praise between lovers. This sensual poem celebrates intimacy in a profound way. How is this intimacy highlighted in this passage?

A Beauty Evoked by Nature

This text describes the beauty of his beloved from head to toe, using vivid metaphors drawn from nature and architecture. Each image evokes deep admiration and mutual respect, expressing the desire and expectation of shared pleasure.

Themes of Love and Desire

Chapter 7 explores themes such as bodily appreciation, sexual desire in commitment, and reciprocity in love. These elements invite us to reflect on the richness of physical love, which is honored and celebrated within a committed relationship.

Enlightening Bible Passages

Let's reflect together on five biblical passages that shed light on the celebration of physical love in this passionate chapter:

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4: "The husband must fulfill his marital duties to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does." These verses reflect the intimacy and mutual giving described in Song of Songs 7.
  2. Genesis 2:23: "Then Adam said, 'This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh! She shall be called Woman, because she was taken from Adam.'" Adam's statement echoes the mutual admiration and gratitude between the lovers in Song of Songs 7.
  3. Isaiah 62:5: "As a young man marries a virgin, so will your builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." This verse uses the language of marital love, similar to that of the Song of Songs, to describe God's love for His people.
  4. Proverbs 31:10: "A good wife, blessed is he who finds it! She is much more precious than rubies." This verse echoes the appreciation for the beloved expressed in Song of Solomon 7.
  5. Ephesians 5:31-32: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery; however, I am referring to Christ and the Church." Paul uses the language of marriage, reminiscent of the Song of Songs, to describe the union between Christ and the Church.

These passages remind us that physical love, far from being superficial, is a precious gift that deserves to be celebrated and respected within a sacred relationship. Let us celebrate this beauty and depth together in our own lives.