Welcome, young scholars of literature, to a journey into one of the most beautiful and ancient love poems ever written! Today, we are going to explore a truly special piece, Song of Solomon 3. This chapter, nestled within a larger collection of poetic verses, paints a vivid picture of longing, search, and triumphant reunion. It is a celebration of deep affection, filled with rich imagery and powerful emotions that have resonated with readers for thousands of years. Let us dive in and uncover the treasures hidden within its lines.
Song of Solomon 3
1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
5 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.
6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Understanding Song of Solomon 3
This chapter of the Song of Solomon takes us on an emotional journey, primarily through the voice of the Shulamite woman, as she searches for her beloved. It is a powerful expression of longing, the joy of discovery, and a grand celebration of love and commitment.
- What the poem shows: Song of Solomon 3 vividly portrays the intense desire of a lover to find her beloved, her determined search through the city, the relief and joy of their reunion, and a magnificent description of a royal wedding procession. It is a testament to the strength and beauty of devoted love.
- Central idea: The central idea of Song of Solomon 3 analysis revolves around the unwavering pursuit and secure possession of love. It celebrates the deep emotional bond between two individuals, emphasizing both the personal intimacy of their connection and the public declaration of their commitment through a grand, royal ceremony.
- Noteworthy knowledge: The Song of Solomon is unique in its celebration of human love and desire within sacred texts. While often interpreted allegorically as the love between God and Israel or Christ and the Church, its primary and most immediate reading is as a beautiful exploration of romantic love. This chapter, in particular, highlights themes of longing, perseverance, and the ultimate joy of finding and holding onto one’s beloved.
In-Depth Analysis of Song of Solomon 3
Let us now delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Song of Solomon 3, examining its narrative and the profound emotions it conveys.
The Urgent Search for the Beloved (Verses 1-4)
The poem opens with a sense of urgency and deep longing. The speaker, the Shulamite, describes a restless night, consumed by her search:
1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
These lines immediately establish the intensity of her affection. The phrase “whom my soul loveth” is repeated, underscoring the profound spiritual and emotional connection she feels. Her search is not casual; it is a desperate quest that drives her from her bed into the dark, unfamiliar streets of the city. The repetition of “I sought him, but I found him not” emphasizes her distress and the difficulty of her task. This nocturnal search can symbolize the anxieties and uncertainties that sometimes accompany love, or the deep yearning for connection when separated from a loved one.
Her determination leads her to the city’s guardians:
3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
The watchmen represent authority and the public sphere. Her direct question to them reveals her vulnerability and her singular focus. She is not deterred by the potential dangers of the night or the impropriety of a woman wandering alone; her love compels her to seek help from anyone who might assist. This interaction highlights her courage and the all-consuming nature of her desire.
The climax of her search arrives swiftly:
4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
The moment of discovery is immediate and overwhelming. The phrase “It was but a little” suggests that her perseverance was quickly rewarded after the watchmen. Her actions are decisive: “I held him, and would not let him go.” This physical act of holding signifies not just reunion, but also possession, security, and an unwillingness to ever be separated again. Bringing him “into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me” symbolizes a return to a place of ultimate intimacy, safety, and belonging. It is a deeply personal and sacred space, representing the secure foundation of their love.
The Charge to the Daughters of Jerusalem (Verse 5)
Following the intense personal narrative, the poem shifts to a universal admonition:
5 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.
This verse is a recurring refrain in the Song of Solomon. It serves as a powerful warning against prematurely awakening or interfering with love. The “daughters of Jerusalem” represent a broader audience, perhaps young women or those observing the lovers. The appeal “by the roes, and by the hinds of the field” invokes the gentle, wild, and free spirit of nature, suggesting that love, like these creatures, should not be forced or disturbed before its natural time. It speaks to the importance of patience, respect, and allowing love to unfold organically, without external pressure or artificial stimulation.
The Grand Procession of King Solomon (Verses 6-11)
The poem then undergoes a dramatic shift in scene and tone, moving from the intimate, nocturnal search to a public, majestic spectacle. This section describes a grand procession, often interpreted as a wedding procession for King Solomon:
6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
This opening question immediately draws the reader’s attention to a magnificent sight. The image of “pillars of smoke” suggests a grand, almost mystical approach, perhaps from burning incense or torches. The mention of “myrrh and frankincense” and “all powders of the merchant” evokes luxury, exoticism, and immense wealth. These are precious aromatics, often used in royal ceremonies and religious rituals, signifying something sacred and highly valued. The “wilderness” from which this procession emerges adds to the sense of wonder and anticipation, as if something extraordinary is appearing from an unexpected place.
The description continues with details of the royal entourage:
7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
The “bed” here refers to a royal litter or palanquin, a portable couch or throne carried by servants, signifying status and comfort. It is protected by “threescore valiant men,” sixty elite soldiers, armed with swords. This detail emphasizes the king’s power, the importance of the occasion, and the security surrounding him. The mention of “fear in the night” suggests that even in moments of celebration, vigilance is necessary, underscoring the value of what is being protected.
The focus then shifts to the magnificent chariot itself:
9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
This is no ordinary vehicle. Crafted from “wood of Lebanon” (likely cedar, known for its strength and fragrance), it is adorned with precious materials: “pillars thereof of silver,” “bottom thereof of gold,” and a “covering of it of purple.” Purple was a color associated with royalty and immense wealth, as its dye was extremely rare and expensive. The most striking detail is “the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.” This beautiful, poetic phrase suggests that the very essence of the chariot, its interior, is imbued with affection and care, perhaps symbolizing the love that is at the heart of this royal union. It is a gift, a spectacle, and a testament to love’s grandeur, meant to be admired by all.
The chapter concludes with an invitation to witness this grand event:
11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
The “daughters of Zion” are invited to witness King Solomon in his full glory, wearing the crown bestowed upon him by his mother on his wedding day. This “day of his espousals” (engagement/marriage) and “day of the gladness of his heart” marks a moment of profound joy and public celebration. The crown symbolizes not only his kingship but also the culmination of his love and commitment. This final image brings together themes of royalty, public celebration, and the deep personal joy of marriage, serving as a magnificent conclusion to the chapter’s narrative of finding and celebrating love.
Literary and Poetic Devices in Song of Solomon 3
The beauty and power of Song of Solomon 3 are greatly enhanced by its masterful use of literary and poetic devices. Let us explore some key examples:
Imagery
The poem is incredibly rich in sensory details, creating vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. This is a cornerstone of poetic devices in Song of Solomon 3.
- Nocturnal Cityscape: “By night on my bed,” “go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways.” These lines evoke a sense of darkness, solitude, and the vastness of the urban environment, contrasting with the speaker’s intimate search.
- Aromatic Splendor: “like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant.” This imagery appeals to the sense of smell, creating an atmosphere of luxury, mystery, and sacredness around the approaching procession.
- Material Wealth: “pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple.” These descriptions paint a picture of immense opulence and royal grandeur, emphasizing the value and importance of the event.
Repetition
The strategic use of repetition emphasizes key ideas and emotions, making it a vital literary device in Song of Solomon 3.
- The Beloved’s Identity: The phrase “him whom my soul loveth” is repeated four times in the first four verses. This insistent repetition underscores the speaker’s singular focus, the depth of her affection, and the urgency of her search. It highlights that her quest is for a specific, deeply cherished individual.
- The Search’s Futility (initially): “I sought him, but I found him not” is repeated twice, conveying the initial frustration and despair of the search, making the eventual discovery even more triumphant.
Symbolism
Many elements in the poem carry deeper symbolic meanings, enriching its interpretation.
- Night: “By night on my bed” often symbolizes vulnerability, uncertainty, and the private, internal world of longing and desire.
- The City: “go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways” can symbolize the public sphere, the challenges of the world, or the journey one undertakes to find what is truly important.
- Mother’s House/Chamber: “into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me” symbolizes ultimate intimacy, security, and a return to a place of origin and deep belonging. It is a sanctuary for their love.
- Wilderness: “cometh out of the wilderness” can symbolize a journey, a place of mystery, or a transition from the unknown to the known, adding to the grandeur of the procession’s arrival.
- Crown: “the crown wherewith his mother crowned him” is a powerful symbol of kingship, authority, and, in this context, the public affirmation and celebration of marriage and commitment.
Metaphor and Simile
These devices create vivid comparisons, allowing readers to understand abstract concepts through concrete images.
- Simile of Smoke: “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke” compares the approaching procession to rising smoke, suggesting its grandeur, perhaps its slow, majestic movement, and the fragrant incense accompanying it.
- Metaphor of Love’s Pavement: “the midst thereof being paved with love” is a beautiful metaphor. It suggests that the very interior of the chariot, the space where the king and queen would sit, is not merely adorned with precious materials but is fundamentally built upon and filled with affection and devotion.
Refrain
The repeated “I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem…” acts as a refrain, a recurring line or phrase that emphasizes a key theme.
- The Charge: “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.” This refrain serves as a thematic anchor, reminding the audience about the sacredness and natural timing of love, urging patience and respect.
How Each Part Contributes to the Central Message
Each section of Song of Solomon 3 plays a crucial role in building its overarching message of passionate, enduring love.
- The Urgent Search (Verses 1-4): This opening section establishes the profound depth of the speaker’s love and her unwavering commitment to her beloved. Her desperate search and eventual triumphant reunion highlight the perseverance required in love and the immense joy of finding one’s soulmate. It sets a deeply personal and emotional tone.
- The Charge (Verse 5): This interlude serves as a universal principle, reminding readers that true love should be allowed to blossom naturally. It emphasizes patience, respect, and the sacredness of the emotional bond, providing a moral framework for the passionate love described.
- The Royal Procession (Verses 6-11): This grand, public spectacle elevates the personal love story to a majestic, communal celebration. The imagery of wealth, power, and protection surrounding King Solomon’s procession symbolizes the honor, security, and public affirmation that accompanies a committed, royal union. It suggests that such a profound love is worthy of the greatest celebration and protection, culminating in the “day of his espousals” as a joyous public declaration.
Together, these parts weave a narrative that moves from intense personal longing and discovery to a universal admonition about love’s timing, concluding with a magnificent public celebration of commitment. This journey underscores the idea that love is both a deeply intimate experience and a powerful force worthy of the grandest recognition.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Song of Solomon 3, we are left with a profound appreciation for its timeless message. This ancient poem, with its vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, beautifully captures the essence of human love: the yearning, the determined search, the joy of reunion, and the grand celebration of commitment. It reminds us that love is a powerful force, worthy of our deepest efforts and our greatest celebrations. Whether viewed as a testament to human affection or an allegory for divine love, Song of Solomon 3 continues to resonate, teaching us about the patience, passion, and profound joy that true love brings.