Song of Solomon Chapter 2
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
As the apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Stay with me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick with love.
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
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 pleases.
The voice of the turtle dove is heard: behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he stands behind our wall, he looks forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice.
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land;
The fig tree puts forth green figs, and the vines with tender grapes give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
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.
The foxes, little foxes that spoil the vines, threaten our tender grapes.
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feeds among the lilies.
Until the day breaks, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
What the Poem Says (Summary)
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 is a beautiful expression of passionate love, where the speaker glorifies her beloved and revels in the joy of their connection. She uses stunning imagery from nature, roses, lilies, apple trees, and springtime blooms to describe her feelings and her beloved’s captivating presence. The poem speaks of longing, anticipation, and the mutual affection between them. At its heart, it’s an invitation to celebrate the blossoming of love, comparing it to the renewal of nature after a long winter. The speaker asserts a possessive yet tender claim over her beloved, declaring “My beloved is mine, and I am his.”
How the Poem Works (Analysis)
1. The Power of Imagery
This chapter is saturated with vivid imagery drawn from the natural world. Consider the opening lines: “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” These are not literal statements; rather, they are figurative expressions of the speaker’s own beauty and desirability. The rose and lily, both highly prized for their fragrance and appearance, symbolize the speaker’s allure in her beloved’s eyes. This establishes a key pattern: the speaker frequently uses natural comparisons to express the qualities she admires in her beloved and to illustrate the depth of her own affection.
2. Metaphor and Simile: Painting with Words
The poem skillfully employs both metaphor and simile to create layered meanings. “As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters” is a powerful simile. The lily, delicate and beautiful, stands out dramatically against the harshness of thorns, highlighting the speaker’s unique and exceptional qualities. Later, “As the apple tree among the trees of the forest” uses a similar technique. The apple tree, offering shade and sweet fruit, represents the beloved’s strength, provision, and the pleasure he brings. The metaphor “his banner over me was love” is particularly evocative, suggesting protection, pride, and an open declaration of affection.
3. Personification: Bringing Nature to Life
Personification, giving human qualities to inanimate objects, is used subtly yet effectively. The most notable example is “the voice of the turtle dove.” The turtle dove was believed to be a symbol of longing and love, and giving it a “voice” suggests that even nature itself is echoing the lovers’ desires. This reinforces the idea that love is a natural and fundamental force, woven into the very fabric of the world.
4. Symbolism: Layers of Meaning
Several recurring images function as symbols throughout the chapter. Springtime imagery—flowers blooming, birds singing, and fruit ripening—symbolizes the blossoming of love and the promise of renewal. Winter represents a time of coldness and hardship, contrasting sharply with the warmth and joy of the present moment. The image of the “vine” and the “foxes” is a delicate symbol of vulnerability. The foxes threaten to spoil the tender grapes, representing potential threats or distractions that could harm the relationship. This underscores the need for vigilance and protection.
5. Repetition and Rhythm: A Song of Love
The repeated phrase “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away” functions as a refrain, creating a lyrical, songlike quality. This repetition is not merely stylistic; it emphasizes the urgency of the speaker’s desire and invites the beloved to join her in a shared experience of joy. The rhythm, while not strictly metered, is fluid and natural, contributing to the poem’s overall musicality. This deliberate use of rhythm and repetition helps to embed the poem’s message in the reader’s mind.
Why This Poem Matters (Interpretation)
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 is more than just a romantic poem; it celebrates the power and beauty of human connection. The poem invites us to consider how love can transform our perception of the world, imbuing even the simplest things with meaning and joy. By connecting love to the natural world, the poem suggests that it is a fundamental and enduring force essential to the rhythm of life. The assertion of mutual possession—“My beloved is mine, and I am his”—is a powerful statement of commitment and belonging. Ultimately, this chapter offers a hopeful and inspiring vision of love as a source of strength, renewal, and profound happiness.
Key Literary Devices (Quick Reference)
- Metaphor: “his banner over me was love” – expressing protection and affection.
- Simile: “As the lily among thorns” – highlighting uniqueness and beauty.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of flowers, fruit, and springtime.
- Personification: “the voice of the turtle dove” – giving human qualities to nature.
- Symbolism: Spring representing renewal; foxes threatening vines.
- Repetition: “Arise, my love” – creating a lyrical, songlike quality.
Takeaway for Thoughtful Readers
When you encounter this poem, pay attention to how the speaker uses sensory details—sight, smell, taste—to create a vivid and immersive experience. Think about how nature often serves as a metaphor for human emotions. Consider how the poem’s themes of love, longing, and renewal resonate with your own experiences and feelings. And most importantly, allow yourself to be swept away by the sheer beauty and passion of the speaker’s voice. This poem isn’t just about love; it is an invitation to celebrate the joy of being alive.