Welcome to an exploration of one of the most exquisite expressions of love in literature, “Song of Solomon Chapter 2.” This chapter, a vibrant tapestry of natural imagery and profound emotion, invites readers into a world where human affection mirrors the beauty and renewal of the natural world. Prepare to delve into its lyrical verses, uncover its rich symbolism, and appreciate the masterful use of poetic devices that make it an enduring testament to love’s power.
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.
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 Summary: The Essence of Love’s Bloom
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 unfolds as a lyrical dialogue between two lovers, primarily featuring the voice of the female speaker. This chapter beautifully captures the intensity and joy of romantic love, celebrating mutual affection and longing. The central idea revolves around the blossoming of love, drawing parallels between the awakening of nature in springtime and the vibrant, passionate connection shared by the lovers. The speaker expresses her deep admiration for her beloved, using rich natural imagery to describe his captivating presence and her profound desire for him. A noteworthy aspect is the declaration of mutual possession, My beloved is mine, and I am his,
which encapsulates the deep commitment and belonging central to their relationship. The poem is an invitation to embrace and protect this burgeoning love, comparing it to the delicate beauty of spring.
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 Analysis: Unpacking Poetic Brilliance
The profound beauty and emotional depth of Song of Solomon Chapter 2 are achieved through a masterful application of various literary and poetic devices. A thorough Song of Solomon Chapter 2 analysis reveals how imagery, metaphor, simile, personification, and symbolism work in concert to create a vivid and enduring portrayal of love.
1. The Power of Imagery in Song of Solomon Chapter 2
This chapter is saturated with vivid imagery drawn from the natural world, creating a sensory experience for the reader. The opening lines immediately establish this pattern:
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
These lines are not literal statements but rather figurative expressions of the speaker’s own beauty and desirability. The “rose of Sharon” and “lily of the valleys,” 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. Later, the beloved’s arrival is described with dynamic imagery:
behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
This creates a powerful visual of energetic movement and joyful anticipation, painting a picture of his eagerness to reach her. The transition from winter to spring is also depicted with rich sensory details:
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.
This passage appeals to sight (flowers, green figs), sound (singing birds, turtle dove), and smell (tender grapes), immersing the reader in the vibrant, sensory experience of spring’s arrival, which directly mirrors the blossoming of their love.
2. Metaphor and Simile: Painting with Words
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 skillfully employs both metaphor and simile to create layered meanings and enhance the emotional impact. A powerful simile is found early on:
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
Here, the speaker compares herself to a delicate and beautiful lily standing out dramatically against the harshness of thorns. This highlights her unique and exceptional qualities in the eyes of her beloved, suggesting she is unparalleled among other women. Similarly, the beloved is praised:
As the apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons.
The apple tree, offering shade and sweet fruit, represents the beloved’s strength, provision, and the profound pleasure he brings to the speaker. The metaphor his banner over me was love
is particularly evocative. A banner typically signifies ownership, protection, or a declaration of allegiance. Here, it suggests that the beloved openly declares his love for her, offering protection and pride in their relationship.
3. Personification: Bringing Nature to Life
Personification, the attribution of human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, is used subtly yet effectively in this chapter. The most notable example is the recurring mention of:
the voice of the turtle dove is heard
The turtle dove was traditionally associated with longing and love, and giving it a “voice” suggests that nature itself is echoing the lovers’ desires and the arrival of spring. This reinforces the idea that love is a natural and fundamental force, woven into the very fabric of the world, and that the environment itself rejoices in their affection. The “winter” also “is past,” implying it has actively moved on, further personifying the seasons.
4. Symbolism: Layers of Meaning in Song of Solomon Chapter 2
Several recurring images function as powerful symbols throughout the chapter, enriching its meaning. Springtime imagery—The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of the singing of birds is come,
The fig tree puts forth green figs, and the vines with tender grapes
—symbolizes the blossoming of love, renewal, and fertility. It represents a period of joy, growth, and vibrant life, directly paralleling the flourishing relationship between the lovers. Conversely, “winter” and “rain” symbolize a time of coldness, hardship, or separation, contrasting sharply with the warmth and joy of the present moment. The image of the “vine” and the “foxes” is a delicate yet potent symbol:
The foxes, little foxes that spoil the vines, threaten our tender grapes.
The “vines” with their “tender grapes” symbolize the delicate and vulnerable nature of their love, which is still growing and susceptible to harm. The “little foxes” represent potential threats, distractions, or minor issues that, if left unchecked, could damage or “spoil” the precious relationship. This underscores the need for vigilance, protection, and careful nurturing of their bond.
5. Repetition and Rhythm: A Song of Love
The repeated phrase, or refrain, Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away,
functions as a powerful rhetorical device, creating a lyrical, songlike quality that is central to the poem’s identity. This repetition is not merely stylistic; it emphasizes the urgency and depth of the speaker’s desire, serving as an insistent and tender invitation for the beloved to join her in a shared experience of joy and intimacy. The rhythm, while not strictly metered, is fluid and natural, contributing to the poem’s overall musicality and making it highly memorable. This deliberate use of rhythm and repetition helps to embed the poem’s message of passionate longing and mutual affection in the reader’s mind, reinforcing its emotional core.
6. Allusion to Nature and Divine Love
While not overtly stated, the pervasive use of natural imagery and the celebration of love in Song of Solomon Chapter 2 can be seen as an allusion to the broader theme of creation and divine order. The beauty of the natural world, from the “rose of Sharon” to the “turtle dove,” reflects a harmonious design, suggesting that human love, in its purest form, is also a part of this divine harmony. This subtle connection elevates the romantic love depicted, giving it a sense of sacredness and universal significance.
Why This Poem Matters: The Enduring Message of Song of Solomon Chapter 2
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 is more than just a romantic poem; it is a profound celebration of the power and beauty of human connection. This chapter invites readers to consider how love can transform our perception of the world, imbuing even the simplest things with meaning and joy. By intricately connecting love to the natural world, the poem suggests that it is a fundamental and enduring force, essential to the rhythm of life and renewal. The assertion of mutual possession—My beloved is mine, and I am his
—is a powerful statement of commitment, belonging, and reciprocal affection, highlighting the ideal of a balanced and devoted relationship. Ultimately, this chapter offers a hopeful and inspiring vision of love as a source of strength, renewal, and profound happiness, making it a timeless exploration of human emotion.
Key Literary and Poetic Devices in Song of Solomon Chapter 2 (Quick Reference)
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions appealing to the senses, such as
rose of Sharon,
lily of the valleys,
flowers appear on the earth,
andvines with tender grapes give a good smell.
- Metaphor: A direct comparison without using “like” or “as,” for example,
his banner over me was love,
suggesting protection and an open declaration of affection. - Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as,” such as
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters,
highlighting uniqueness and beauty. Another example isMy beloved is like a roe or a young hart,
emphasizing his swiftness and grace. - Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or animals, seen in
the voice of the turtle dove is heard,
suggesting nature’s participation in the lovers’ joy. - Symbolism: Objects or ideas representing deeper meanings. Springtime symbolizes renewal and blossoming love; “foxes” symbolize threats to a delicate relationship; “vines” symbolize the vulnerable yet fruitful love.
- Repetition: The recurrence of words or phrases for emphasis and musicality, notably the refrain
Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Takeaway for Thoughtful Readers
When engaging with Song of Solomon Chapter 2, pay close attention to how the speaker masterfully uses sensory details—sight, smell, taste, and sound—to create a vivid and immersive experience. Reflect on how nature consistently serves as a profound metaphor for human emotions and the stages of love. Consider how the poem’s universal themes of love, longing, renewal, and the delicate balance of a relationship resonate with your own experiences and understanding of human connection. Most importantly, allow yourself to be swept away by the sheer beauty and passionate sincerity of the speaker’s voice. This chapter is not merely an ancient text; it is an invitation to celebrate the profound joy and vitality of love itself.