Song of Solomon 3:1-10

1 The Shulamite By night on my bed I sought the one I love; I sought him, but I did not find him.

2 "I will rise now," I said, "And go about the city; In the streets and in the squares I will seek the one I love." I sought him, but I did not find him.

3 The watchmen who go about the city found me; I said, "Have you seen the one I love?"

4 Scarcely had I passed by them, When I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go, Until I had brought him to the house of my mother, And into the chamber of her who conceived me.

5 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field, Do not stir up nor awaken love Until it pleases.

6 The Shulamite Who is this coming out of the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all the merchant's fragrant powders?

7 Behold, it is Solomon's couch, With sixty valiant men around it, Of the valiant of Israel.

8 They all hold swords, Being expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh Because of fear in the night.

9 Of the wood of Lebanon Solomon the King Made himself a palanquin:

10 He made its pillars of silver, Its support of gold, Its seat of purple, Its interior paved with love By the daughters of Jerusalem.

Song of Solomon 3:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON 3

In this chapter an account is given of an adventure of the church, in quest of her beloved; of the time when, and places where, and the persons of whom she sought him; and of her success upon the whole; with a charge she give to the daughters of Jerusalem, So 3:1-5; by whom she is commended, So 3:6; and then Christ, her beloved, is described by her; by his bed, and the guard about it, So 3:7,8; by the chariot he rode in, So 3:9,10; and by the crown he wore on his coronation day, So 3:11.

Footnotes

• [a]. A portable enclosed chair