Song of Solomon 3

The Bride’s Dream

3   On my bed by night
  I sought him whom my soul loves;
    I sought him, but found him not.
  I will rise now and go about the city,
    in the streets and in the squares;
  I will seek him whom my soul loves.
    I sought him, but found him not.
  The watchmen found me
    as they went about in the city.
  “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?”
  Scarcely had I passed them
    when I found him whom my soul loves.
  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 who conceived me.
  I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
    by the gazelles or the does of the field,
  that you not stir up or awaken love
    until it pleases.

Solomon Arrives for the Wedding

  What is that coming up from the wilderness
    like columns of smoke,
  perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
    with all the fragrant powders of a merchant?
  Behold, it is the litter of Solomon!
  Around it are sixty mighty men,
    some of the mighty men of Israel,
  all of them wearing swords
    and expert in war,
  each with his sword at his thigh,
    against terror by night.
  King Solomon made himself a carriage
    from the wood of Lebanon.
  He made its posts of silver,
    its back of gold, its seat of purple;
  its interior was inlaid with love
    by the daughters of Jerusalem.
  Go out, O daughters of Zion,
    and look upon King Solomon,
  with the crown with which his mother crowned him
    on the day of his wedding,
    on the day of the gladness of his heart.

(ESV)

Song of Solomon 3 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

The beautiful pageantry described in verses 6-11 really reflects on how Solomon was viewed during his powerful reign. He was obviously known for his wisdom as well as his wealth. But, Scripture also speaks to the elaborate ceremony that took place during the dedication of the temple.  As Nelson’s commentary writes…

“The poem’s depiction of Solomon’s retinue “coming out of the wilderness” on its way to the royal wedding recalls the comment of the Queen of Sheba, who, having seen the magnificence of Solomon’s court, admitted that “the half was not told me.”

Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary

Here in chapter 3, there are several notable features to the procession.

1. There is a massive cloud of dust as Solomon dramatically enters the scene. (verse 6)
2. There is a scent that follows this cloud which draws others in. It consists of myrrh and frankincense. (verse 6)
3. The royal guard escorts Solomon. 60 of the finest bodyguards surround him. (verse 7)
4. His throne or “palanquin” is made of the finest wood (cedar) imported from Lebanon. (verse 9)