Bible Commentaries
Song of Solomon 7

Verses 1-2

These verses contain both physical and metaphorical compliments. Song of Solomon 7:1 seems to refer to the Shulammite’s body, but Song of Solomon 7:2 goes beyond that. It seems to convey the idea that she was Solomon’s drink and food, "that her physical expressions of love nourished and satisfied him." [Note: Deere, p. 1022.] The Hebrew word translated "navel" may refer to one of her private parts. [Note: Carr, The Song . . ., p. 157.]

Verses 1-6

1. The wife’s charms 7:1-6

Verses 1-10

B. Communicating Affection 7:1-10

This section, which provides a window into the intimate relationship of Solomon and his wife, shows how their love had matured since their wedding (cf. Song of Solomon 4:1-11).

Verses 3-4

Heshbon was a Moabite city famous for its refreshing ponds.

"The soft glance of her eyes reflects the peace and beauty of the Heshbon pools." [Note: Lehrman, p. 26.]

Bath-rabbim is unknown for certain today, though some claim it was a gate of Heshbon. [Note: E.g., Woudstra, p. 602.] The tower of Lebanon was evidently a beautiful tower that marked the unusually attractive city of Damascus. Similarly, the Shulammite’s nose attractively represented her total beauty.

Verses 5-6

Mt. Carmel was majestic (cf. Isaiah 35:2; Jeremiah 46:18), as was she. In Solomon’s day, people considered purple threads most beautiful, precious, and regal.

Verses 7-9

2. The husband’s desires 7:7-9

Even today we speak of "graceful palm trees." Song of Solomon 7:9 b voices the wife’s eager response. All these verses reflect the increased freedom in sexual matters that is a normal part of the maturation of marital love. A husband has the freedom to enjoy his wife’s body (cf. Song of Solomon 5:10-16; cf. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5), though not to abuse this privilege, of course.

Verse 10

3. The ultimate unity 7:10

The Shulammite exulted in her complete abandonment to her husband and in his complete satisfaction with her (cf. Song of Solomon 2:16; Song of Solomon 6:3). These joys increase through the years of a healthy marriage.

"Far from being the objectionable condition alleged by many women today, Shulamith obviously basked in her position of subordination. This does not suggest that her personality had been dissolved in Solomon’s like a drop of honey in the ocean or that she considered herself mere chattel. This is apparent from her self-assertiveness documented in Song of Solomon 5:3. However, it does suggest that she found in her position sustaining comfort." [Note: Patterson, pp. 109-10.]

Verses 11-13

C. The Wife’s Initiative 7:11-13

Secure in her love, the Shulammite now felt free to initiate sex directly, rather than indirectly as earlier (cf. Song of Solomon 1:2 a, Song of Solomon 2:6). The references to spring suggest the freshness and vigor of love. Mandrakes were fruits that resembled small apples, and the roots possessed narcotic properties. [Note: Exum, Song of . . ., p. 242.] They were traditionally aphrodisiacs (cf. Genesis 30:14-16).

"The unusual shape of the large forked roots of the mandrake resembles the human body with extended arms and legs. This similarity gave rise to the popular superstition that the mandrake could induce conception and it was therefore used as a fertility drug." [Note: The NET Bible note on 7:13.]