Song of Solomon Chapter 6: Meaning

The young women ask where the beloved has gone, and the man again praises how beautiful and unique his beloved is.

Summary

The young women of Jerusalem want to help find the beloved. They ask where he has gone. The young woman answers that he has simply gone to his garden to pick lilies. She is not worried, she says she belongs to him and he belongs to her. He is right where he always is.

Then the man speaks again and praises his beloved. He says she is as beautiful as the city of Tirzah and as lovely as Jerusalem. He says she is overwhelming to look at. He says there may be many women in the palace, but she is unique. Even queens and young women admire her.

The chapter ends with a brief and a little mysterious scene. He goes to a grove of nut trees to see what is growing. Then a voice calls out for her to return, and people want to look at her dancing.

Historical Context

Tirzah was a beautiful city in ancient Israel, and Jerusalem was the grandest city in the land. Comparing someone to these cities was a high compliment. It meant she was stunning and impressive, not just beautiful in a quiet way.

The phrase 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine' was one of the most famous expressions of love in ancient Israel. It meant two people fully belonged to each other, like a promise or a vow.