Song Of Solomon 3 7

Song Of Solomon 3:7

ESV: Behold, it is the litter of Solomon! Around it are sixty mighty men, some of the mighty men of Israel,

KJV: Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.

NIV: Look! It is Solomon's carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel,

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

NLT: Look, it is Solomon's carriage,
surrounded by sixty heroic men,
the best of Israel's soldiers.

Meaning

This verse presents a majestic scene, depicting a grand royal palanquin or litter belonging to King Solomon, surrounded by sixty of Israel's most formidable warriors. It conveys a strong sense of grandeur, security, and honor, heralding a significant arrival or procession. Symbolically, within a broader biblical and theological framework, it often points to the glorious advent and divinely secured presence of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and His coming for His bride, the Church.

Cross References

Context

Song of Solomon 3:7 is situated within a vibrant and dramatic section (3:6-11) often referred to as a "watchman song" or a "bridal procession scene." Following the Shulamite's restless search for her beloved in 3:1-5, this verse shifts to a spectacular observation: a royal procession is approaching, filled with majesty and grandeur. The imagery reflects ancient Near Eastern royal practices, where kings or high-ranking individuals traveled with an impressive retinue, symbolizing their status, power, and the significance of their journey or the event they were attending, such as a royal wedding. The emphasis on Solomon's wealth and a formidable guard highlights the king's supreme dignity and the preciousness of the entity being brought or honored within this procession, which is generally understood to be his bride.

Word analysis

• "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh): An emphatic interjection serving to draw immediate attention to something significant, often conveying wonder, surprise, or solemn observation. It commands the reader or observer to look at what is about to be described as important or awe-inspiring.

• "it is" (זוֹ, zoh): A simple demonstrative pronoun, serving to identify the subject, emphasizing its presence and singularity.

• "the litter" (מִטָּה, mittah): This is not a simple bed but refers to a lavish, ornate, and often covered portable couch or palanquin, a type of royal conveyance. It speaks of luxury, comfort, status, and pomp, typically used for ceremonial processions, including those of monarchs or important persons, especially during a wedding or triumphal entry.

• "of Solomon" (לִשְׁלֹמֹה, lišĕlōmōh): The possessive indicates that this magnificent litter belongs to King Solomon. Solomon was celebrated throughout the ancient world for his immense wealth, unprecedented wisdom, and the extraordinary opulence of his reign, as detailed in biblical accounts (e.g., 1 Kgs 10). Attributing the litter to him imbues the object with regal splendor, unparalleled authority, and prosperity.

• "Around it" (סָבִיב, saviv): Denotes the action of encircling, encompassing, or being on every side of the litter. This suggests a formation that provides both protection and honors the central object, highlighting its paramount importance.

• "are sixty" (שִׁשִּׁים, shishshim): This numerical quantifier is substantial. While literal, it also carries symbolic weight, emphasizing the strength, abundance, and meticulousness of the guard. It suggests a formidable force, carefully detailed for protection.

• "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, gibbôrîm): Translated as "warriors," "heroes," or "valiant men." These are not common soldiers but an elite guard, selected for their strength, courage, and skill in combat. Their presence signifies the highest level of security and the extreme value placed upon what they are guarding.

• "of Israel" (מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל, mîyiśrāʾēl): This specifies the national origin of the mighty men, identifying them as the elite, national guard of the chosen people. This detail adds patriotic and sacred significance, implying that the best of Israel is tasked with this esteemed protection.

• "Behold, it is the litter of Solomon!": This initial declaration powerfully captures attention, immediately establishing the grand, royal, and opulent nature of the object and its owner, highlighting unparalleled magnificence and authority.

• "Around it are sixty mighty men of Israel": This phrase paints a vivid picture of impressive security and profound honor. It emphasizes the extreme importance and preciousness of the litter, and by extension, its passenger or the event it signifies, suggesting a divinely secured and highly esteemed procession.

Commentary

Song 3:7 paints an awe-inspiring portrait of royal majesty and secure splendor. It captures a moment of observation as a magnificent procession approaches, centered on a luxurious palanquin associated with King Solomon, renowned for his glory. The protection offered by "sixty mighty men of Israel" is not merely an earthly show of force, but a profound statement of the supreme value and safety of that which is being guarded. This scene resonates deeply within biblical allegory, widely understood to prefigure the majestic advent and divinely appointed safeguarding of Jesus Christ, the "greater Solomon," in His glorious approach to claim His beloved Church or individual believer. The entire tableau underscores both the glory of the coming King and the unshakeable security of His presence, representing a cherished relationship or a momentous event, such as a divine covenant or consummation. It assures of protection and majesty in God's plan and presence.

Bonus section

• The meticulous description of Solomon's litter (v. 9-10), following this verse, details its precious materials and construction, further emphasizing the high status of its owner and the significance of the occasion.
• The number sixty (שִׁשִּׁים, shishshim) carries an ancient connotation of completeness or substantial military force, strengthening the image of impregnable security for the litter and its passenger.
• Beyond a physical vehicle, some interpretations suggest the "litter" (מִטָּה, mittah) can symbolize a throne, a nuptial couch, or even metaphorically, the consecrated space where the King (Christ) meets His beloved, indicating both royal dignity and intimate union.
• This visual splendor also prepares the audience for the king's grand appearance in the subsequent verses, evoking anticipation and reverence for the beloved's majestic arrival.

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