Commentary on Song of Solomon 2:12

Song of Solomon 2:12 states: “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.” This verse marks a significant moment in the poetic dialogue of this love song. In this commentary, we will explore insights from several public domain commentaries, emphasizing the theological implications and the literary artistry found in this verse.

Context and Literary Structure

The Song of Solomon, attributed to King Solomon, is a unique book within the Wisdom Literature. It is celebrated for its rich imagery and allegorical interpretations. This specific verse emerges in a context that portrays the awakening of love and the beauty of the natural world as a backdrop for romantic expression. The verse speaks poetically of the signs of spring, symbolizing renewal and new life, which can be interpreted as the blossoming of love.

Seasonal Imagery

The verse opens with a vivid declaration about the appearance of flowers:

• Seasonality: The mention of flowers indicates the season of spring—a time of new beginnings. This natural imagery emphasizes the beauty and vitality of budding love, paralleling the life cycles observed in nature.
• Symbol of Transformation: Just as the earth is adorned with flowers, so too is the heart of the lover filled with new affections. Albert Barnes notes that this reflects the transition from darkness to light, indicating hope and joy that accompanies love’s awakening.
• Connection to Creation: Matthew Henry astutely observes that these changes in nature serve to remind us of the Creator’s design, as all beauty in creation points to the divine source of love.

Musical Elements

The second part of the verse introduces music through the singing of birds:

• Joyous Melodies: The singing of birds represents the joy of life and the happiness found in love. The reference to sounds in nature aligns with the theme of celebration inherent in love.
• Call to Worship: Adam Clarke emphasizes that musical elements in Scripture often reflect a deeper connection to worship and praise, suggesting that love draws not only on the romantic but also invites the divine into human relationships.
• Symbol of Communication: The birds' songs can be interpreted as a form of communication. In love, just as in nature, there is an exchange that is vital for growth—both in relationships and in faith.

Imagery of the Turtle Dove

The final element introduced in this verse is the “voice of the turtle”:

• Symbol of Fidelity: The turtle dove is often associated with fidelity and commitment. Its call signifies not just the arrival of spring, but also the commitment inherent in love and partnership.
• Spiritual Interpretation: Matthew Henry points out that the voice of the turtle dove can be seen as a metaphor for the tender communication between lovers and reflects the faithful commitment that characterizes true love.
• Divine Echoes: Furthermore, many theologians suggest that the turtle dove can represent the Holy Spirit, invoking the idea of love being sanctified and enriched by divine presence.

Theological Reflections

This verse encapsulates not just the beauty of romantic love, but also invites readers to contemplate the love of God, which serves as the foundation for all human relationships:

• Creation's Testimony: As creation sings and blooms, it reflects the glory of the Creator. Every flower and bird celebrates the artistry of God, paralleling the emotions of human love with the divine order of nature.
• Response to God’s Love: Just as the arrival of spring brings forth beauty, so too does our response to God’s love in our relationships foster deeper connections filled with grace and truth.
• Ultimate Love Story: The Song of Solomon can be seen as an allegory of the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing the sweetness of mutual love and the joys of intimate communion.

Conclusion

In essence, Song of Solomon 2:12 beautifully intertwines the themes of love, nature, and divine presence. It beckons us to recognize that just as the seasons change and beauty emerges, so too do our hearts respond to the call of love. For pastors, students, and theologians, this verse is a reminder of the profound connections between God’s creation, human relationships, and the ultimate narrative of redemption. As we reflect on the details within this simple yet rich poetic image, may our understanding of love—both human and divine—be deepened.