Commentary on Song of Solomon 4:11

Song of Solomon 4:11 states: "Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon." This verse offers rich imagery that speaks not only to the romantic relationship personified within the text but also to deeper theological truths and implications.

Introductory Remarks

The Song of Solomon is a unique book within the biblical canon, celebrated for its poetic and metaphorical language that captures the beauty of love and desire. It often serves as an allegory of God’s love for His people, and thus warrants thorough exploration and exegesis. In this verse, we find the beloved speaking about the beauty of his bride, employing descriptive metaphors to convey affection.

Verse Breakdown

Here we break down the verse into its constituent parts to glean its rich meaning:

• "Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb:"

  This imagery emphasizes sweetness, suggesting that the words spoken by the bride are desirable and delightful. Honeycomb, revered in ancient times for its rich flavor and nourishing qualities, symbolizes the nourishing words found in the relationship.

• "honey and milk are under thy tongue;"

  This metaphorical phrase extends the concept of sweetness and richness, indicating that the words and promises of the beloved are both nurturing and comforting. The association of milk and honey has biblical precedence, denoting abundance and the richness of God's blessings (Exodus 3:8).

• "and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon."

  This part of the verse uses olfactory imagery, referring to the fragrant nature of the bride’s garments. Lebanon is known for its aromatic trees like cedar, which symbolize strength and permanence. Here, it may represent the character of the beloved, indicating that her presence brings peace and grace.

Theological Insights

Beyond the romantic interpretation, this passage can be seen as an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Just as the bride’s sweetness and fragrance reflect her character, so too does the nature of Christ and the transformative work He accomplishes in the lives of believers.

Spiritual Nourishment

The references to honey and milk evoke reflection on the Word of God, described in Psalm 119:103: "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" The sweetness of the bride’s lips serves as a metaphor for how God’s Word, when spoken and internalized, nourishes the soul.

The Fragrance of Christ

As Paul proclaims in 2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish." Thus, the smell of the bride’s garments could also be likened to the fragrance of Christ reflecting through His Church, highlighting the allure of divine love that attracts others to Him.

Commentary by Renowned Scholars

Looking at the interpretations from notable commentators helps in expanding our understanding:

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry, in his commentary, emphasizes the figure of speech used in this verse. He highlights that the lips of the bride symbolize communication which is crucial in any relationship. Their sweetness denotes a reflection of love and kindness in speech, urging believers to consider the weight of their words and the impact they can have.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes elucidates the significance of the metaphor of honey and milk, discussing their biblical importance as symbols of abundance and sustenance. He posits that the passage calls individuals to recognize the goodness and sufficiency found in communion with God, paralleling this with a healthy marital relationship.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke points out that the verse illustrates a deep appreciation for beauty and attraction in relationships. He discusses the importance of affection in marital bonds and likens these expressions of delight as crucial for nurturing love and connection between partners.

Practical Application

This verse challenges both married couples and church leaders to cultivate an atmosphere of sweetness in their relationships. Whether in marriage or within the broader community of believers, words should be chosen carefully, upholding kindness, grace, and truth.

• Prioritize speaking words that build up and nurture others.
• Seek to reflect Christ’s love and the sweetness of the Gospel in all interactions.
• Establish a character that emits a fragrant presence, inviting others to Christ.

Conclusion

Song of Solomon 4:11 serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty inherent in both human and divine love. It calls for reflection on the words we speak and the way we present ourselves to others, ultimately encouraging an aligned conduct with the nature of Christ. The sweetness of the bride’s lips captures a divine truth about the transformative power of love, worthy of deep contemplation by pastors, students, theologians, and scholars.