Commentary on Song of Solomon 5:8

Verse Reference: Song of Solomon 5:8

"I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love."

Contextual Overview

The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic work that presents a celebration of love and intimacy. This verse occurs in a part of the dialogue where the Shulammite woman expresses her deep longing and love for her beloved. The emotional intensity of the poem is heightened here as the speaker reaches out to others, seeking help in reuniting with her love.

Thematic Insights

• The Daughters of Jerusalem:

  Throughout the Song of Solomon, the daughters of Jerusalem serve as a chorus, representing the community or society. They act as a sounding board for the main characters' feelings and conflicts, offering responses that highlight the themes of love and desire.

• Charge and Urgency:

  The command to charge emphasizes a sense of urgency in the woman's heart. She seeks not just to convey her feelings but to enlist the others in her quest for connection. This highlights the importance of community in love and relationships.

• Sick of Love:

  Her expression of being sick of love implies obsession and profound longing. It suggests a duality in love—where joy can turn into desperation when love is unfulfilled. This point ties into the complexities of romantic relationships, reflecting both the bliss and the suffering that love can entail.

Interpreting the Verse

Matthew Henry's Commentary:

Matthew Henry speaks of the passion exhibited in this plea as one that is both tender and fervent. He notes the Shulammite's heartfelt distress over her separation from her beloved. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects her intensity and willingness to be vulnerable. Henry suggests that her 'sickness' symbolizes a deep emotional state that comes with true love and longing.

Albert Barnes's Commentary:

Barnes elaborates on the metaphor of being 'sick of love,' indicating that such a state can lead to spiritual and emotional vulnerability. He points out that love has the power to both elevate and torment, and emphasizes the Shulammite’s desire for her beloved to be aware of her suffering. This illustrates the need for love to be reciprocal and the pain of longing when it is unreturned.

Adam Clarke's Commentary:

Clarke highlights the sociocultural context of calling on the daughters of Jerusalem for assistance. He notes that in ancient cultures, love was frequently adorned with communal involvement. Clarke also underscores the idea that the Shulammite’s love is intensely passionate and that her expression of being 'sick' indicates a state of mind that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced unfulfilled love.

Application for Modern Readers

This verse offers profound insight for pastors, theologians, and students alike. It serves as a reminder of the communal aspects of love within a church and society. Here are a few reflective applications:

• The Role of Community:

  Love is often experienced in a social context. Pastors can encourage congregants to support one another in their romantic lives, recognizing that relationships intertwine with community life.

• Understanding Emotional Health:

  The verse highlights the importance of acknowledging our emotional states. Understanding feelings of longing and desire can lead to better spiritual and emotional health within individuals.

• Reciprocity in Relationships:

  For students and scholars examining relationships, the need for reciprocal love is crucial. The Shulammite's plea emphasizes that genuine love involves mutual recognition and care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Song of Solomon 5:8 encapsulates the intense and sometimes painful nature of love. By engaging with the commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke, we gain multi-faceted insights into the emotional experiences of the Shulammite woman. This understanding not only enriches our appreciation of this poetic text but also invites us to reflect on love's complexities in our own lives, urging us to seek and cherish relationships that honor the deep emotions expressed within the verse.