Translation
THE PEACEFUL MAN TO THE PEACEFUL WOMAN
The heavy beams
Go to footnote number
of our house are cedars;
Go to footnote numberour grooved ceiling boards
Go to footnote numberare firs.
Go to footnote numberParaphrase
THE COMPLETE MAN TO THE COMPLETE WOMAN
The strength that protects and covers our home is our emphasis on elegance and quality;
that which holds together our protective cover is our rectitude.
Footnotes
1
Beams were pictures of strength because they needed to be strong to support the roof. This strength was the support for the roof, so it stood for the key parts of protection that covers us. However, this strength is hidden from view.
2
The cedar was sometimes called the “king of trees.” It was tall, strong, straight, and gave good shade. Its wood was suitable for masts, pillars, beams, boards, and carving. It was sought by kings and the wealthy, and was used in the temple at Jerusalem, as well as other temples, and in David’s palace as well as Solomon’s palace. It may have symbolized the best in strength and beauty. Others refer to the cedar as the sign of majesty or even haughtiness. It usually came from Lebanon, which enhanced its image of majesty and beauty.
3: “Grooved ceiling boards”
This is a contrast between two things which are over your head, one being the very strong beams, and the other the things that are between the strong beams. The beams are not seen, but the boards between them are visible as the ceiling. This second word, often translated “rafters,” comes from a root meaning to channel, like a trough that carries water. It can also mean “boards, paneling or rafters.” When used of a ceiling it probably means a “grooved ceiling.” The emphasis here is not on how it is grooved, but its function in holding together those things that are over your head and thus serve as a covering or protection.
4
Firs were known to be straight and tall. In this case, physical rectitude became a picture of spiritual and moral rectitude.