Song of Solomon5:1

1

The word used here can mean either “balsam,” or “spices,” especially those of the fragrant variety. In one way it does not matter whether I translate it as “balsam,” or as “spices” because in each case the imagery is pointing the same direction, toward something that has a fragrant odor.

The name Basemath comes from this word. It is the third time that the name of the Shulammite’s second daughter is used in this Song (according to my theory).

2

“My honeycomb and my honey” is a redundancy because everyone knows that honeycomb contains honey. However, the image of honey is used twice here on purpose in order to highlight the two distinct qualities of honey, it is sweet and it revives and nourishes. There was also a common thought in ancient times which lead people to see honey as a symbol of sweet discourse between two people who were very close.

3: Wine with milk? Really?

This is another instance in which the words of The Song do not make sense unless you see them as a set of images which work together to create a powerful meaning.

4

Milk is often a picture of prosperity and abundance. If a man of ancient Israel had enough milk for his family it meant he had plenty of goats and he could say, “life is good.” The idea of “peace” is tied to this indirectly because their idea of peace was more like our word “well-being.” When life is “good” one can say “there is peace.” Solomon was a wealthy man before they met; she was of the working class. So what could she offer him to make him more prosperous? A good wife helps her husband do a better job at what he is good at. Her support and admiration motivate him beyond imagination.

5: "dear ones”

The Hebrew word used here means “companion,” and can refer to a friend, a neighbor, a spouse, or any other close relationship. It is a plural noun and the noun at the end of the sentence is also plural.

How it is used: I think it refers to the daughters of the Peaceful Couple. Notice that the very next section has the mom addressing her daughters. It is extremely important for children to see their parents demonstrating affection for each other. It gives them a sense of stability and security. This response by the daughters is not only appropriate but expected.

However, the fact that the children are referring to their parents with terms of endearment often used by equals, not terms of respect usually used of parents, shows something else about their relationship. If I am correct about these two short statements coming from the daughters, it means they were approaching marriageable age and the parents were talking to them about these matters in honest and open ways. It does not mean that the daughters lacked respect; rather it means that for these types of discussions the parents elevated their daughters to the adult level and did not talk down to them.

6

To eat and drink, when used together, means simply to “enjoy one’s self.”

7

“Drink your fill” often meant to become intoxicated. In this case that would be appropriate because they are becoming intoxicated with love.

However, the word is also used of receiving the full measure of something; usually referring to all the judgment one deserves. In this case, that part of the meaning can be paraphrased as “take in all that love has to offer.” We have much more to offer our spouse than sex, although that is part of the package. First of all there must be a willingness to offer all that I am to my spouse, and then a willingness to receive what is offered in return. Though the attitudes and actions offered may not be perfect, we will both find them satisfying if offered out of love and received with gratitude.