Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
Read it in contextThe Beloved's Longing and Praise for the King
Start reading at Song 1:1 (Song 1:1 to Song 1:17).
The entire first chapter serves as an introduction, establishing the characters and their expressions of love and longing, beginning with the title and the beloved's initial desires.
1:1The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
1:2Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
1:3Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
1:4Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
1:5I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
1:6Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
1:7Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
1:8If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.
1:9I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.
1:10Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
1:11We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.
1:12While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
1:13A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
1:14My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.
1:15Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.
1:16Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
1:17The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional author, supported by the title's association with him. Whether that association identifies authorship, ownership, or subject is debated. Biblical references: Song of Solomon 1:1. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Song of Solomon 1:1–8:14): The lovers address one another, with the daughters of Jerusalem and other companions addressed in portions of the poems. Speaker assignments in individual lines are sometimes uncertain; the poems do not identify a single audience present throughout the whole collection. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? An Israelite audience receiving love poetry. Within the poems the lovers address one another and the daughters of Jerusalem; those speakers and hearers are distinct from the book's later readers. Biblical references: Song of Solomon 1:5; Song of Solomon 2:7. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is an expression of intense desire, joy, and remembrance of love for the king, with the speaker longing to be drawn to him and to rejoice in his presence.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the beauty and intensity of human love and affection, often understood as an allegory for the relationship between God and His people.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, specifically a song.
When
When was it written? The Song of Solomon was written around 960 B.C.
When does the event take place? The events described in the song occur during the reign of Solomon.
Where
Where did it happen? The passage mentions the king bringing the speaker 'into his chambers'. Other verses in the surrounding passage mention 'the tents of Kedar', 'the curtains of Solomon', 'vineyards', and 'Engedi', suggesting various locations within Israel.
Where was the author located? The author, Solomon, was located in Jerusalem when he wrote this song.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Beloved's Longing and Praise for the King (Song 1:1 to Song 1:17).
Start reading at Song 1:1. The entire first chapter serves as an introduction, establishing the characters and their expressions of love and longing, beginning with the title and the beloved's initial desires.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of the opening section of the Song of Solomon, establishing the deep affection and longing between the beloved and the king. It sets the tone for the expressions of love and desire that follow throughout the book. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The longing expressed by the speaker to be 'drawn' by the king and brought into his 'chambers' can be seen as a picture of believers being drawn by God. God draws people to Himself, and through Christ, He brings them into His presence, where they can rejoice in His love and remember His goodness above all else. As Jesus said, 'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him' (John 6:44), and 'And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me' (John 12:32). interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to earnestly seek God, to desire His presence, and to rejoice in His love more than any earthly pleasure. We should remember His love and goodness, allowing it to be the primary source of our gladness and satisfaction. interpretation
Cited: Song 1:1, Song 1:3, Song 1:4, Song 1:5, Song 1:6, Song 1:14, John 6:44, John 12:32
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Song of Solomon is poetry of love and desire. Identifying every speaker and assigning every image to Christ and the church involve interpretation; those readings should not be presented as names and meanings explicitly supplied in every verse. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening exchanges introduce the lovers' desire and admiration and reach a refrain about not stirring love before its time.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The opening exchanges introduce the lovers' desire and admiration and reach a refrain about not stirring love before its time.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Song of Solomon is poetry of love and desire. Identifying every speaker and assigning every image to Christ and the church involve interpretation; those readings should not be presented as names and meanings explicitly supplied in every verse.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeThe later exchanges culminate in reflection on love's strength and a final invitation, completing the collection's movement of desire and belonging.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.