The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
Read it in contextThe Shulamite's Love and the Beloved's Call
Start reading at Song 2:1 (Song 2:1 to Song 2:17).
The entire chapter forms a coherent unit describing the Shulamite's expressions of love and her beloved's arrival and invitation, culminating in their mutual affirmation of love.
2:1I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
2:2As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
2:3As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
2:4He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
2:5Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.
2:6His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
2:7I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
2:8The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
2:9My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
2:10My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
2:11For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
2:12The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
2:13The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
2:14O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
2:15Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
2:16My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
2:17Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
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 event is the Shulamite woman's joyful recognition and anticipation of her beloved's swift arrival, expressed through her hearing his voice and seeing him approach with agility.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the beauty, purity, and intensity of devoted love within marriage. Allegorically, it reveals the depth of Christ's love for His church and the church's longing for Him.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, specifically a love song, characterized by vivid imagery and emotional expression.
When
When was it written? Approximately 960 B.C.
When does the event take place? The events described take place during the reign of King Solomon.
Where
Where did it happen? The beloved is described as approaching through mountainous and hilly terrain, while the speaker (the Shulamite) is likely at her dwelling, from which she hears and sees him.
Where was the author located? The author, Solomon, was located in Jerusalem when he wrote this book.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Shulamite's Love and the Beloved's Call (Song 2:1 to Song 2:17).
Start reading at Song 2:1. The entire chapter forms a coherent unit describing the Shulamite's expressions of love and her beloved's arrival and invitation, culminating in their mutual affirmation of love.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks a pivotal moment, transitioning from the Shulamite's expressions of longing and praise for her beloved (Song 2:1-7) to his actual arrival and subsequent invitation to her (Song 2:9-14). It is the joyful recognition of his presence. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The eager and swift approach of the beloved, whose voice is recognized by the speaker, typifies Christ's coming to His church. His sheep know His voice and respond to His call, eagerly anticipating His presence and return. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers are encouraged to eagerly anticipate the presence and return of Christ, recognizing His voice in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit, and responding with joy. It also serves as a model for the joy, anticipation, and devotion within a loving, committed marriage. interpretation
Cited: Song 2:1-7, Song 2:8, Song 2:9, John 10:4-5, John 10:27
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 2
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 poetry develops the experience of invitation and searching and returns to the repeated refrain concerning love.
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.