FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
Song of Solomon 8:2
KJVI would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later exchanges culminate in reflection on love's strength and a final invitation, completing the collection's movement of desire and belonging.
- 8:1 O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.
- 8:2 I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
- 8:3 His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.
- 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.
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 topic of this reading unit? Longing for Her Beloved. Read Song of Solomon 8:1 through Song of Solomon 8:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later exchanges culminate in reflection on love's strength and a final invitation, completing the collection's movement of desire and belonging. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The poems mention seasons and times of encounter but do not establish a continuous, fully dated narrative or a single certain composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Gardens, vineyards, countryside, and city scenes appear in the poetry. Images of places and bodies function poetically and need not all be literal travel or event reports. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Longing for Her Beloved (Song of Solomon 8:1 to Song of Solomon 8:4). Start reading at Song of Solomon 8:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christian readers may compare covenant love with New Testament teaching about Christ and the church. That is an interpretive comparison; the Song's verses do not explicitly identify every lover, feature, or scene as Christ or the church. See Song of Solomon 8:6, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Value faithful, enduring love and respect the poem's warnings about its timing. Avoid assigning a spiritual code to every physical image without textual support. interpretation
Cited: Song of Solomon 8:1, Song of Solomon 8:4, Song of Solomon 8:6, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- bring Song 3:4 Gal 4:26
- who Luke 16:29-31 John 5:39,46-47 Acts 17:11-12 2 Tim 3:15 1 Pet 1:10-12 2 Pet 1:19 Rev 19:10
- I would cause Song 4:10-16 Song 5:1 Song 7:9,12
- spiced Prov 9:2
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 8
Song of Solomon 1:1 Song of Solomon 2:7 Song of Solomon 8:6
The Friends
Song of Solomon 8:5–5FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
The Bride
Song of Solomon 8:6–7FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
The Friends
Song of Solomon 8:8–9FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
The Bride
Song of Solomon 8:10–12FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
The Bridegroom
Song of Solomon 8:13–13FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
The Bride
Song of Solomon 8:14–14FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon 1:1 Song of Solomon 2:7 Song of Solomon 8:6
Love expressed and admired
Song of Solomon 1:1–2:7FocusDesire, beauty, and delight
Invitation and searching
Song of Solomon 2:8–3:5FocusPresence, absence, and longing
Royal imagery and mutual delight
Song of Solomon 3:6–5:1FocusBeauty, celebration, and welcome
Absence and renewed praise
Song of Solomon 5:2–6:3FocusSeeking the beloved
FocusMutual desire and enduring devotion
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.