Compare the imagery in Song of Solomon 6:8 with Proverbs 31:10-31. Scripture Texts “There are sixty queens and eighty concubines, and maidens without number.” Proverbs 31:10-31 (selected) • “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far more than rubies.” (v. 10) • “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving devotion is on her tongue.” (v. 26) • “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: ‘Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all.’” (vv. 28-29) • “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (v. 30) Key Imagery in Songs 6:8 • Numbers—“sixty…eighty…without number”: an abundance of women in the royal court. • Royal titles—“queens” and “concubines”: positions of honor and privilege. • Contrast implied: amid countless options, the king treasures one unique beloved (vv. 9-10 show this). Portrait of the Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 • Rarity—“who can find?” (v. 10): she is hard to discover, like the singular beloved of Songs 6. • Inestimable value—“far more than rubies” (v. 10): preciousness beyond ordinary treasures. • Excellence acknowledged—“you surpass them all” (v. 29): superiority over “many daughters,” echoing the surpassing of maidens in Songs 6. • Fear of the LORD (v. 30): the foundational quality beneath her outward deeds. Shared Themes and Imagery • Rarity within abundance – Songs 6: one beloved distinguished from multitudes. – Proverbs 31: one virtuous woman exceeding “many daughters.” • Supreme worth – Songs 6: the king’s unique delight (v. 9). – Proverbs 31: worth beyond rubies (v. 10). • Public praise – Songs 6: other women call her “blessed” and “chosen” (v. 9). – Proverbs 31: children and husband praise her openly (v. 28). • Moral excellence, not mere beauty – Songs 6: character wins the king’s singular affection. – Proverbs 31: “Charm is deceptive… but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (v. 30). Complementary Insights • Both passages elevate covenantal love—romantic in Songs 6, familial in Proverbs 31—grounded in commitment rather than superficial attraction. • They present a model of womanhood that is simultaneously cherished by man and honored before community (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-4). • The exclusivity pictured hints at the LORD’s own covenant love for His people (Isaiah 54:5; Ephesians 5:25-27). Personal Application • Seek the kind of character that causes genuine praise—grounded in the fear of the LORD and steadfast devotion. • Honor and celebrate such women publicly, reflecting the biblical pattern of open commendation. |
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