What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 2:17? Before the day breaks - The bride senses the nearness of dawn and longs for communion before the light fully arrives. - Dawn pictures hope and fresh beginnings; the lovers’ meeting is urgent and expectant. - Scripture often uses the coming day to signal deliverance and readiness: Romans 13:11-12 urges believers, “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near,” while John 9:4 reminds us to work “while it is day.” - Spiritually, the verse stirs a longing for the Lord’s swift appearing, when the darkness of a fallen world will yield to His light (Titus 2:13). and shadows flee - Shadows speak of obscurity, uncertainty, and fear. When light spreads, shadows retreat. - In love, the bride yearns for a relationship unclouded by distance or doubt. - The same image describes Christ’s presence banishing darkness: “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Revelation 22:5 foresees a city where “night will be no more.” - Practically, believers seek the Lord’s nearness so confusion, temptation, and sorrow lose their grip (Psalm 23:4; John 8:12). turn, my beloved - “Turn” is an affectionate plea: “Come toward me; give me your attention.” - The bride does not want a casual visit but her beloved’s full face-to-face engagement. - Ruth 3:13 shows a similar request wrapped in covenant trust, and Revelation 22:17 echoes the call, “Come!” directed to Christ. - For Christians, worship contains this same heart-cry: we invite the Lord to incline toward us in tangible fellowship (James 4:8). and be like a gazelle or a young stag - Deer move with speed, elegance, and power—apt symbols of vigorous love. - The bride wishes her beloved to approach decisively, leaping over every hindrance. - The picture reappears in Songs 8:14: “Be like a gazelle… on the mountains.” - Spiritually, the Lord is never hesitant or sluggish in rescuing His people (Psalm 18:33; Habakkuk 3:19). on the mountains of Bether - “Bether” means rugged heights, suggesting steep ridges that separate two lovers. - The plea: “Close the gap—traverse those mountains to reach me without delay.” - Songs 4:6 speaks of the beloved going “to the mountain of myrrh” until daybreak, a parallel image of determined love. - Isaiah 52:7 celebrates feet that bring good news “on the mountains,” highlighting how love and salvation stride over obstacles. summary Song of Solomon 2:17 captures an eager bride calling her beloved to bridge every barrier before dawn. Literally, she longs for his swift, wholehearted embrace; prophetically, the Church yearns for Christ’s imminent return. Darkness retreats, separation ends, and love triumphs as the Beloved races, sure-footed, over every mountain to be with His own. |
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