What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 5:13? His cheeks are like beds of spice • Solomon pictures the bridegroom’s cheeks as fragrant garden plots, lush with exotic aromas. In marriage this hints at the sheer delight of close, face-to-face intimacy—no staleness, only freshness (Songs 4:13–14). • Spiritually, the church delights in Christ’s approachable tenderness. Everything about Him invites rather than intimidates. Psalm 34:8 calls us to “taste and see that the LORD is good,” while 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says God “manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him.” Christ’s nearness produces the scent of grace wherever He is welcomed. towers of perfume • A “tower” suggests stature, protection, and prominence (Proverbs 18:10). The bridegroom’s cheeks are not only fragrant but also strong, like elevated casks continually releasing scent. • Taken literally, the beloved sees dependable masculinity blended with gentleness—strength wrapped in sweetness. Allegorically, believers rest in a Savior whose steadfast love never fades; Isaiah 33:16 pictures safety in “fortresses of rocks,” and His very name is a strong tower of consolation. His lips are like lilies • Lilies convey purity (Matthew 6:28-29), beauty, and a softness that bids one draw near. The bride enjoys words that soothe rather than wound (Proverbs 16:24). • In Christ, every utterance is flawless: “All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips” (Luke 4:22). John 7:46 records, “No one ever spoke like this man!” His promises are as dependable as they are gentle, bringing life to those who listen (John 6:68). dripping with flowing myrrh • Myrrh was a costly resin used for fragrance, healing, and burial (John 19:39). The beloved’s lips are so abundant in sweetness that they seem to overflow with this rare spice. • Marital application: loving speech should be consistently healing and precious, not doled out sparingly. • Messianic glimpse: Christ’s words carry sacrificial love; He was presented myrrh at His birth (Matthew 2:11) and wrapped in it at His death, linking every proclamation to redemptive purpose (John 19:39-40). His gospel both comforts and cleanses (Ephesians 5:26). summary Song of Solomon 5:13 melds romance with revelation. The bridegroom’s cheeks and lips embody tenderness, strength, purity, and sacrificial love—qualities fully realized in Jesus Christ. For marriage, the verse urges couples to cultivate fragrant nearness, steadfast kindness, and healing words. For every believer, it calls us to savor the approachable, mighty, gracious, and self-giving Savior whose presence and speech are endlessly sweet. |
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