What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 5:1? I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride • The Bridegroom announces His arrival; the phrase “my garden” points to rightful possession and tender care, echoing Songs 4:12 – “My sister, my bride, you are a garden locked up.” • Garden imagery recalls Eden, where unhindered fellowship first bloomed (Genesis 2:8-9). Here, covenant love restores that closeness. • Calling her “my sister, my bride” blends familial affection with marital union, mirroring the church’s dual identity as both family of God (Romans 8:15-17) and Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). I have gathered my myrrh with my spice • The Groom delights in the fragrances He has cultivated; the bride’s virtues are now enjoyed. Compare Songs 4:14 where the garden teems with “myrrh and aloes.” • Myrrh, used in anointing (Exodus 30:23), hints at consecration; spice suggests sweetness. Together they picture a life set apart and pleasing (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey • Honeycomb is fresh, unprocessed sweetness; honey is the refined product. The Groom savors both, stressing that nothing is wasted or rejected. • Psalm 19:10 speaks of God’s words being “sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb,” tying the bride’s words and character to divine delight. I have drunk my wine with my milk • Wine symbolizes joy and covenant celebration (John 2:1-11), while milk pictures nourishment and innocence (1 Peter 2:2). Their pairing shows mature joy mingled with pure sustenance—abundance without excess. • Isaiah 55:1 invites, “Come, buy wine and milk without money,” foreshadowing free grace now enjoyed in full communion. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved • The scene widens: covenant love is not private only; it overflows in hospitable invitation. Friends witness and rejoice (John 3:29, “The friend of the bridegroom rejoices greatly”). • “Drink freely” signals unfettered celebration—no rationing of grace (Psalm 36:8; Revelation 22:17). summary Solomon’s verse captures a completed union: the Bridegroom enters, claims, enjoys, and then invites others to share the feast. Literally, it celebrates marital intimacy; prophetically, it pictures Christ rejoicing over a redeemed, consecrated people and extending boundless blessing to all who will join the celebration. |