escorted by sixty of the mightiest men of Israel
The number sixty is significant, often symbolizing completeness or strength in biblical numerology. The "mightiest men" refers to elite warriors, akin to David's mighty men, who were known for their valor and loyalty. This imagery underscores the protection and honor surrounding Solomon, reflecting the security and strength found in God's kingdom. Historically, such a guard would be necessary for a king's protection during travel, highlighting the importance and reverence of the person being guarded. This can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the heavenly host that accompanies Christ, emphasizing His divine protection and authority.

“Behold, it is Solomon’s carriage…”

• “Behold” calls readers to stop, look, and marvel, much like Isaiah 65:17 or John 1:29.

• The word conveys excitement in a royal wedding scene, inviting us to witness a moment prepared by God (Psalm 118:23).

• It reminds us that every detail of the Song is purposeful, echoing the way Scripture everywhere urges attention to God’s works (Psalm 66:5).

“…it is Solomon’s carriage…”

• Literally a portable throne or palanquin crafted for the king (Songs 3:9).

• Signals Solomon’s wealth and craftsmanship, paralleling the grandeur of his throne in 1 Kings 10:18–20.

• In wedding context it pictures the groom bringing his bride in royal dignity, foreshadowing Christ who “loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

• Like the ark borne on poles (1 Chronicles 15:15), the carriage testifies that God’s appointed king moves among His people in ordered, holy splendor.

• The sight assures us that the union God ordains is honorable (Hebrews 13:4) and worth celebrating with visible glory (Psalm 45:13–15).

“…escorted by sixty of the mightiest men of Israel.”

• An elite guard, echoing David’s “mighty men” in 2 Samuel 23:8–39 and 1 Chronicles 11:10–25.

• Sixty—five squads of twelve—signals complete protection, similar to the priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24:4–5.

• Their presence proclaims:

– The king’s authority (1 Kings 1:33–40).

– The bride’s safety, reflecting Psalm 91:11 and the ever-vigilant Keeper of Israel (Psalm 121:4).

– Public honor given to marriage; the procession is guarded, not hidden (Proverbs 14:28).

• Spiritually, believers enjoy an even greater escort: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7), and Christ Himself promises, “No one can snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28).

Song 3:7 paints a vivid, literal picture of Solomon’s royal wedding procession. The shout “Behold” invites awed attention; the king’s carriage showcases splendor and covenant love; the sixty mighty men proclaim strength and security. Together the verse affirms the glory God attaches to marriage, the honor due His chosen king, and the steadfast protection He provides for His beloved people.

"... from the barge,
A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
Of the adjacent wharfs."

(Acts 2, sc. 2) The word mittah, "a bed, or litter," comes from a root "to stretch out," and is also used of a bier (see 2 Samuel 3:21). The idea is that of a portable bed, or sitting cushion, hung round with curtains, after the manner of the Indian palanquin, such as is still found in the Turkish caiques or the Venetian gondolas. It was, of course, royal, belonging to Solomon, not to any nobleman or private person; hence its magnificence. The bearers are not named. The bodyguard, consisting of sixty chosen men, forming an escort, were one tenth part of the whole royal guard, as we see from 1 Samuel 27:2; 1 Samuel 30:9. Delitzsch suggests that in the mention of the number there may be a reference to the twelve tribes of Israel - 60 being a multiple of 12. The term, "mighty men," is explained in the next verse as warriors, that is, men "held fast by the sword" (אֲחֻזִיִ חֶרֶב), i.e., according to Hebrew idiom, men practised in the use of the sword; so it is explained by some; but others take it as meaning that they "handle the sword;" hence our Revised Version.

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