Your neck is like the tower of David
This phrase uses a simile to describe the beloved's neck, comparing it to the "tower of David." The Tower of David is a historical and architectural symbol of strength and dignity. In ancient Israel, towers were often used for defense and as watchtowers, signifying protection and vigilance. The comparison suggests grace, elegance, and strength. The Tower of David, possibly referring to a specific structure in Jerusalem, symbolizes the strength and majesty of King David's reign, which is often seen as a type of Christ's eternal kingship. The neck, in this context, represents the beloved's noble character and steadfastness.

built with rows of stones
The construction "with rows of stones" implies meticulous craftsmanship and stability. In ancient times, buildings made with rows of stones were considered strong and enduring. This imagery suggests that the beloved's character is not only beautiful but also solid and well-founded. The use of stones can also symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, as stones were often used to build altars and memorials in biblical history. This phrase may also allude to the spiritual building of the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone.

on it hang a thousand shields
The imagery of "a thousand shields" hanging on the tower suggests a display of military might and readiness. Shields were essential for protection in battle, and a large number of them indicates a formidable defense. This could symbolize the beloved's ability to protect and defend her purity and virtue. In a broader spiritual sense, it may represent the protection God provides to His people, as seen in Ephesians 6:16, where faith is described as a shield.

all of them shields of warriors
The specification that these are "shields of warriors" emphasizes the strength and valor associated with the beloved. Warriors were respected for their courage and skill in battle, and their shields were symbols of their readiness to fight. This could be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual warfare that believers engage in, with the beloved representing the Church, adorned with the armor of God. The imagery reinforces the idea of spiritual preparedness and the honor of being part of God's army, as seen in passages like 2 Timothy 2:3-4, where believers are called to endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ.

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of the Song of Solomon, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom and wealth. The book is a poetic dialogue celebrating love and marriage.

2. The Beloved
The woman in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon's bride or a representation of the ideal bride. She is the subject of Solomon's admiration and affection.

3. The Tower of David
A metaphorical reference to a strong and majestic structure in Jerusalem, symbolizing strength, dignity, and honor. It is used to describe the beauty and grace of the beloved's neck.

4. David
The second king of Israel and father of Solomon. Known for his military prowess and establishing Jerusalem as the capital, his legacy is often associated with strength and leadership.

5. Warriors
The shields mentioned are those of warriors, symbolizing protection, valor, and readiness for battle. This imagery conveys a sense of security and honor.Symbolism of Strength and Dignity
The neck, compared to the tower of David, symbolizes strength and dignity. In relationships, we should strive to uphold these qualities, reflecting the honor and respect that God desires for us.

Spiritual Readiness
Just as the shields of warriors signify readiness for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared. This involves equipping ourselves with God's Word and prayer, much like the armor of God in Ephesians 6.

The Beauty of Holiness
The beloved's beauty is not just physical but also symbolic of spiritual beauty. Our lives should reflect the beauty of holiness, characterized by purity, integrity, and devotion to God.

Legacy of Faith
The reference to the tower of David reminds us of the legacy of faith and strength passed down through generations. We are encouraged to build our lives on a foundation of faith, leaving a legacy for those who follow.(4) Tower of David.--This is not likely to be identified, when even the towers of Phasaelus and Hippicus, minutely described by Josephus, cannot be found. The structure at the north-west angle, known since the Crusades as the "Tower of David," is Herodian. No clue would be given by the words in the text, "builded for an armoury," even were it certain that this is their right rendering. The LXX. regard the Heb. thalpioth as a proper name. Rabbinical authority is in favour of "as a model for architects," but most modern commentators, though differing as to the etymology, agree in giving the sense of the English Version, which the context seems to require. (Comp. Ezekiel 27:11 : "They hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.") The shields and targets made by Solomon for the house in the forest of Lebanon may have suggested this addition to an image which is repeated in Song of Solomon 7:7, and, indeed, is too common to need remark. "Her snowy neck like a marble tower" (Spenser). "Her neck is like a stately tower" (Lodge).

Verse 4. - Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all the shields of the mighty men. There is an evident change here in the character of the similitudes. The royal bridegroom does not forget to praise the majesty of his bride. The description now suits a royal queen. She is full of dignity and grace in her bearing. The tower referred to was no doubt that which was sometimes called "The tower of the flock" (Micah 4:4), that from which David surveyed the flock of his people (cf. Nehemiah 3:16, 25) - the government building erected on Mount Zion which served as a court of justice. The word talpiyoth is an ἅπαξ λεγόμενον: LXX. θαλπίωθ, as if a proper name. Hengstenberg would render it "built for hanging swords," supposing it composed of two words - tal, from a root "to hang," and piyoth, "swords." But the word piyoth does not mean "swords," but the "double edges" of the swords. Kimchi renders. "an erection of sharp-cornered stones." Gesenius takes it from two roots, "to perish" and "to go," that is, exitialibus armis, which is very doubtful. Ewald's explanation seems the best, "built for close troops, so that many hundreds or thousands find room therein," taking it from a root, connected with the Arabic, meaning, "to wrap together." Delitzsch, however, observes that both in Aramaic and Talmudic Hebrew words occur, like this, in the sense of "enclosure," i.e. joining together, one working into the other, so that it may be taken as meaning, "in ranks together." This view is supported by Doderlein, Meier, Aquila, Jerome, Vulgate (propugnacula), and Venetian (ἐπάλξεις). If this be accepted, it may mean "terraced," i.e. built in stories one above another. This would convey the appearance of the tall, straight neck better than any. Surrounded with ornaments, the neck would so appear. There is another suggestion, supported by Ginsburg and taken from Rashi and Rashbun, Jewish writers, that the word is a contraction for a noun meaning "instruction," and means "the model tower" - the tower built for an architect's model. It would be rendered, "built for the builder's model." The meaning "armoury" takes it as composed of two words, tael," a hill," and piyoth," swords." It was decorated with a thousand shields, which was a customary adornment of towers and castles (see Ezekiel 27:11). All the shields of heroes. We can scarcely doubt the reference in such words to the time of Solomon, and therefore to his authorship, as the allusion to heroes, or mighty men of valour, would be customary soon after the time of David.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Your neck
צַוָּארֵ֔ךְ (ṣaw·wā·rêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 6677: The back of the neck

is like the tower
כְּמִגְדַּ֤ל (kə·miḡ·dal)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

of David,
דָּוִיד֙ (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

built
בָּנ֖וּי (bā·nui)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

with rows of stones;
לְתַלְפִּיּ֑וֹת (lə·ṯal·pî·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8530: Something tall, slenderness

on it
עָלָ֔יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

hang
תָּל֣וּי (tā·lui)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 8518: To suspend

a thousand
אֶ֤לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

shields,
הַמָּגֵן֙ (ham·mā·ḡên)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043: A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile

all
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

round shields
שִׁלְטֵ֥י (šil·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7982: Perhaps shield

of the warriors.
הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ (hag·gib·bō·w·rîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant


Song of Solomon 4:4 NIV
Song of Solomon 4:4 NLT
Song of Solomon 4:4 ESV
Song of Solomon 4:4 NASB
Song of Solomon 4:4 KJV

Song of Solomon 4:4 BibleApps.com
Song of Solomon 4:4 Biblia Paralela
Song of Solomon 4:4 Chinese Bible
Song of Solomon 4:4 French Bible
Song of Solomon 4:4 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:4 Your neck is like David's tower built (Song Songs SS So Can)