Song of Solomon 1:4

Take me away with you--let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.

Study Bible

Take me away with you—let us hurry!
This phrase reflects a deep longing and urgency in the relationship between the bride and the bridegroom. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this can be seen as an expression of the desire for intimacy and union. The urgency ("let us hurry") suggests a passionate and eager love. Biblically, this can be compared to the believer's longing for a closer relationship with Christ, as seen in Philippians 3:10, where Paul expresses a desire to know Christ more deeply. The imagery of being taken away can also be reminiscent of the Exodus, where God led His people out of Egypt, symbolizing deliverance and a journey towards a promised relationship.

May the king bring me to his chambers.
The reference to "the king" elevates the bridegroom to a royal status, which can be seen as a type of Christ, the King of Kings. The "chambers" symbolize a place of intimacy and privacy, suggesting a deep, personal relationship. Historically, royal chambers were places of privilege and honor, indicating the special status of the bride. This can be paralleled with John 14:2-3, where Jesus speaks of preparing a place for believers, highlighting the intimate and eternal relationship between Christ and His church.

We will rejoice and delight in you;
This phrase emphasizes communal joy and celebration in the presence of the beloved. In the context of the church, this can be seen as the collective worship and adoration of Christ by believers. The joy and delight reflect the fruits of a relationship with God, as seen in Galatians 5:22, where joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. The communal aspect ("we") underscores the unity and fellowship among believers, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25.

we will praise your love more than wine.
Wine in biblical times was a symbol of joy, celebration, and abundance. To praise love more than wine suggests that the love of the bridegroom is more fulfilling and satisfying than the greatest earthly pleasures. This can be connected to Ephesians 5:18, where believers are encouraged to be filled with the Spirit rather than wine, indicating the superior joy found in a relationship with Christ. The comparison elevates divine love above all earthly experiences.

It is only right that they adore you.
This final phrase acknowledges the worthiness of the beloved to be adored. In a broader biblical context, it reflects the rightful worship and adoration due to God. Revelation 4:11 echoes this sentiment, declaring the worthiness of God to receive glory and honor. The phrase suggests a natural and appropriate response to the beloved's character and actions, paralleling the believer's response to the love and sacrifice of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Shulammite Woman
The primary female character in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as a representation of the bride or the church in a spiritual allegory.

2. The King
Traditionally understood as Solomon, representing the bridegroom or Christ in allegorical interpretations.

3. The Chambers
Symbolic of intimacy and closeness, often interpreted as a place of deep personal relationship with God.

4. The Daughters of Jerusalem
They are the onlookers or chorus in the account, representing the community of believers or those observing the relationship.

5. The Love
Represents the deep, abiding love between the bride and bridegroom, often seen as a metaphor for the love between Christ and the Church.

Teaching Points

Intimacy with God
The call to be "drawn away" signifies a desire for deeper intimacy with God. Believers are encouraged to seek a personal and profound relationship with Christ.

Joy in Relationship
"We will rejoice and delight in you" highlights the joy found in a relationship with God. Christians are reminded to find their ultimate joy and satisfaction in Christ.

Praise and Worship
The phrase "we will praise your love more than wine" suggests that God's love is superior to all earthly pleasures. Believers are called to prioritize worship and adoration of God above all else.

Community of Believers
The role of the "daughters of Jerusalem" emphasizes the importance of community in the Christian faith. Fellowship with other believers strengthens and encourages our walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of being "drawn away" into the king's chambers reflect your personal relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you "rejoice and delight" in your relationship with Christ daily?

3. How does the love described in Song of Solomon compare to the love described in Ephesians 5:25-33?

4. What are some practical ways you can prioritize praising God's love above all other pleasures in your life?

5. How can the community of believers, like the "daughters of Jerusalem," support and enhance your spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 45
This royal wedding psalm shares themes of love and marriage, often seen as a messianic psalm pointing to Christ and the Church.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Paul’s teaching on marriage, where the relationship between husband and wife is compared to Christ and the Church, echoes the themes of love and unity found in Song of Solomon.

Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage supper of the Lamb, where the Church is presented as the bride of Christ, connects to the imagery of the bride and bridegroom in Song of Solomon.