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

Draw me away
The phrase "Draw me away" is a heartfelt plea from the Shulammite woman, expressing her deep desire to be led by her beloved. The Hebrew root for "draw" (מָשַׁךְ, mashak) conveys a sense of pulling or leading with gentle strength. This reflects the believer's yearning for a closer relationship with Christ, who draws us with loving-kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). Historically, this can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's longing for divine intimacy, a theme prevalent in the spiritual writings of the Church Fathers.

Let us run together
This phrase suggests a mutual and active pursuit of love. The Hebrew verb "run" (רוּץ, ruts) implies eagerness and enthusiasm. In a spiritual context, it signifies the believer's readiness to follow Christ's lead with zeal and commitment. The imagery of running together highlights the partnership and unity in the relationship, reminiscent of Paul's exhortation to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1).

The king has brought me into his chambers
Here, "the king" symbolizes Solomon, but allegorically, it represents Christ, the King of Kings. The "chambers" (חֶדֶר, cheder) denote a place of intimacy and privacy, suggesting a deep, personal relationship with God. Historically, the inner chambers were places of safety and communion, reflecting the believer's secure position in Christ. This imagery aligns with the New Testament concept of being seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

We will rejoice and delight in you
The collective "we" indicates a communal expression of joy and satisfaction in the beloved. The Hebrew words for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) and "delight" (גִּיל, gil) convey exuberant joy and gladness. This reflects the joy of the Church, the Bride of Christ, in His presence. Historically, this joy is akin to the celebrations of God's people during feasts and festivals, emphasizing communal worship and adoration.

We will praise your love more than wine
Wine, in ancient times, was a symbol of joy and celebration. To praise love "more than wine" elevates the beloved's love above all earthly pleasures. The Hebrew word for "praise" (זָכַר, zakar) implies remembrance and proclamation. This suggests that the love of Christ is to be cherished and proclaimed above all else, echoing the psalmist's declaration of God's steadfast love being better than life (Psalm 63:3).

It is only right that they adore you
The phrase "it is only right" underscores the appropriateness and righteousness of adoring the beloved. The Hebrew root for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) means straight or upright, indicating moral and spiritual correctness. "They" refers to the daughters of Jerusalem or the community of believers, who recognize and celebrate the worthiness of the beloved. This reflects the universal call to worship and adore Christ, as seen in Revelation 5:12, where the Lamb is deemed worthy of all honor and praise.

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.