Song of Solomon 2:10

My beloved calls to me, "Arise, my darling. Come away with me, my beautiful one.

Study Bible

My beloved calls to me
This phrase highlights the intimate and personal nature of the relationship between the speaker and the beloved. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this can be seen as a representation of the love between Christ and the Church. The call signifies an invitation to a deeper relationship, echoing the call of Christ to His followers in passages like Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him for rest. The beloved's voice is one of authority and love, reminiscent of John 10:27, where Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Arise, my darling
The command to "arise" suggests a call to action or a change in state. It can be seen as an invitation to leave behind the old life and embrace a new one, similar to the call of Christ to rise from spiritual slumber (Ephesians 5:14). The term "darling" indicates a deep affection and chosen status, reflecting the special relationship between God and His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6, where Israel is described as a treasured possession.

Come away with me
This invitation to "come away" implies a journey or a transition to a new place or state of being. It suggests leaving behind distractions and focusing on the beloved, akin to the call of Jesus to His disciples to leave everything and follow Him (Mark 1:17-18). The phrase can also be seen as a call to intimacy and seclusion with God, reminiscent of the wilderness experiences where God often met with His people, such as Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:12).

my beautiful one
The term "beautiful one" signifies the beloved's worth and value in the eyes of the caller. It reflects the transformative power of love, where the beloved is seen as beautiful and cherished. This mirrors the way Christ views the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:27, where the Church is presented as a radiant bride, without stain or wrinkle. The beauty here is not just physical but also spiritual, indicating purity and holiness bestowed by the relationship with the beloved.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings. He is the one who speaks tenderly to his love.

2. The Darling
The darling, or the Shulammite woman, represents the bride or the church in allegorical interpretations. She is the recipient of the beloved's affection and invitation.

3. The Setting
The Song of Solomon is set in a pastoral and romantic landscape, often interpreted as a metaphor for the intimate relationship between God and His people.

4. The Invitation
The event described is an invitation to rise and come away, symbolizing a call to deeper relationship and communion.

5. The Season
The context of the passage suggests a change in season, often seen as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and awakening.

Teaching Points

The Call to Intimacy
Just as the beloved calls the darling to arise and come away, God calls us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. This requires us to leave behind distractions and focus on His voice.

Responding to God's Invitation
The passage encourages believers to respond to God's invitation with eagerness and readiness. It is a reminder to prioritize our spiritual journey and relationship with God.

Spiritual Renewal
The change in season signifies a time for spiritual renewal and growth. Believers are encouraged to embrace new beginnings and allow God to transform their lives.

The Beauty of the Church
The beloved's description of the darling as "beautiful" reflects how God sees His church. It is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the beauty of being part of His body.

Living in Expectation
The invitation to "come away" suggests living with an expectation of God's presence and work in our lives. It challenges us to be attentive and responsive to His leading.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the invitation in Song of Solomon 2:10 reflect God's call to us in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we "arise" and "come away" from distractions to focus on our relationship with God?

3. How does understanding the beloved's view of the darling as "beautiful" impact our view of ourselves and the church?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to experience spiritual renewal and growth in our current season?

5. How can the imagery of the bride and bridegroom in Song of Solomon enhance our understanding of Christ's relationship with the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:23-24
The intimate relationship between the beloved and the darling can be connected to the union of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the ideal of marital love.

Ephesians 5:25-27
The call to "arise" and "come away" can be seen as Christ's call to the church, paralleling the love and sanctification described in Ephesians.

Revelation 19:7-9
The imagery of the bride and the bridegroom in Song of Solomon connects to the marriage supper of the Lamb, symbolizing the ultimate union of Christ and the church.