Song of Solomon 2:7

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.

Study Bible

O daughters of Jerusalem
This phrase addresses the women of Jerusalem, often seen as a chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon. The daughters of Jerusalem represent the collective community, possibly symbolizing the people of God or the church. In biblical context, Jerusalem is the city of peace and the spiritual center for the Israelites, often associated with God's presence and covenant. The address to the daughters suggests a communal aspect to the lessons of love and relationships being discussed.

I adjure you
The use of "adjure" indicates a solemn charge or oath, emphasizing the seriousness of the speaker's request. This language reflects the gravity and sacredness of the topic at hand, which is love and its proper timing. In biblical terms, oaths and vows are significant and binding, often made before God, highlighting the importance of adhering to divine principles.

by the gazelles and does of the field
Gazelles and does are symbols of beauty, grace, and gentleness in the ancient Near Eastern context. These animals are often associated with natural beauty and the idyllic pastoral life. The invocation of these creatures suggests a connection to the natural order and the purity of creation. It may also imply a call to respect the natural timing and progression of love, as these animals live according to the rhythms of nature.

Do not arouse or awaken love
This phrase serves as a caution against prematurely stirring up romantic or sexual desires. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, love and marriage were sacred and to be approached with reverence and patience. The warning reflects a broader biblical theme of waiting for God's timing and the dangers of acting impulsively or outside of divine guidance. It underscores the importance of self-control and the wisdom of allowing love to develop naturally.

until the time is right
The emphasis on timing highlights the biblical principle that there is a season for everything, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1. This phrase suggests that love should be allowed to mature and blossom in its proper season, aligning with God's perfect timing. It reflects the belief that God has a plan for relationships and that waiting for the right moment is crucial for a healthy and blessed union. This concept can also be seen as a type of Christ, who came in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4), illustrating the importance of divine timing in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daughters of Jerusalem
These are likely young women of the city, representing a collective audience or witnesses to the love account unfolding in the Song of Solomon. They serve as a chorus or audience to the dialogue between the lovers.

2. Gazelles and Does of the Field
These animals are symbols of beauty, grace, and gentleness. They are often used in biblical poetry to evoke a sense of natural beauty and the delicate nature of love.

3. The Speaker
The speaker in this verse is traditionally understood to be the Shulammite woman, who is addressing the daughters of Jerusalem. She is expressing a deep and personal understanding of love's timing.

4. Love
In this context, love is portrayed as a powerful and profound emotion that should not be rushed or forced. It is something to be respected and approached with patience.

5. The Field
Symbolically, the field represents a natural and open space, suggesting that love should be as free and unencumbered as the creatures that inhabit it.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Timing in Love
Love should not be rushed. Just as the natural world has seasons, so does love. Waiting for the right time ensures that love is genuine and lasting.

Respect for the Natural Order
The use of gazelles and does symbolizes the beauty and order of creation. Love should be approached with the same respect and reverence.

Guarding the Heart
Protecting one's heart is crucial. Prematurely engaging in love can lead to heartache and complications. Wisdom and discernment are necessary.

Community and Accountability
The daughters of Jerusalem represent a community that holds each other accountable. In relationships, having a supportive community can provide guidance and perspective.

Patience as a Virtue
Patience is a key aspect of love. Waiting for the right time allows love to develop naturally and healthily.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of gazelles and does enhance our understanding of the nature of love in this verse?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "not arousing or awakening love until the time is right" in modern relationships?

3. How does the concept of timing in love relate to the broader biblical theme of seasons and timing found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8?

4. What role does community play in helping individuals navigate the complexities of love, as seen with the daughters of Jerusalem?

5. How can we cultivate patience in our relationships, and what are some practical steps to ensure we are waiting for the right time in love?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
This passage speaks to the idea that there is a time for everything, including love. It emphasizes the importance of timing in all aspects of life.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
This passage describes the characteristics of love, highlighting patience and kindness, which align with the idea of not rushing love.

Proverbs 4:23
This verse advises guarding one's heart, which connects to the caution against prematurely awakening love.