Song of Solomon 8:14

Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.

Study Bible

Come away, my beloved
This phrase is a call to intimacy and union, reflecting the deep love and desire between the bride and her beloved. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it symbolizes the longing for closeness and the fulfillment of love. Theologically, it can be seen as an invitation from Christ to the Church, His bride, to draw near to Him. This echoes the call in Revelation 22:17, where the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." The invitation to "come away" suggests leaving behind distractions and entering into a deeper relationship.

and be like a gazelle or a young stag
The imagery of a gazelle or a young stag is often used in the Song of Solomon to depict swiftness, grace, and beauty. These animals are known for their agility and ability to navigate difficult terrain, symbolizing the beloved's ability to overcome obstacles to be with the bride. In a spiritual sense, this can represent Christ's readiness and eagerness to come to His people. The gazelle and stag are also symbols of vitality and strength, qualities attributed to the beloved, reflecting the vigor and passion of true love.

on the mountains of spices
The "mountains of spices" evoke a sense of abundance, richness, and delight. In the ancient Near Eastern context, spices were valuable and often associated with wealth and luxury. This imagery suggests a place of beauty and pleasure, a fitting setting for the consummation of love. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the heavenly realms or the ultimate fulfillment of love in the presence of God. The mountains may also symbolize challenges or heights to be reached, indicating that true love involves both effort and reward. The reference to spices connects to the anointing and fragrance associated with Christ, as seen in passages like John 12:3, where Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse is the Shulammite woman, who represents the bride in the Song of Solomon. She is calling to her beloved, who symbolizes her husband or, allegorically, Christ in the Christian tradition.

2. The Gazelle or Young Stag
These animals are often used in biblical poetry to symbolize swiftness, beauty, and vitality. They represent the beloved's desirable and vigorous nature.

3. Mountains of Spices
This imagery evokes a place of beauty, fragrance, and abundance. It symbolizes a place of intimacy and delight, possibly representing the consummation of love or spiritual communion.

Teaching Points

Intimacy in Marriage
This verse highlights the importance of pursuing and maintaining intimacy in marriage. Just as the Shulammite calls her beloved, couples should actively seek closeness and connection.

Spiritual Yearning
The call to "come away" can also be seen as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Believers are invited to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, seeking Him with the same eagerness and passion.

Beauty and Vitality in Relationships
The imagery of the gazelle and stag reminds us of the beauty and vitality that should characterize our relationships, both marital and spiritual.

The Pursuit of Holiness
The "mountains of spices" can symbolize the pursuit of holiness and the sweet aroma of a life lived in obedience to God. Believers are called to ascend these mountains in their spiritual walk.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a gazelle or young stag enhance our understanding of the nature of love in this passage?

2. In what ways can married couples today "come away" to nurture their relationship, both physically and spiritually?

3. How does the call to "come away" reflect our spiritual journey and relationship with Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate the "mountains of spices" in our own lives, representing a life of holiness and devotion?

5. How can the themes of longing and pursuit in Song of Solomon 8:14 inspire us to deepen our relationship with God and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
The call for the beloved to "come away" echoes the biblical theme of leaving and cleaving, where a man leaves his family to be united with his wife, highlighting the intimate bond of marriage.

Psalm 42:1
The imagery of the gazelle can be connected to the psalmist's longing for God, as a deer pants for water, illustrating a deep spiritual yearning.

Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage of the Lamb and His bride in Revelation parallels the intimate and celebratory nature of the relationship depicted in Song of Solomon.