Praise of The Shulamite’s Beauty

Commentary

This chapter portrays the maturing of the couple’s marriage. Solomon continues his praise of her beauty by describing ten of her features:
 
1.     How beautiful are thy feet (v. 1). 
2.  Thy naval is like a round goblet (v. 2). – her body was as desirable and intoxicating as wine.
3.    Thy belly is like a heap of wheat (v.2).  – wheat was a food that nourishes and satisfied.
4.  Thy two breasts are like young fawns (v. 3). – possibly referring to their softness.
5.  Thy neck is like a tower of ivory (v. 4). – beautiful and valuable.
6.     Thine eyes like the fish pools (v. 4). – refreshing 
7.    Thine head is like a Carmel (v. 5). – a queenly bearing that was majestic and awesome.
8.    The hair of thine head like purple (v. 5). – held captive by its beauty.
9.   Thy stature is like a palm tree (v. 7). – represented feminine beauty in the east.
10.  Thy mouth is like the best of wine (v. 9). – sweet. 

The girl takes the initiative in expressing her love for her mate (vv. 10-13). Having grown more secure in her love for her husband, she expresses her desire for being alone with her lover. She asks him to go to the countryside where they can spend the night together (v. 11). A place where they could enjoy their intimacy in the freshness and fragrance of the outdoors (vv. 12-13). The villages were much to be preferred to the noise and business of Jerusalem.

Application

It is far more important what I am on the inside than what I am on the outside. For that reason, I need to work on the character qualities of my life and be thankful how God has made me on the outside.