Song of Solomon 1:13

My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.

Study Bible

My beloved is to me
This phrase expresses deep affection and personal connection. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it reflects the intimate relationship between the Shulammite woman and her beloved, often interpreted as King Solomon. This relationship can be seen as a representation of the love between Christ and the Church, drawing parallels to Ephesians 5:25-27, where Christ's love for the Church is described as sacrificial and pure.

a sachet of myrrh
Myrrh is a fragrant resin used in ancient times for perfume, anointing oil, and embalming. It was a valuable commodity, symbolizing wealth and luxury. In biblical times, myrrh was also one of the gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His future suffering and death. The use of myrrh here suggests something precious and cherished, indicating the beloved's value and significance to the speaker.

resting between my breasts
This imagery conveys intimacy and closeness, suggesting a deep personal bond. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, such expressions of affection were common in romantic poetry. The placement of the sachet of myrrh "between my breasts" indicates a cherished and constant presence, akin to the indwelling of Christ in the believer's heart, as seen in Galatians 2:20, where Paul speaks of Christ living in him. This phrase also highlights the personal and internalized nature of the relationship, emphasizing the beloved's continual presence and influence in the speaker's life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the "beloved" often refers to the male lover, traditionally understood as Solomon or a representation of an idealized lover. In a spiritual allegory, it can also represent Christ as the bridegroom.

2. The Shulammite
The speaker in this verse is the Shulammite woman, who expresses her deep affection and longing for her beloved. She is often seen as a representation of the Church or the individual believer in a spiritual allegory.

3. Myrrh
A fragrant resin used in ancient times for perfume, incense, and embalming. It symbolizes beauty, value, and sometimes suffering or sacrifice, as it was one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi.

4. Sachet
A small bag or pouch, often filled with aromatic substances. It signifies something precious and intimate, kept close to the heart.

5. Breasts
In the context of ancient Near Eastern poetry, this imagery conveys intimacy, love, and closeness. It symbolizes the cherished and personal nature of the relationship.

Teaching Points

Intimacy with Christ
The imagery of the sachet of myrrh resting close to the heart invites believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ, keeping Him close in their daily lives.

Value of Sacrifice
Myrrh, as a symbol of sacrifice, reminds us of the cost of true love. Reflect on Christ's sacrificial love and how we are called to love others selflessly.

Cherishing the Beloved
Just as the Shulammite cherishes her beloved, we are encouraged to cherish our relationship with Christ, valuing it above all else.

Spiritual Fragrance
Consider how our lives can be a pleasing aroma to God and others, reflecting the beauty and fragrance of Christ in our actions and attitudes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of myrrh in Song of Solomon 1:13 deepen your understanding of the value and beauty of love in a relationship?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a more intimate relationship with Christ, keeping Him close to your heart as the Shulammite does with her beloved?

3. Reflect on the sacrificial aspects of love. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your relationships, following the example of Christ?

4. How does the concept of being a "fragrant aroma" to God challenge you in your daily walk with Him? What practical steps can you take to reflect Christ's fragrance to those around you?

5. Compare the love described in Song of Solomon with the love described in Ephesians 5:25-27. How does this comparison enhance your understanding of Christ's love for the Church and your role within it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 45
This royal wedding psalm shares themes of love and beauty, often interpreted as a messianic psalm pointing to Christ and His bride, the Church.

Ephesians 5:25-27
This passage speaks of Christ's love for the Church, drawing a parallel to the intimate and sacrificial love depicted in the Song of Solomon.

John 19:39
Myrrh is mentioned in the context of Jesus' burial, highlighting its significance in both life and death, and connecting to the themes of sacrifice and love.