Song of Solomon 2:17

Before the day breaks and shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.

Study Bible

Before the day breaks and shadows flee
This phrase evokes the imagery of the early morning, a time of transition from darkness to light. In biblical symbolism, light often represents God's presence and truth, while darkness can symbolize ignorance or evil. The anticipation of the day breaking suggests a longing for clarity and revelation. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it may also reflect the yearning for the presence of the beloved, paralleling the soul's desire for communion with God. The imagery of shadows fleeing can be seen as a metaphor for the dispelling of fears or doubts, aligning with the biblical theme of God's light overcoming darkness (John 1:5).

turn, my beloved
The call for the beloved to turn indicates a desire for attention and presence. In the broader context of the Song of Solomon, this reflects the deep longing and intimate relationship between the lovers. Spiritually, it can be seen as a call for Christ, the ultimate Beloved, to draw near to the believer. This echoes the plea for divine presence found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 27:9, where the psalmist asks God not to hide His face.

and be like a gazelle or a young stag
The comparison to a gazelle or young stag highlights qualities of swiftness, grace, and vitality. These animals are often associated with beauty and agility, symbolizing the beloved's desirable attributes. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is both gentle and powerful, able to move swiftly to aid His people. The imagery also suggests the idea of pursuit and the dynamic nature of love, as seen in the pursuit of the beloved in Song of Solomon 2:8-9.

on the mountains of Bether
The mountains of Bether are not specifically identified in biblical geography, leading to various interpretations. Some suggest that "Bether" may refer to a region characterized by separation or division, as the Hebrew root of the word implies. This could symbolize the obstacles or challenges in the path of love, both in human relationships and in the spiritual journey. The mountains may also represent places of encounter and revelation, as seen in other biblical narratives where mountains are significant (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Zion). In the context of the Song of Solomon, it emphasizes the idea of overcoming barriers to be united with the beloved.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Beloved
The term "beloved" refers to the male lover in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon himself or as a representation of Christ in allegorical readings.

2. Gazelle or Young Stag
These animals symbolize swiftness, grace, and beauty. They are often used in biblical poetry to describe the agility and desirability of the beloved.

3. Mountains of Bether
The exact location of the "mountains of Bether" is uncertain, but it is often interpreted as a place of separation or division, symbolizing obstacles or challenges in the relationship.

Teaching Points

The Beauty of Anticipation
The verse captures the anticipation and longing in a relationship. In our spiritual walk, we should cultivate a longing for Christ, eagerly awaiting His presence and guidance.

Overcoming Obstacles
The "mountains of Bether" symbolize challenges. In relationships and faith, we must be willing to overcome obstacles, trusting in God's strength and timing.

Pursuit of Love
Just as the beloved is called to be like a gazelle, we are encouraged to pursue love with energy and commitment, reflecting God's relentless pursuit of us.

The Role of Time in Relationships
The reference to "before the day breaks" highlights the importance of timing. In our relationships and spiritual life, we must be patient and trust in God's perfect timing.

Symbolism of Light and Shadows
The transition from night to day symbolizes moving from uncertainty to clarity. In our faith journey, we should seek the light of God's truth to dispel the shadows of doubt and fear.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a gazelle or young stag enhance our understanding of the beloved's character in this verse?

2. What are some "mountains of Bether" or obstacles you face in your relationships or spiritual life, and how can you overcome them with God's help?

3. How does the anticipation of "before the day breaks" relate to your personal longing for Christ's return or presence in your life?

4. In what ways can you actively pursue love and commitment in your relationships, reflecting the pursuit described in Song of Solomon?

5. How can the transition from shadows to light in this verse inspire you to seek clarity and truth in your spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
The intimate relationship between the beloved and the lover in Song of Solomon can be connected to the union of man and woman in marriage as described in Genesis.

Psalm 42:1
The imagery of the deer (or gazelle) can be linked to the psalmist's longing for God, illustrating a deep desire and pursuit of the beloved.

Isaiah 35:6
The mention of leaping like a deer connects to the joy and freedom found in God's restoration and presence.