Song of Solomon 5:1

I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.

Study Bible

I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride;
This phrase reflects the intimate relationship between the bridegroom and the bride, symbolizing Christ's relationship with the Church. The garden represents a place of beauty, growth, and intimacy, often used in Scripture to depict a place of divine encounter (Genesis 2:8, Song of Solomon 4:12-16). The terms "my sister, my bride" indicate a deep, multifaceted relationship, combining familial love with marital intimacy. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such language underscores the purity and closeness of the bond.

I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.
Myrrh and spices were valuable commodities in biblical times, often used in anointing oils and perfumes (Exodus 30:23-25). Myrrh, in particular, is associated with both love and suffering, as it was a gift brought to Jesus at His birth (Matthew 2:11) and used in His burial (John 19:39). This gathering signifies the bridegroom's delight in the richness and fragrance of the relationship, as well as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial love.

I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;
Honeycomb and honey symbolize sweetness and abundance. In biblical literature, honey is often associated with the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). This imagery conveys the satisfaction and delight found in the union between the bridegroom and the bride, paralleling the spiritual nourishment and joy found in communion with Christ.

I have drunk my wine with my milk.
Wine and milk together suggest a combination of celebration and nourishment. Wine is frequently a symbol of joy and festivity in Scripture (Psalm 104:15), while milk represents sustenance and growth (1 Peter 2:2). This phrase highlights the completeness and richness of the relationship, akin to the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ, who offers both joy and sustenance to His followers.

Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.
The invitation to friends to eat and drink reflects the communal aspect of love and celebration. In the context of a wedding feast, it signifies the sharing of joy with others, reminiscent of the communal nature of the Church. The exhortation to "drink freely" suggests abundance and generosity, echoing the invitation of Christ to partake in the blessings of His kingdom (Isaiah 55:1, John 7:37). The term "beloved" underscores the deep affection and chosen status of those invited, paralleling the Church as the beloved of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Bridegroom
Often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ, the bridegroom speaks of intimate union and satisfaction.

2. The Bride
Symbolic of the church or the individual believer, she is addressed with terms of endearment and intimacy.

3. The Garden
Represents a place of intimacy and personal relationship, often seen as the heart or life of the believer.

4. Friends
Those invited to share in the joy and celebration, possibly representing the community of believers.

5. The Feast
Symbolizes the abundance and satisfaction found in a relationship with God.

Teaching Points

Intimacy with God
The passage invites believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, akin to the intimate bond between bride and bridegroom.

Spiritual Abundance
Just as the bridegroom enjoys the fruits of the garden, believers are encouraged to experience the fullness of life in Christ.

Community Celebration
The invitation to friends to partake in the feast highlights the importance of communal joy and fellowship in the Christian life.

Symbolism of the Garden
Reflect on the state of your "garden"—your heart and spiritual life—and how it can be a place of meeting with God.

Invitation to Participate
The call to "eat and drink freely" is an invitation to actively engage in the blessings and joy of a life with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the garden in Song of Solomon 5:1 enhance your understanding of your personal relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, similar to the relationship between the bride and bridegroom?

3. How does the concept of spiritual abundance in this verse challenge or encourage you in your current walk with Christ?

4. What role does community play in your spiritual life, and how can you invite others to share in the joy of your relationship with God?

5. Reflect on other biblical passages that speak of feasting or celebration. How do these enhance your understanding of the joy found in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
The union of husband and wife as one flesh parallels the intimate relationship between Christ and the church.

John 15:1-5
The imagery of the garden and vine reflects the abiding relationship between Christ and believers.

Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage supper of the Lamb echoes the celebratory feast and union depicted in Song of Solomon.

Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good" connects to the invitation to partake in the abundance of God's blessings.

Ephesians 5:25-32
The relationship between Christ and the church is mirrored in the love and intimacy between the bridegroom and bride.