Song of Solomon 5:14
His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is an ivory panel bedecked with sapphires.
His arms are rods of gold set with beryl.
This phrase uses the imagery of gold and beryl to convey strength and value. Gold, often associated with divinity and kingship in the Bible, suggests the beloved's noble and precious nature. Beryl, a precious stone mentioned in the priestly garments (Exodus 28:20), symbolizes beauty and rarity. The arms, described as rods, indicate strength and stability, qualities admired in a leader or protector. This imagery can be seen as a type of Christ, whose strength and divine nature are central to His role as Savior and King. The use of precious materials reflects the high esteem and love the bride has for her beloved, paralleling the church's adoration for Christ.

His body is polished ivory bedecked with sapphires.
Ivory, known for its smoothness and rarity, signifies purity and value. In ancient times, ivory was a luxury item, often used in royal settings, indicating the beloved's esteemed status. The polished nature of the ivory suggests refinement and perfection. Sapphires, another precious stone, are associated with heavenly realms and divine favor (Ezekiel 1:26). The combination of ivory and sapphires in this description highlights the beloved's beauty and worth, both physically and spiritually. This can be seen as a reflection of Christ's purity and the heavenly nature of His kingdom. The imagery evokes a sense of awe and reverence, akin to the church's view of Christ as the perfect and divine bridegroom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Beloved
The male figure in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as King Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings. He is described in terms of physical beauty and strength.

2. The Shulammite
The female speaker in the Song of Solomon, expressing her admiration and love for the Beloved. She is often seen as a representation of the Church or the individual believer in allegorical interpretations.

3. Jerusalem
The setting for much of the Song of Solomon, representing a place of spiritual significance and the heart of Israelite worship.

4. Beryl and Sapphires
Precious stones mentioned in the verse, symbolizing beauty, value, and divine craftsmanship. Beryl is often associated with clarity and purity, while sapphires are linked to heavenly realms and wisdom.

5. Ivory
A symbol of purity and rarity, often used in biblical times for decoration and signifying wealth and status.
Teaching Points
Divine Beauty and Strength
The description of the Beloved's arms as "rods of gold" and his body as an "ivory panel" reflects the divine beauty and strength that believers can find in their relationship with Christ. Just as these materials are precious and enduring, so is the nature of Christ's love and power.

Symbolism of Precious Stones
The use of beryl and sapphires symbolizes the value and purity of the relationship between the Beloved and the Shulammite. In a spiritual sense, believers are called to recognize the preciousness of their relationship with God and strive for purity in their walk with Him.

Spiritual Wealth
The imagery of gold, ivory, and precious stones can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual wealth and richness found in a life devoted to God. Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual treasures that are eternal rather than temporal.

Christ as the Ultimate Beloved
In the allegorical interpretation, Christ is the ultimate Beloved, whose beauty and majesty surpass all earthly comparisons. This calls believers to deepen their love and devotion to Him, recognizing His unparalleled worth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of gold, beryl, and sapphires in Song of Solomon 5:14 enhance your understanding of the value and beauty of a relationship with Christ?

2. In what ways can the description of the Beloved's strength and beauty inspire you to pursue spiritual strength and beauty in your own life?

3. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as the priestly garments in Exodus, deepen your understanding of the symbolic meaning of precious stones in the Bible?

4. Reflect on the concept of spiritual wealth. What are some practical ways you can invest in your spiritual life to cultivate eternal treasures?

5. How can the allegorical interpretation of Christ as the Beloved influence your personal relationship with Him and your daily walk as a believer?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28:20
The use of beryl in the priestly garments connects to the idea of divine beauty and holiness.

Ezekiel 1:26-28
The description of God's throne with sapphire highlights the divine and majestic nature of the Beloved.

1 Kings 10:18
Solomon's throne made of ivory and gold parallels the imagery of wealth and splendor in Song of Solomon 5:14.
The Best BelovedA. G. Brown.Songs 5:9-16
The Christian's BelovedF. Tucker, B. A.Songs 5:9-16
The Incomparable Bridegroom and His BrideSongs 5:9-16
The Personal Excellences of JesusJ.D. Davies Songs 5:9-16
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abdomen, Arms, Belly, Beryl, Beryl-stones, Body, Bright, Carved, Chrysolite, Covered, Decorated, Encrusted, Gold, Hands, Heart, Inlaid, Ivory, Jewels, Ornamented, Overlaid, Plate, Polished, Rings, Rods, Rounded, Sapphires, Smooth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Songs 5:14

     4339   ivory
     4342   jewels
     5126   arm
     5211   art

Songs 5:10-15

     4333   gold

Songs 5:10-16

     5136   body

Library
Song of Songs
The contents of this book justify the description of it in the title, i. 1, as the "loveliest song"--for that is the meaning of the Hebrew idiom "song of songs." It abounds in poetical gems of the purest ray. It breathes the bracing air of the hill country, and the passionate love of man for woman and woman for man. It is a revelation of the keen Hebrew delight in nature, in her vineyards and pastures, flowers and fruit trees, in her doves and deer and sheep and goats. It is a song tremulous from
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Christ Dwells in Heaven, but visits on Earth. Ss 6:1-3,12.
Christ dwells in heaven, but visits on earth. SS 6:1-3,12. When strangers stand and hear me tell What beauties in my Savior dwell, Where he is gone they fain would know, That they may seek and love him too. My best Beloved keeps his throne On hills of light, in worlds unknown; But he descends and shows his face In the young gardens of his grace. [In vineyards planted by his hand, Where fruitful trees in order stand; He feeds among the spicy beds, Where lilies show their spotless heads. He has
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

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