Song of Solomon 5:5

I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh on the handles of the bolt.

Study Bible

I rose up to open for my beloved.
This phrase reflects the readiness and eagerness of the bride to respond to her beloved's call. In the context of the Song of Solomon, the beloved represents the bridegroom, often interpreted as a type of Christ, while the bride symbolizes the Church or the individual believer. The act of rising up signifies a willingness to engage in a relationship, echoing the call to spiritual awakening and responsiveness found in Revelation 3:20, where Christ stands at the door and knocks. The imagery of opening the door suggests an intimate and personal relationship, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to receive Christ.

My hands dripped with myrrh,
Myrrh, a costly and fragrant resin, was used in ancient times for anointing, embalming, and as a perfume. Its presence here symbolizes the richness and depth of the relationship between the bride and her beloved. In biblical typology, myrrh is associated with suffering and sacrifice, as seen in its use in the burial of Jesus (John 19:39). The dripping of myrrh from the bride's hands may indicate her readiness to embrace the sacrificial aspects of love, paralleling the sacrificial love of Christ for His Church.

my fingers with flowing myrrh
The mention of flowing myrrh on the fingers suggests an abundance and overflow of love and devotion. This imagery can be connected to the anointing of Jesus by Mary in John 12:3, where the fragrance filled the house, symbolizing the pervasive and transformative power of true devotion. The flowing myrrh also indicates a continuous and active participation in the relationship, reflecting the believer's ongoing commitment to Christ.

on the handles of the bolt.
The handles of the bolt represent the barrier or obstacle that must be overcome to achieve union with the beloved. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as the barriers of sin or distraction that hinder one's relationship with Christ. The act of anointing the bolt with myrrh suggests a preparation and sanctification process, aligning with the biblical theme of purification before entering into God's presence (Exodus 30:22-33). This phrase underscores the necessity of removing obstacles to fully experience the intimacy and fellowship with the divine.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as a representation of Christ in the allegorical sense, symbolizing the deep love and relationship between Christ and the Church.

2. The Bride
The bride represents the Church or the individual believer, expressing a longing and readiness to respond to the call of the beloved.

3. Myrrh
A fragrant spice used in anointing oils and perfumes, symbolizing love, sacrifice, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

4. The Door
Represents the barrier or separation between the beloved and the bride, which she is eager to open, symbolizing the desire to remove any obstacles between herself and her beloved.

5. The Event of Opening
This action signifies the bride's readiness and willingness to receive her beloved, reflecting the believer's readiness to respond to Christ's call.

Teaching Points

Readiness to Respond
Just as the bride arises to open the door, believers should be ready to respond to Christ's call in their lives, removing any barriers that hinder their relationship with Him.

Symbolism of Myrrh
The use of myrrh signifies a costly and sacrificial love. Believers are called to offer their lives as a fragrant offering to God, living in a way that reflects His love and sacrifice.

Intimacy with Christ
The intimate relationship between the bride and the beloved serves as a model for the believer's relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of closeness and communion with Him.

Spiritual Alertness
The bride's action of opening the door highlights the need for spiritual alertness and sensitivity to the presence and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Removing Barriers
The act of opening the door symbolizes the removal of obstacles that prevent deeper fellowship with Christ. Believers are encouraged to identify and remove such barriers in their spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the imagery of myrrh in Song of Solomon 5:5 teach us about the nature of love and sacrifice in our relationship with Christ?

2. How can we apply the bride's readiness to open the door to our own spiritual lives, particularly in responding to Christ's call?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are spiritually alert and sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated by the bride's actions?

4. What are some common barriers that might prevent us from experiencing deeper intimacy with Christ, and how can we work to remove them?

5. How does the relationship between the bride and the beloved in Song of Solomon reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate this relationship in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 3:20
This verse speaks of Christ standing at the door and knocking, inviting believers to open their hearts to Him, similar to the bride opening the door for her beloved.

Psalm 45:8
This psalm describes the garments of the king being fragrant with myrrh, connecting the imagery of myrrh to royalty and divinity, as seen in the beloved's presence.

John 12:3
The anointing of Jesus' feet with costly perfume by Mary, which parallels the use of myrrh as a symbol of devotion and love.