Song of Solomon 5:8

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love.

Study Bible

O daughters of Jerusalem
This phrase refers to the women of Jerusalem, often seen as a chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon. In the Hebrew context, "daughters" (בָּנוֹת, banot) can imply a sense of community or collective identity. Jerusalem, the city of peace, is central to Jewish identity and worship. The mention of "daughters of Jerusalem" suggests a communal witness to the intimate and passionate love described in the Song. Historically, Jerusalem was the heart of Israelite worship and culture, making this appeal deeply rooted in the spiritual and social fabric of the time.

I adjure you
The word "adjure" (שָׁבַע, shava) in Hebrew carries a strong connotation of making someone swear an oath. This is not a casual request but a solemn charge. The speaker's urgency and intensity are evident, reflecting the depth of her longing and the seriousness of her plea. In the biblical context, oaths were binding and sacred, underscoring the gravity of her request.

if you find my beloved
The term "beloved" (דּוֹד, dod) is a recurring theme in the Song of Solomon, denoting a deep, affectionate, and intimate relationship. The search for the beloved is a central motif, symbolizing the soul's longing for union with the divine or the deep yearning for relational intimacy. The conditional "if" highlights the uncertainty and hope inherent in the search, a theme resonant with the human experience of seeking and longing.

tell him I am sick with love
The phrase "sick with love" (חֹלַת אַהֲבָה, cholat ahavah) conveys an overwhelming, consuming passion. The Hebrew word for "sick" (חֹלֶה, choleh) suggests a physical and emotional state of being unwell, emphasizing the intensity of her desire. This expression of love sickness is both poetic and profound, capturing the essence of longing that transcends mere physical attraction. In a spiritual sense, it can be seen as the soul's deep yearning for God, reflecting the passionate pursuit of divine love that characterizes the believer's journey.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daughters of Jerusalem
These are likely the women of the city, serving as a chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon. They represent the community or society that observes and sometimes participates in the unfolding love account.

2. The Beloved
This refers to the male lover in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon himself or a representation of an idealized lover. In a spiritual allegory, he can symbolize Christ.

3. The Shulammite Woman
The speaker in this verse, expressing her deep longing and love for her beloved. She is often seen as a representation of the bride or the church in allegorical interpretations.

4. Jerusalem
The city serves as a backdrop for the events and is symbolic of a place of spiritual significance, often representing the center of worship and community in biblical literature.

5. Lovesickness
This term describes the intense longing and desire the Shulammite feels for her beloved, illustrating the depth of her emotional and spiritual connection.

Teaching Points

The Nature of True Love
True love involves deep longing and desire, as seen in the Shulammite's expression of being "lovesick." This reflects the passionate pursuit of a relationship, whether human or divine.

Community in Love
The involvement of the "daughters of Jerusalem" highlights the role of community in supporting and witnessing love. In our spiritual journey, community plays a vital role in encouraging and guiding us.

Spiritual Longing
The lovesickness of the Shulammite can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual longing. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep desire for Christ, seeking Him with all their heart.

Communication in Relationships
The Shulammite's request to the daughters of Jerusalem to communicate her feelings to her beloved underscores the importance of communication in relationships. Open and honest expression is key to nurturing love.

Allegorical Interpretation
In a spiritual sense, the beloved can represent Christ, and the Shulammite the church. This verse can be seen as an allegory for the church's longing for Christ's presence and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "lovesickness" in Song of Solomon 5:8 relate to our spiritual longing for God?

2. In what ways can the "daughters of Jerusalem" be seen as a representation of the church community in supporting our spiritual journey?

3. How can we apply the Shulammite's passionate pursuit of her beloved to our relationship with Christ?

4. What role does communication play in both our human relationships and our relationship with God, as seen in this verse?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 42:1 and Ephesians 5:25-27, enhance our understanding of the themes presented in Song of Solomon 5:8?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 42:1
This verse speaks of a deep longing for God, similar to the Shulammite's longing for her beloved, illustrating the soul's thirst for divine connection.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus speaks of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, paralleling the intense love and devotion expressed in Song of Solomon.

Ephesians 5:25-27
Paul describes the relationship between Christ and the church as a marriage, drawing a parallel to the love and commitment seen in Song of Solomon.