Song of Solomon 5:9

How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than another, that you charge us so?

Study Bible

How is your beloved better than others
This phrase reflects a question posed by the "daughters of Jerusalem," a group often seen as representing the community or onlookers in the Song of Solomon. The inquiry suggests a comparison, asking what makes the beloved unique or superior. This can be seen as a reflection of the human tendency to compare and evaluate relationships. In a broader biblical context, this can be related to the uniqueness of Christ as the beloved of the Church, as seen in passages like Colossians 1:18, where Christ is described as preeminent.

O most beautiful among women
The title "most beautiful among women" is a recognition of the Shulammite woman's exceptional beauty and character. This phrase highlights her distinctiveness and the admiration she commands. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a type of the Church, which is described as the bride of Christ, adorned and made beautiful through His love and sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-27). The beauty here is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, reflecting the inner transformation that comes from a relationship with God.

How is your beloved better than another
The repetition of the question emphasizes the curiosity and perhaps skepticism of the onlookers. It invites the Shulammite to articulate the qualities that make her beloved stand out. This can be seen as an invitation to testify to the unique attributes of Christ, who is often described in Scripture as having no equal (Philippians 2:9-11). The rhetorical nature of the question underscores the idea that the beloved's qualities are indeed unparalleled.

that you charge us so
The phrase "that you charge us so" indicates a sense of urgency or importance in the Shulammite's request. It suggests that her love and devotion compel her to seek the involvement or understanding of others. This can be likened to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where believers are charged to share the gospel and the love of Christ with the world. The urgency reflects the transformative power of love and the desire to share it with others.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The male figure in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings.

2. The Shulammite Woman
The female protagonist, representing the bride, often seen as a symbol of the Church or individual believers.

3. The Daughters of Jerusalem
A group of women who serve as a chorus or audience, questioning and interacting with the Shulammite woman.

4. Jerusalem
The setting for much of the Song, symbolizing a place of spiritual significance and community.

5. The Search for the Beloved
An event where the Shulammite woman seeks her beloved, illustrating themes of longing and desire.

Teaching Points

The Uniqueness of Christ
Just as the Shulammite woman describes her beloved as unique, believers are called to recognize and proclaim the unparalleled nature of Christ.

The Role of Community in Faith
The daughters of Jerusalem represent the community of faith, encouraging believers to share their experiences and testimonies with others.

Longing for God
The Shulammite’s search for her beloved mirrors the believer’s pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, encouraging persistent seeking and devotion.

Witnessing to Others
The question posed by the daughters of Jerusalem challenges believers to articulate why their faith and relationship with Christ is significant and transformative.

Beauty in Relationship
The mutual admiration between the beloved and the Shulammite highlights the beauty of a Christ-centered relationship, whether in marriage or in the believer’s walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Shulammite woman’s description of her beloved challenge us to view our relationship with Christ?

2. In what ways can the community of faith, like the daughters of Jerusalem, support and encourage our spiritual journey?

3. How can we cultivate a longing for God similar to the Shulammite’s longing for her beloved?

4. What are some practical ways to articulate the uniqueness of Christ to those who question our faith?

5. How can the mutual admiration in Song of Solomon inspire us to strengthen our relationships, both with God and with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 45
This royal wedding psalm shares themes of love and admiration, often seen as a messianic prophecy.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Paul’s teaching on marriage reflects the love between Christ and the Church, paralleling the love depicted in Song of Solomon.

Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage supper of the Lamb connects to the bridal imagery in Song of Solomon, emphasizing the union between Christ and His Church.