Song of Solomon 6:2

My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to pasture his flock in the gardens and to gather lilies.

Study Bible

My beloved has gone down to his garden
This phrase suggests a sense of ownership and intimacy. The "beloved" is often interpreted as a representation of Christ, and the "garden" symbolizes the church or the soul of the believer. The imagery of a garden is frequently used in Scripture to denote a place of growth, beauty, and cultivation, as seen in Genesis 2:8-9 with the Garden of Eden. The act of going down implies a deliberate action, reflecting Christ's incarnation and His coming into the world to dwell among His people.

to the beds of spices
Spices in biblical times were valuable and often used for anointing and worship, as seen in Exodus 30:23-25. The "beds of spices" can symbolize the richness and diversity of the church, filled with the fragrance of faith and good works. This imagery also connects to the anointing of Jesus with costly perfume in John 12:3, highlighting the preciousness of devotion and worship.

to pasture his flock in the gardens
The pastoral imagery here is reminiscent of Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd. The "gardens" suggest a place of nourishment and care, indicating Christ's role as the Good Shepherd who tends to His people, providing spiritual sustenance and guidance. This reflects the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, as seen in John 10:14-15.

and to gather lilies
Lilies are often associated with purity and beauty, as mentioned in Matthew 6:28-29, where Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field. In the context of the Song of Solomon, lilies can represent the virtues and graces of the church or the individual believer. The act of gathering implies selection and care, symbolizing Christ's gathering of His people, His bride, to Himself, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-27, where the church is presented as a pure and spotless bride.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the context of the Song of Solomon, the "beloved" often refers to the male lover, traditionally understood as King Solomon. In a broader spiritual sense, he can be seen as a representation of Christ, the Bridegroom of the Church.

2. The Garden
Symbolically, the garden represents a place of intimacy and beauty. It is a private space where the beloved and the lover meet, akin to the spiritual relationship between Christ and the believer.

3. Beds of Spices
These are areas within the garden filled with aromatic plants. They symbolize the richness and variety of the relationship, as well as the spiritual fruits and virtues cultivated in the life of a believer.

4. Lilies
Lilies are often associated with purity and beauty. In the context of the Song of Solomon, they can symbolize the purity and beauty of love, as well as the virtues of the Church or the believer.

Teaching Points

Intimacy with Christ
Just as the beloved goes to the garden, believers are called to seek intimate fellowship with Christ. This involves setting aside time for prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.

Cultivating Spiritual Fruits
The beds of spices and lilies represent the virtues and fruits of the Spirit that should be cultivated in a believer's life. Regular self-examination and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential for growth.

The Beauty of Holiness
Lilies symbolize purity and beauty, reminding believers of the call to live holy lives that reflect the character of Christ.

The Pursuit of Love
The beloved's journey to the garden is a pursuit of love. Believers are encouraged to actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, prioritizing Him above all else.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the garden in Song of Solomon 6:2 enhance your understanding of intimacy with Christ?

2. In what ways can you cultivate the "beds of spices" or spiritual fruits in your own life?

3. How does the symbolism of lilies challenge you to pursue purity and holiness in your daily walk with God?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the pursuit of the beloved in this verse inspire you to seek Him more earnestly?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as John 15:1-8, deepen your understanding of abiding in Christ and bearing fruit?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:8-15
The Garden of Eden as the original place of intimacy between God and man, paralleling the garden imagery in Song of Solomon.

John 15:1-8
Jesus speaks of Himself as the true vine and His followers as branches, emphasizing the importance of abiding in Him, similar to the beloved tending to the garden.

Ephesians 5:25-27
The relationship between Christ and the Church is likened to a marriage, reflecting the intimate and loving relationship depicted in Song of Solomon.