Song of Solomon 6:5

Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead.

Study Bible

Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me.
This phrase reflects the intense and overwhelming nature of love and attraction. In the context of the Song of Solomon, which is a poetic dialogue between lovers, the speaker is expressing how the beloved's gaze is so powerful that it overwhelms him. This can be seen as a metaphor for the captivating and consuming nature of true love. In biblical terms, eyes often symbolize perception and understanding, and here they represent the deep connection and admiration between the lovers. The idea of being "overcome" suggests a surrender to love, which can be paralleled with the believer's relationship with God, where divine love is overwhelming and transformative. This phrase also echoes the theme of divine love found in other scriptures, such as Psalm 45:11, where the king is captivated by the beauty of the bride.

Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead.
This simile draws on the pastoral imagery common in ancient Near Eastern poetry. Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, was known for its lush pastures and rolling hills, making it an ideal setting for flocks of goats. The comparison of the beloved's hair to a flock of goats suggests beauty, abundance, and grace. The movement of the goats descending the hills of Gilead would have been a striking and beautiful sight, symbolizing the flowing and luxurious nature of the beloved's hair. This imagery also reflects the agrarian culture of ancient Israel, where such scenes would be familiar and evocative. The use of natural imagery to describe human beauty is a recurring theme in the Song of Solomon, emphasizing the connection between creation and the divine. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, where the beauty and majesty of creation reflect the glory and creativity of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ, expressing admiration and being overwhelmed by the beauty of the beloved.

2. The Shulammite
The recipient of the speaker's admiration, representing the bride or the church in allegorical interpretations.

3. Mount Gilead
A region known for its lush pastures, symbolizing beauty and abundance. It is used metaphorically to describe the beloved's hair.

Teaching Points

The Power of Beauty
The verse highlights the overwhelming power of beauty, both physical and spiritual. In a Christian context, this can be seen as a reflection of God's creation and the beauty He instills in His people.

Symbolism of Hair
Hair, described as a flock of goats, symbolizes abundance and grace. This can remind believers of the importance of seeing beauty in God's creation and in each other.

Spiritual Overwhelm
Just as the speaker is overwhelmed by the beloved's beauty, believers can be overwhelmed by the love and grace of Christ. This calls for a response of worship and adoration.

Mount Gilead's Significance
The reference to Mount Gilead emphasizes the richness and fertility of the land, which can be a metaphor for spiritual growth and fruitfulness in a believer's life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of beauty in Song of Solomon 6:5 reflect the nature of God's creation?

2. In what ways can the overwhelming beauty described in this verse be related to the spiritual beauty of a believer?

3. How does the metaphor of hair as a flock of goats enhance our understanding of the beloved's character?

4. What can we learn from the speaker's reaction to beauty about our own responses to God's love and grace?

5. How can the symbolism of Mount Gilead inspire us to pursue spiritual growth and fruitfulness in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29:17
Leah's eyes are described, providing a contrast to the overwhelming beauty of the beloved's eyes in Song of Solomon.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Discusses the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which can be connected to the overwhelming beauty described in Song of Solomon.

Psalm 45:11
Speaks of the king's desire for the beauty of his bride, paralleling the admiration expressed in Song of Solomon.