Song of Solomon 7:11

Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside; let us spend the night among the wildflowers.

Study Bible

Come, my beloved
This phrase reflects the intimate and affectionate relationship between the speaker and their beloved. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it symbolizes the deep love and desire between a bride and groom, often interpreted as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and the Church. The term "beloved" is frequently used throughout the book, emphasizing the personal and cherished nature of this relationship. In a broader biblical context, it echoes the call of Christ to His followers, inviting them into a deeper communion with Him.

let us go to the countryside
The countryside represents a place of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In ancient Israel, the countryside was often associated with fertility and abundance, reflecting God's provision and blessing. This invitation to the countryside can be seen as a call to retreat from worldly distractions and to seek spiritual renewal and intimacy with God. It also parallels the biblical theme of God leading His people to places of rest and refreshment, as seen in Psalm 23:2, where He leads them beside still waters.

let us spend the night among the wildflowers
Spending the night among the wildflowers suggests a time of rest and enjoyment in the midst of God's creation. Wildflowers, with their beauty and variety, symbolize the richness and diversity of God's blessings. This imagery can be connected to the idea of abiding in Christ, as mentioned in John 15:4, where believers are encouraged to remain in Him to bear fruit. The wildflowers also evoke the transient nature of life, reminding believers of the importance of cherishing moments of intimacy with God. Historically, the mention of wildflowers may reflect the agricultural setting of ancient Israel, where such scenes were common and appreciated for their natural beauty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ in allegorical readings. Here, the beloved is invited to join in an intimate and personal journey.

2. The Shulammite Woman
The speaker in this verse, traditionally understood as the Shulammite woman, who expresses her desire for closeness and shared experiences with her beloved.

3. The Countryside
Represents a place of natural beauty and tranquility, away from the busyness of city life, symbolizing a retreat into a more intimate and personal setting.

4. The Wildflowers
Symbolic of beauty, renewal, and the natural world, often representing the purity and simplicity of love in its natural state.

Teaching Points

Intimacy in Relationships
The invitation to the countryside signifies the importance of nurturing intimacy in relationships. Just as the Shulammite seeks to deepen her connection with her beloved, we are called to invest time and effort into our relationships, both with our spouses and with God.

Retreat and Renewal
The countryside represents a place of retreat and renewal. In our busy lives, it is essential to find time to withdraw from the chaos and seek spiritual and emotional rejuvenation, much like Jesus did when He withdrew to solitary places to pray.

Appreciation of Creation
The mention of wildflowers encourages us to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the simple joys and the intricate beauty that God has placed in the world around us.

Symbolism of Love
The natural setting symbolizes the purity and simplicity of love. In our relationships, we should strive for a love that is genuine, unpretentious, and rooted in the beauty of God's design.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the invitation to the countryside in Song of Solomon 7:11 reflect the biblical principle of leaving and cleaving found in Genesis 2:24?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of retreat and renewal into our daily lives, as suggested by the imagery in this verse?

3. How does the symbolism of wildflowers in this verse enhance our understanding of the beauty and simplicity of love?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to nurture intimacy in our relationships, both with our spouses and with God?

5. How can the appreciation of God's creation, as seen in this verse, influence our perspective on the world and our relationship with the Creator?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
The call to leave and cleave, as the Shulammite invites her beloved to leave the city and join her in the countryside, echoes the biblical principle of leaving one's family to unite with a spouse.

Matthew 6:28-29
Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field, highlighting the beauty and provision of God, which parallels the imagery of wildflowers in this verse.

Psalm 23:2
The imagery of peaceful pastures and still waters connects to the idea of finding rest and renewal in the countryside.