Song of Solomon 7:6

How fair and pleasant you are, O love, with your delights!

Study Bible

How fair and pleasant you are
This phrase highlights the admiration and affection expressed by the speaker, often interpreted as Solomon, towards his beloved. The use of "fair" and "pleasant" suggests a deep appreciation for both physical beauty and character. In biblical context, beauty is often associated with God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:31, where God saw everything He made as "very good." The Song of Solomon, as a whole, celebrates the beauty of love and marriage, reflecting the divine intention for human relationships. The admiration here can also be seen as a type of Christ's love for the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-27, where Christ cherishes and sanctifies the Church.

O love
The term "love" here is significant, as it denotes a deep, intimate connection. In Hebrew, the word used can imply both romantic and covenantal love, reflecting the multifaceted nature of love in biblical terms. This mirrors the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in Hosea 2:19-20, where God promises to betroth Israel to Himself in love and faithfulness. The use of "love" in this context also points to the ideal of marital love as a reflection of divine love, emphasizing commitment, passion, and mutual respect.

with your delights!
"Delights" refers to the pleasures and joys found in the beloved, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, marriage was seen as a source of joy and fulfillment, as indicated in Proverbs 5:18-19, which encourages rejoicing in the wife of one's youth. The delights mentioned here can also be understood as the blessings and joys of a godly relationship, which are a gift from God. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God desiring joy and abundance for His people, as seen in John 10:10, where Jesus speaks of giving life abundantly. The delights in this passage can also be seen as a type of the spiritual blessings found in Christ, who is the ultimate source of joy and satisfaction for believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse is often interpreted as the bridegroom, expressing admiration for his bride. This reflects the intimate and loving relationship between the two.

2. The Bride
The recipient of the admiration, representing beauty and delight. In a broader sense, she can symbolize the Church or the individual believer in a spiritual allegory.

3. The Setting
The Song of Solomon is set in a pastoral and romantic context, often interpreted as a series of love poems between Solomon and his bride, or allegorically, between God and His people.

Teaching Points

The Beauty of Love
The verse highlights the beauty and delight found in love, encouraging believers to cherish and nurture their relationships, especially within marriage.

Spiritual Allegory
While the verse speaks of romantic love, it also serves as an allegory for the love between Christ and the Church, reminding believers of the deep, personal relationship they are called to have with God.

Value of Delight
The expression of delight in the beloved encourages believers to find joy and satisfaction in their relationships, both human and divine, as a reflection of God's love.

Holiness in Relationships
The admiration and purity expressed in this verse call believers to pursue holiness and integrity in their relationships, mirroring the love and commitment of Christ to His Church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the expression of admiration in Song of Solomon 7:6 enhance our understanding of the value of love in marriage?

2. In what ways can the relationship between the bride and bridegroom in Song of Solomon serve as a model for our relationship with Christ?

3. How can we apply the concept of delight in our daily relationships, both with God and with others?

4. What are some practical ways to cultivate a sense of beauty and holiness in our personal relationships?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Ephesians 5:25-27, deepen our understanding of the spiritual allegory present in Song of Solomon 7:6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:23-24
The intimate relationship between the bride and bridegroom in Song of Solomon reflects the union of Adam and Eve, emphasizing the sanctity and beauty of marital love.

Ephesians 5:25-27
The love and admiration expressed in Song of Solomon can be seen as a reflection of Christ's love for the Church, highlighting the purity and devotion expected in this divine relationship.

Psalm 45:11
This verse speaks of the king's desire for his bride, paralleling the admiration and delight found in Song of Solomon, and pointing to the spiritual beauty of the Church.