Shulammite
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The Shulammite is a central figure in the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, which is a poetic book in the Old Testament. The identity of the Shulammite is not explicitly detailed in the text, but she is traditionally understood to be the beloved bride of Solomon, the king of Israel. Her presence in the Song of Solomon is significant as she represents the ideal of beauty, love, and devotion.

Biblical References:

The Shulammite is introduced in Song of Solomon 6:13, where the daughters of Jerusalem call out, "Return, return, O Shulammite; return, return, that we may look upon you!" This verse highlights her captivating presence and the admiration she receives from others. The name "Shulammite" is believed to be a feminine form of "Solomon," suggesting a close connection or even a symbolic representation of the union between Solomon and his bride.

Character and Symbolism:

The Shulammite is portrayed as a woman of great beauty and grace. Her love for Solomon is passionate and pure, and she is depicted as longing for her beloved with deep affection. In Song of Solomon 1:5, she describes herself, saying, "I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." This self-description emphasizes her confidence and the unique beauty she possesses.

Throughout the Song of Solomon, the Shulammite's voice is prominent, expressing her desires and emotions with vivid imagery and poetic language. Her relationship with Solomon is characterized by mutual admiration and a deep, abiding love. In Song of Solomon 2:16, she declares, "My beloved is mine and I am his; he grazes among the lilies." This verse encapsulates the reciprocal nature of their love and the sense of belonging they share.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Shulammite is often seen as a symbol of the Church or the individual believer in a loving relationship with Christ, the Bridegroom. The intimate and personal nature of the love depicted in the Song of Solomon is interpreted as an allegory for the spiritual union between Christ and His Church. The Shulammite's longing and devotion reflect the believer's desire for a deep and personal relationship with the Savior.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Song of Solomon is set in a pastoral and royal context, with imagery drawn from nature and the splendor of Solomon's court. The Shulammite's references to vineyards, gardens, and flocks suggest a rural background, while her interactions with Solomon place her within the royal sphere. This blend of settings highlights the universality of love, transcending social and economic boundaries.

Conclusion:

The Shulammite remains a compelling figure within the biblical narrative, embodying the themes of love, beauty, and devotion. Her account in the Song of Solomon continues to inspire interpretations that explore the depths of human and divine love, offering a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion that resonates with believers throughout the ages.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHULAMMITE

shoo'-la-mit (Songs 6:13, the King James Version "Shulamite").

See SHUNAMMITE.

Strong's Hebrew
7759. Shulammith -- heroine of the Song of Solomon
... 7758, 7759. Shulammith. 7760 . heroine of the Song of Solomon. Transliteration:
Shulammith Phonetic Spelling: (shoo-lam-meeth') Short Definition: Shulammite ...
/hebrew/7759.htm - 6k
Library

Fruits of Recognized Union
... The daughters of Jerusalem would fain call her back:". Return, return, O Shulammite; ...
Why will ye look upon the Shulammite? or, as in the Authorized Version,. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section v fruits of recognized.htm

Notes
... in this series (Biblical Idyls volume) is that King Solomon, visiting his vineyards
on Mount Lebanon, has come by surprise upon a beautiful Shulammite maiden. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

Thesaurus
Shulammite (1 Occurrence)
...SHULAMMITE. shoo'-la-mit (Songs 6:13, the King James Version "Shulamite"). ...Shulammite
(1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 6:13 Return, return, Shulammite! ...
/s/shulammite.htm - 7k

Shu'lammite (1 Occurrence)
Shu'lammite. Shulammite, Shu'lammite. Shulammith . ... Song of Songs 6:13 Return,
return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. ...
/s/shu'lammite.htm - 6k

Songs (100 Occurrences)
... If the traditional view that Solomon wooed and won the Shulammite be true, the
Solomonic authorship may even yet be defended, though the linguistic argument ...
/s/songs.htm - 62k

Song (207 Occurrences)
... If the traditional view that Solomon wooed and won the Shulammite be true, the
Solomonic authorship may even yet be defended, though the linguistic argument ...
/s/song.htm - 78k

Mahanaim (15 Occurrences)
... article. By emending the text Cheyne would read: "What do you see in the Shulammite? ...
Song of Songs 6:13 Return, return, Shulammite! Return ...
/m/mahanaim.htm - 18k

Sword-dance (1 Occurrence)
... Song of Songs 6:13 Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, so
that our eyes may see you. What will you see in the Shulammite? A sword-dance. ...
/s/sword-dance.htm - 6k

Shulamite (1 Occurrence)
... The same, as some think, with "Shunammite," from "Shunem:" otherwise, the import
of the word is uncertain (Cant. 6:13; RV, "Shulammite"). ...
/s/shulamite.htm - 6k

Dance (18 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 6:13 Return, return, Shulammite! ... Why do you desire to gaze at the
Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim? (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dance.htm - 15k

Gaze (46 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NAS). Song of Songs 6:13 Return, return, Shulammite! ... Why do you desire to
gaze at the Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim? (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/g/gaze.htm - 19k

Companies (38 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Song of Songs 6:13 Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that
we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite...
/c/companies.htm - 18k

Resources
Who was the Shulammite woman? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the Shulammite had dark skin (Song of Solomon 1:6)? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Shulammite (1 Occurrence)

Song of Songs 6:13
Return, return, Shulammite! Return, return, that we may gaze at you. Why do you desire to gaze at the Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim?
(WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Shulammite

Related Terms

Shulammith (1 Occurrence)

Shulammite (1 Occurrence)

Shulamite
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