Song of Solomon Chapter 3 — The Search and the Procession
A woman recounts searching the city at night for her beloved and finding him. The scene then shifts to a grand royal procession for King Solomon.
1By night on my bed,
2I will get up now, and go about the city;
3The watchmen who go about the city found me;
4I had scarcely passed from them,
5I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
6Who is this who comes up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke,
7Behold, it is Solomon’s carriage!
8They all handle the sword, and are expert in war.
9King Solomon made himself a carriage
10He made its pillars of silver,
11Go out, you daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Song of Solomon 3:1
“By night on my bed, I sought him whom my soul loves.”
This opening line establishes the deep longing and the theme of searching for the beloved.
Song of Solomon 3:6
“Who is this who comes up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense?”
This verse marks the transition from the private search to the public, grand arrival of the king.
Song of Solomon 3:11
“Go out, you daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon, with the crown with which his mother has crowned him on the day of his weddings.”
The chapter ends with a call to the community to witness the joy and glory of the royal wedding.
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a narrator describing a nocturnal search for her beloved. While resting on her bed, she realizes he is not there and decides to search the city streets. After encountering the city watchmen and inquiring about her beloved, she finds him shortly after passing them. She brings him to her mother's house and adjures the daughters of Jerusalem not to stir up love before its time. The focus then shifts to a majestic sight on the horizon: a procession coming up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke. This is revealed to be King Solomon's carriage, surrounded by sixty valiant warriors expert in war. The carriage is described as a masterpiece made of cedar from Lebanon, with pillars of silver, a bottom of gold, and a seat of purple. The chapter concludes by calling the daughters of Zion to come out and behold King Solomon wearing the crown his mother gave him on his wedding day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The woman goes through the streets and squares looking for the one she loves. She encounters the city watchmen and asks if they have seen him; shortly after leaving them, she finds her beloved and brings him to her mother's house.
The sixty warriors are described as experts in war who surround King Solomon's carriage. They represent protection and security, ensuring the safety of the king and his procession during the night.
The carriage is depicted as a luxurious vehicle made of wood from Lebanon. It features pillars of silver, a base of gold, and upholstery of purple, with its interior lovingly crafted by the daughters of Jerusalem.
Study Note
The mention of 'pillars of smoke' likely refers to the clouds of incense burned during ancient royal or wedding processions to signal the arrival of an important figure.
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