Song of Solomon 1:4
Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Royal imagery pervades the Song—Solomon is repeatedly called 'the king' (1:4, 12; 3:9-11). In ancient Near Eastern culture, the king's inner chambers were highly restricted space, accessible only to those in intimate relationship with the monarch. Being brought into such private quarters signified honor, trust, and special favor. The Song democratizes this royal imagery: the beloved isn't a foreign dignitary but the bride, suggesting that covenant love grants access royalty might otherwise monopolize. Church tradition interpreted this eschatologically: Christ the King brings His beloved Church into the intimacy of the Father's presence. The phrase 'we will run after thee' echoes the psalmist's declaration: 'I will run the way of thy commandments' (Psalm 119:32). Early monasticism emphasized the contemplative life as entering the King's chambers through prayer and meditation. The Puritans balanced this with active service—running after Christ in both devotional intimacy and missional obedience. Modern application emphasizes both the priority of intimacy with God and the privilege of access through Christ's finished work.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience the balance between God's initiative ('draw me') and your responsive pursuit ('we will run after thee') in your spiritual life?
- What does it mean practically to be brought into the 'King's chambers'—experiencing privileged intimacy with God through Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride declares, 'Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers.' The imperative 'draw me' (Hebrew 'moshkeni,' מָשְׁכֵנִי) suggests active pursuit by the beloved, while 'we will run after thee' indicates eager, voluntary response. The sudden shift from singular ('me') to plural ('we') may include the bride's companions (daughters of Jerusalem, verse 5) in celebration of the relationship. The phrase 'the king hath brought me into his chambers' uses the Hebrew 'chadrayikh' (חֲדָרָיךָ, inner rooms/private chambers), indicating intimate, secluded space reserved for the closest relationship. This isn't forced intrusion but welcomed invitation into privileged intimacy. The verse portrays love as both divine initiative ('draw me') and human response ('we will run'). Theologically, this anticipates Jesus's teaching: 'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him' (John 6:44). God initiates relationship through grace, and believers respond with eager pursuit. The 'king's chambers' prefigure the believer's access to God's presence through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).