Song of Solomon 2:10
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Palestinian winters brought rain and cold, confining people indoors. Spring's arrival—warm weather, blooming flowers, migrating birds—invited outdoor activity and celebration. The beloved's invitation reflects ancient courtship patterns: inviting the bride to walks, shared experiences, and enjoyment of creation together. The imperative 'rise up' resonates with prophetic summons: 'Arise, shine; for thy light is come' (Isaiah 60:1). Early church fathers heard Christ's Easter call: 'Rise up' from death and sin, 'come away' from the world to resurrection life. The medieval hymn 'Veni dilecti' ('Come, beloved') celebrated Christ calling the soul from worldly attachment to heavenly communion. The Reformers emphasized that salvation involves Christ's summons and the sinner's responsive rising to new life. Modern readers recognize both romantic invitation (shared life and joy) and spiritual call (leaving old life for new creation in Christ).
Questions for Reflection
- What is Christ inviting you to 'rise up' from—what spiritual deadness, sin patterns, or worldly attachments—and to 'come away' toward?
- How does this verse inform godly courtship and marriage—partners inviting each other into shared adventure, beauty, and joy?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride recalls her beloved's invitation: 'My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.' The dual imperatives 'rise up' (qumi, קוּמִי) and 'come away' (lekhi-lakh, לְכִי־לָךְ) summon urgent response and departure. The terms of endearment—'my love' (rayati, רַעְיָתִי) and 'my fair one' (yaphati, יָפָתִי)—express affection and admiration. The context (verses 11-13) reveals this as springtime invitation: winter has passed, flowers appear, singing birds return. The beloved calls the bride to leave confinement and enjoy creation's renewal with him. This verse celebrates love's invitation to partnership, adventure, and shared joy. Spiritually, it represents Christ's call to believers: leave sin's bondage, rise from spiritual deadness, come to Him for abundant life. The resurrection imagery ('rise up') anticipates new life in Christ.