Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern marriage involved covenant vows establishing mutual obligation and exclusive commitment. The language of belonging ('mine... his') appears in marriage contracts and covenant formulae throughout Scripture. Israel's relationship with YHWH employed marital imagery—'your Maker is your husband' (Isaiah 54:5); God's people are His 'treasured possession' (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6). The Song's reciprocal language democratizes marriage—both parties equally belong to each other, countering ancient Near Eastern patriarchy that often viewed wives as property. The lily imagery connects to 2:1-2, where the bride identifies herself as a lily. The beloved delighting in her beauty suggests covenantal love values and cherishes the other. Early church tradition saw this as the mutual indwelling of Christ and the believer: 'Abide in me, and I in you' (John 15:4). The Reformers emphasized covenant theology—God's people belong to Him through Christ's redemptive work, and He delights in His Church. Modern application celebrates both marital mutuality and the believer's secure identity in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reciprocal formula—'my beloved is mine, and I am his'—shape your understanding of secure, mutual covenant commitment in marriage or in relationship with Christ?
- What does it mean that Christ 'feeds among the lilies'—delighting in His Church, finding satisfaction in His people, despite our imperfections?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride declares with confidence: 'My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.' This verse expresses mutual belonging and covenant security. The reciprocal possessive—'mine... his'—reflects the covenant formula used in marriage and God's relationship with Israel: 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people' (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 37:27). Neither partner dominates; both mutually belong to each other. The phrase 'he feedeth among the lilies' uses pastoral imagery—the shepherd grazing his flock among beautiful flowers, or the beloved feeding on lilies representing the bride's beauty and purity (lily imagery appears in 2:1-2). This suggests the beloved finds delight, nourishment, and contentment in the bride's presence. The verse celebrates covenant love's security: 'I am his' (belonging, commitment) and joy: 'he feedeth among the lilies' (delight, satisfaction). This mutual possession doesn't diminish personhood but establishes security, identity, and purpose through covenant union. Theologically, it prefigures the believer's union with Christ: 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine' (6:3).