Song of Solomon 4:6
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Myrrh and frankincense were among the costliest spices in the ancient world—gifts presented to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11), used in temple worship (Exodus 30:23, 34), and employed in burial preparation (John 19:39-40). Myrrh had bitter taste but beautiful fragrance, symbolizing suffering that produces beauty. Frankincense's sweet smoke represented prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). The beloved's pledge to spend the night on these fragrant mountains celebrates prolonged intimate communion. Early church fathers saw myrrh representing Christ's suffering (bitter but fragrant) and frankincense representing prayer and worship. The phrase "until the day break" was interpreted eschatologically—until Christ's return, He dwells with His Church through the Spirit. The Puritans emphasized that believers enjoy real but incomplete communion with Christ now, awaiting full consummation at His return.
Questions for Reflection
- How does anticipating the day when "shadows flee away"—Christ's return—shape your present devotion and hope?
- In what ways is intimate communion with Christ like the bridegroom on the "mountain of myrrh"—involving both sweetness and suffering, pleasure and sacrifice?
- What practices cultivate sustained, prolonged intimacy with Christ, not just brief devotional moments?
Analysis & Commentary
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away (ad sheyaphach hayom venasu hatsilalim, עַד שֶׁיָּפוּחַ הַיּוֹם וְנָסוּ הַצְּלָלִים)—this phrase suggests the dawning of day when darkness dissipates. The beloved anticipates the time of full revelation and consummation. I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense (elekh li el har hamor ve'el giv'at halevonah, אֵלֶךְ לִי אֶל־הַר הַמּוֹר וְאֶל־גִּבְעַת הַלְּבוֹנָה) employs metaphorical geography.
Myrrh (mor, מוֹר) and frankincense (levonah, לְבוֹנָה) were precious spices used in worship and intimate settings. The "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense" metaphorically represent the bride herself—her body as sacred space for intimate worship. The bridegroom pledges to spend the night in intimate communion. Eschatologically, this anticipates the full day when shadows flee—Christ's return and the consummation of His union with the Church (Revelation 19:7-9). Until then, He dwells intimately with His people.