Song of Solomon 5:14
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Gold jewelry set with precious stones indicated royalty and wealth. Beryl (tarshish, תַּרְשִׁישׁ) stones were valuable yellow-golden gemstones. The beloved's hands as gold rings set with beryl celebrated both strength (gold) and beauty (jewels). Ivory was luxury material imported from Africa or India—used in royal furniture and decorations. Solomon's throne was covered with ivory overlaid with gold (1 Kings 10:18). Sapphires were royal gemstones—appearing in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:18) and in visions of God's throne (Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26). The beloved's ivory body overlaid with sapphires combined pure strength with royal, heavenly glory. Early church fathers saw Christ's "gold hands" as His creative and redemptive works—infinitely valuable. The "ivory body with sapphires" represented His incarnation—divine glory (sapphires) united with pure humanity (ivory). The Reformers emphasized Christ's works as perfectly righteous—His obedience credited to believers. The Puritans taught meditation on Christ's specific works—creation, providence, redemption—as fuel for love.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific "works" of Christ (His gold hands with beryl)—creation, miracles, redemption, intercession—do you find most valuable and compelling?
- How does Christ's combination of pure humanity (ivory) and divine glory (sapphires) assure you that He perfectly represents both God and humanity?
- In what ways do Christ's hands—His works, His touch, His activity—bring beauty and value into your life?
Analysis & Commentary
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl (yadayv geliyley zahav memulaim batarshish, יָדָיו גְּלִילֵי זָהָב מְמֻלָּאִים בַּתַּרְשִׁישׁ)—the beloved's hands are compared to gold cylinders (seals or rods) set with beryl (tarshish, תַּרְשִׁישׁ)—precious yellow or golden-brown gemstones. This imagery celebrates strength, value, and beauty. Hands represent action and work—the beloved's deeds are precious and powerful.
His belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires (me'ayv eshet shen me'ulepheth sappirim, מֵעָיו עֶשֶׁת שֵׁן מְעֻלֶּפֶת סַפִּירִים) describes the torso as carved ivory decorated with sapphires—white strength adorned with blue beauty. Ivory represented purity, luxury, and strength; sapphires represented royal value and heavenly glory. The beloved combines strength (gold hands, ivory body) with costly beauty (beryl, sapphires). Christ's works (hands) are infinitely valuable, and His character (body) combines pure strength with royal glory.