Song of Solomon 7:10
I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The use of teshuqah (desire) creates an intertextual link with Genesis 3:16, where the fall distorted relationships—introducing domination, conflict, and broken mutuality. Song of Solomon presents redemptive covenant love that reverses curse dynamics: instead of ruling and domination, there is mutual desire and delight; instead of conflict, there is harmonious belonging. Ancient patriarchal cultures often emphasized husband's authority with little regard for wife's dignity or mutual desire. The Song's celebration of the beloved's pursuing desire for the bride affirms her value, beauty, and worth—she is treasured and sought, not merely tolerated or used. Early church fathers saw this as Christ's passionate desire for His Church—He seeks, pursues, and treasures His people (Luke 19:10; John 10:11). The Reformers emphasized that salvation originates in God's electing love and pursuing grace—He desires us before we desire Him (1 John 4:19). Modern readers find hope both in marriage (spouses should actively desire and pursue each other) and gospel truth (Christ passionately desires His people, not reluctantly tolerating them).
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that Christ's 'desire is toward you'—He actively pursues, treasures, and delights in you—transform your security and identity in Him?
- In marriage, how can both spouses cultivate and express ongoing desire for each other, reversing cultural patterns of neglect or dominance?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride declares, 'I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.' This verse presents the third variation on the mutual belonging theme (see 2:16; 6:3), now emphasizing the beloved's desire for the bride. The phrase 'I am my beloved's' reaffirms covenant commitment and self-giving. The second clause 'his desire is toward me' (Hebrew 'teshuqato alay,' תְּשׁוּקָתוֹ עָלָי) employs the same root word (teshuqah, תְּשׁוּקָה) used only twice elsewhere in Scripture: Genesis 3:16 ('thy desire shall be to thy husband') and Genesis 4:7 ('sin's desire is for you'). In Genesis 3:16, teshuqah describes the fallen dynamic where the woman's desire is toward her husband who will rule over her—a consequence of the fall. Here in Song of Solomon, the desire flows from the beloved toward the bride—reversing the curse. In redeemed covenant love, the husband desires his wife (not merely rules her), and she joyfully belongs to him (not in subjection but in mutual love). This verse celebrates the beloved's pursuing desire and the bride's security in being desired—love that seeks and treasures the other.