Song of Solomon 3:10
He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Silver and gold were precious metals reserved for royalty and sacred vessels. Purple dye (argaman, אַרְגָּמָן) from Murex shellfish was extraordinarily expensive, making purple fabric royal attire (Judges 8:26; Esther 8:15). Solomon's wealth made such extravagance possible (1 Kings 10:14-29). The phrase 'paved with love' is unique—ancient readers would expect description of more precious stones or materials, but instead the poet names love itself as the chariot's interior beauty. This teaches that external splendor means nothing without internal love. The 'daughters of Jerusalem' as witnesses suggests covenant love should be publicly celebrated and attested by community. Early church fathers saw gold as divinity, silver as humanity, purple as royalty—all united in Christ. The 'love' paving anticipates 1 Corinthians 13's supremacy of love over all gifts. Modern readers see that genuine love, not external show, makes relationships beautiful.
Questions for Reflection
- How is your life 'paved with love'—motivated and sustained by love for Christ and others—beneath whatever external appearance you present?
- What does it mean that Christ's provision for His Church combines both external glory (gold, silver, purple) and internal reality (love)?
Analysis & Commentary
He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. The description details the chariot's opulent construction: pillars of silver (amudav asah keseph, עַמֻּדָיו עָשָׂה כֶסֶף), bottom of gold (raphidato zahav, רְפִידָתוֹ זָהָב), covering of purple (merkavo argaman, מֶרְכָּבוֹ אַרְגָּמָן, royal purple fabric). The phrase midst thereof being paved with love (tokho ratsuf ahavah, תּוֹכוֹ רָצוּף אַהֲבָה) is remarkable—the interior is 'inlaid' or 'tessellated' with love itself.
The chariot combines precious metals (silver, gold), royal fabric (purple, expensive Tyrian dye), and intangible treasure—love. The exterior displays wealth and status, but the interior reveals love's motivation. 'Paved with love' suggests love is the chariot's true foundation and beauty, more precious than gold or silver. The phrase 'for the daughters of Jerusalem' indicates this public display invites witnesses to marvel. Spiritually, Christ's preparation for His Church combines divine resources (gold, silver = righteousness, redemption) with royal covering (purple = kingly authority), all motivated and sustained by love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8-10).