Song of Solomon 5:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Song of Solomon 5:14
14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
Chapter Context
Song of Solomon 5 is a poetic love song chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, love. Written during Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern love poetry often used agricultural and royal imagery.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Song of Solomon and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Song of Solomon 5:14
14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Related: Exodus 24:10, Isaiah 54:11