Song of Solomon 6:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Song of Solomon 6:13
13 Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.
Chapter Context
Song of Solomon 6 is a poetic love song chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, holiness. 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 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 6:13
13 Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.
Analysis
Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies. The chorus calls for the Shulamite's return, met with defensive question. The Hebrew shuvi shuvi hashulammit shuvi shuvi venechez-bakh mah-techezu bashulammit kimcholat hamachanayim (שׁוּבִי שׁוּבִי הַשּׁוּלַמִּית שׁוּבִי שׁוּבִי וְנֶחֱזֶה־בָּךְ מַה־תֶּחֱזוּ בַּשּׁוּלַמִּית כִּמְחֹלַת הַמַּחֲנָיִם) introduces the bride as "Shulamite" and employs military imagery.
"Shulamite" (Shulammit, שׁוּלַמִּית) appears only here in Scripture. Etymology debated: feminine form of Solomon (Shelomo), meaning she belongs to Solomon? Reference to Shunem (hometown of Abishag, 1 Kings 1:3)? Or from shalom (peace), making her "the peaceful one"? The fourfold repetition "return, return" (shuvi shuvi) expresses urgent desire to behold her, possibly calling her back from dance or procession. "That we may look upon thee" (venechez-bakh) uses chazah (חָזָה), meaning to gaze, perceive, contemplate—intense visual focus.
The question "What will ye see?" challenges the gaze—why this intense scrutiny? The answer: "as it were the company of two armies" (kimcholat hamachanayim). Macholat (מְחֹלַת) means dance; machanayim (מַחֲנָיִם) means two camps/armies. Is this the "dance of Mahanaim" (place name from Genesis 32:2 where Jacob saw two camps of angels)? Or dance resembling two armies in formation? Either way, the bride's beauty and grace command attention like impressive military display. The church's corporate worship and unified beauty similarly displays Christ's glory before watching world (John 17:21-23, Ephesians 3:10).
Historical Context
Mahanaim was significant biblical location east of Jordan River where Jacob encountered angels (Genesis 32:1-2), later serving as capital during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:24-27). The name means "two camps," referring to Jacob's company and angelic host. If the verse references this location's traditional dance, it suggests processional or celebratory movement involving coordinated groups. Ancient Near Eastern victory celebrations often included women's dances (Exodus 15:20, Judges 11:34, 1 Samuel 18:6-7). The Shulamite's dance might be wedding procession, victory celebration, or simply joyful expression of love, but observers are captivated by its beauty and coordination.
Reflection
- How does the fourfold call "return, return" reflect Christ's persistent invitation to His church to draw near and fellowship with Him?
- What does the image of the Shulamite as "two armies" teach about the church's calling to be both beautiful (bride) and formidable (army) against spiritual enemies?
- In what ways should the church's corporate life and worship command the attention of watching world like an impressive, coordinated display?
Cross-References
- Related: Genesis 32:2