Song of Solomon 7:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Song of Solomon 7:13
13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
Chapter Context
Song of Solomon 7 is a poetic love song chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, mercy, 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 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 7:13
13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
Analysis
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. The bride concludes her invitation by describing sensory delights awaiting her beloved. The Hebrew haduda'im natenu reach ve-al-petacheinu kol-megadim chadashim gam-yeshanim dodi tsafanti lakh (הַדּוּדָאִים נָתְנוּ רֵיחַ וְעַל־פְּתָחֵינוּ כָּל־מְגָדִים חֲדָשִׁים גַּם־יְשָׁנִים דּוֹדִי צָפַנְתִּי לָךְ) employs botanical and architectural imagery emphasizing abundance and anticipation.
"The mandrakes give a smell" (haduda'im natenu reach)—mandrakes (duda'im, דּוּדָאִים) were plants with fragrant fruit and roots, believed to enhance fertility and love (Genesis 30:14-16). The Hebrew root connects to dod (love), making duda'im wordplay on love-plants. Their fragrance signals season of love and fruitfulness. "At our gates" (al-petacheinu) indicates doorway or entrance—threshold between public and private, suggesting immediate accessibility. "All manner of pleasant fruits" (kol-megadim) uses meged (מֶגֶד), meaning choice things, precious fruits, delicacies—only the best.
"New and old" (chadashim gam-yeshanim) indicates both fresh recent harvest and preserved stored fruits—complete provision spanning seasons. This suggests the bride has prepared comprehensively, holding nothing back. "Which I have laid up for thee" (tsafanti lakh) uses tsafan (צָפַן), meaning to treasure, store, hide away for future use. The phrase emphasizes intentionality—she's been preparing, saving, anticipating this moment. "O my beloved" (dodi) intensifies intimacy and ownership. Applied to Christ and church: believers store up spiritual treasures—acts of obedience, growth in grace, fruit of Spirit—as offerings to Christ (Matthew 6:19-21, Colossians 1:10, Galatians 5:22-23). The "new and old" treasures might represent progressive sanctification—both recent growth and longstanding faithfulness (Matthew 13:52).
Historical Context
Mandrakes grew wild in ancient Israel, flowering in spring with apple-like fragrant fruit ripening by summer. Ancient Near Eastern cultures attributed aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties to mandrakes, making them valuable (Genesis 30:14-16). Storing "new and old" fruits was necessary in pre-refrigeration culture—preservation through drying, pickling, or storing in cool locations. Wealthy households maintained storerooms of preserved foods, spices, and delicacies. The bride's claim to have "laid up" such treasures demonstrates planning, resources, and devotion—she's prepared specifically for her beloved's enjoyment, not merely general housekeeping.
Reflection
- How does the image of storing up "new and old" fruits model the Christian life of continual growth while treasuring longstanding faithfulness?
- What spiritual "mandrakes"—fragrances of devotion and obedience—does Christ desire to find at the "gates" of our hearts?
- In what ways can believers intentionally "lay up" spiritual treasures—acts of love, service, worship—specifically for Christ's pleasure rather than human recognition?
Cross-References
- Related: Genesis 30:14, Matthew 13:52