Song of Solomon 4:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Song of Solomon 4:6
6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Chapter Context
Song of Solomon 4 is a poetic love song chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, creation, wisdom. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 4:6
6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Analysis
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away (ad sheyaphach hayom venasu hatsilalim, עַד שֶׁיָּפוּחַ הַיּוֹם וְנָסוּ הַצְּלָלִים)—this phrase suggests the dawning of day when darkness dissipates. The beloved anticipates the time of full revelation and consummation. I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense (elekh li el har hamor ve'el giv'at halevonah, אֵלֶךְ לִי אֶל־הַר הַמּוֹר וְאֶל־גִּבְעַת הַלְּבוֹנָה) employs metaphorical geography.
Myrrh (mor, מוֹר) and frankincense (levonah, לְבוֹנָה) were precious spices used in worship and intimate settings. The "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense" metaphorically represent the bride herself—her body as sacred space for intimate worship. The bridegroom pledges to spend the night in intimate communion. Eschatologically, this anticipates the full day when shadows flee—Christ's return and the consummation of His union with the Church (Revelation 19:7-9). Until then, He dwells intimately with His people.
Historical Context
Myrrh and frankincense were among the costliest spices in the ancient world—gifts presented to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11), used in temple worship (Exodus 30:23, 34), and employed in burial preparation (John 19:39-40). Myrrh had bitter taste but beautiful fragrance, symbolizing suffering that produces beauty. Frankincense's sweet smoke represented prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). The beloved's pledge to spend the night on these fragrant mountains celebrates prolonged intimate communion. Early church fathers saw myrrh representing Christ's suffering (bitter but fragrant) and frankincense representing prayer and worship. The phrase "until the day break" was interpreted eschatologically—until Christ's return, He dwells with His Church through the Spirit. The Puritans emphasized that believers enjoy real but incomplete communion with Christ now, awaiting full consummation at His return.
Reflection
- How does anticipating the day when "shadows flee away"—Christ's return—shape your present devotion and hope?
- In what ways is intimate communion with Christ like the bridegroom on the "mountain of myrrh"—involving both sweetness and suffering, pleasure and sacrifice?
- What practices cultivate sustained, prolonged intimacy with Christ, not just brief devotional moments?
Cross-References
- Related: Song of Solomon 2:17, 4:14, Luke 1:78