Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
Song of Solomon 5:13 (KJV)
Context
The Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs, is a poetic book in the Old Testament. It is attributed to King Solomon and celebrates the love between a bride and her bridegroom. This verse belongs to a larger passage, Song of Solomon 5:9-16, where the bride answers her friends by describing her beloved’s graces. Her words use vivid images of fragrance and beauty to express deep affection and admiration. The book as a whole affirms the goodness of romantic love within marriage, showing that physical attraction and delight are part of God’s design.
Meaning
The bride compares his cheeks to a “bed of spices” and “sweet flowers.” In ancient times, a bed of spices was a garden plot filled with aromatic plants, a place of delight and refreshment. The image suggests that his face is pleasant, attractive, and pleasing to behold. His lips are like “lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.” Lilies were known for beauty and purity, while myrrh was a costly resin used in perfume and anointing oil. The picture is of words that are not only lovely to see but also fragrant and valuable, like myrrh that drips gently. The verse emphasizes that his presence and speech bring joy and satisfaction. The sensory language of fragrance and taste invites the reader to experience love as something rich and life-giving, not merely abstract.
Biblical connections
Myrrh appears elsewhere in Scripture in connection with Christ. The wise men brought myrrh as a gift to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11), and myrrh was used in preparing His body for burial (John 19:39). These references show that myrrh was precious and linked to both honor and sacrifice. In Christian tradition, the Song of Solomon has often been read as an allegory of the love between Christ and His church. The bride’s admiration of her beloved’s face and lips points to the beauty and desirability of Christ. His words are gracious and life-giving, and His presence brings spiritual refreshment. The imagery of spices, flowers, and myrrh evokes something precious, fragrant, and life-giving, which in Christian thought points to the sweetness of Christ’s character and the value of His words.
Application
This verse invites believers to delight in Christ’s beauty and to find satisfaction in His presence. Just as the bride treasures her beloved’s appearance and words, Christians can treasure Christ’s character and teachings. His words bring healing and restoration, and they are pleasant to the soul. Believers are also called to reflect Christ’s fragrance to others. Through kind speech and loving actions, they can display the sweetness of His character. The verse encourages a deep, affectionate love for Christ, who is altogether lovely. Such love is not distant or formal; it is warm and personal, like the bride’s admiration. As believers grow in this love, they find that Christ’s presence refreshes their spirit and His words guide their daily lives.
Reflection
Consider how you view Christ. Do you see Him as beautiful and desirable, or is your view distant and formal? The bride’s language is full of warmth and intimacy. She does not merely list facts about her beloved; she expresses delight. In the same way, faith is not only belief but also love. Take time to meditate on Christ’s words and His character. Let His presence refresh your spirit like a bed of spices. Let His words guide your thoughts and speech. As you grow in love for Him, your life will carry a sweet fragrance that draws others to Him. This verse calls you to move beyond mere knowledge and into a living, affectionate relationship with the One who is altogether lovely.
