Song of Solomon 8:13
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to heare it. Song of Solomon 8:13 (KJV)
Let us dive into a Bible study on Song of Solomon 8:13 in the King James Version. The Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs, is an Old Testament book that explores love, desire, and the beauty of human relationships. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, it is often read allegorically as a picture of God’s love for Israel or Christ’s love for the Church.
The verse reads: “Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.”
“Thou that dwellest in the gardens” points to the beloved who inhabits a place of beauty and delight. One view sees the beloved as the bridegroom, Solomon, the focus of the bride’s address; another sees the beloved as the bride herself, the central figure of the book. In either case, the garden symbolizes intimacy, harmony, and the flourishing love shared between the two.
“The companions hearken to thy voice” (or “the companions that hear thy voice”) refers to the friends, attendants, or the daughters of Jerusalem who listen attentively. Their readiness to hear underscores the authority and influence of the beloved, whose words carry weight and invite response.
In the phrase “cause me to hear it,” the speaker—identified as the bride—asks the beloved to speak, to make his voice known, expressing a longing for deeper connection. The alternate wording “let them sing” invites the companions to celebrate the beloved’s presence with song, highlighting communal joy and admiration.
Overall, the verse emphasizes the beauty of communication within a loving relationship. It points to mutual understanding, intimacy, and the acknowledgment of the beloved’s wisdom. Allegorically, the passage can be seen as God’s desire to hear the voice of His people, stressing the importance of prayer, praise, and fellowship between God and His beloved.
