Song of Solomon 2:17
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Song of Solomon 2:17 (KJV)
Context
The Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs, is a poetic book in the Old Testament. It is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and contains love poems between a bride and her bridegroom. The book uses vivid imagery to celebrate romantic love and the longing between the two.
In this verse, the bride speaks to her beloved. She asks him to come to her quickly, like a deer leaping over the mountains. The setting is evening, and she longs for the darkness to end so they can be together.
Meaning
The phrase “Until the day break, and the shadows flee away” expresses eager waiting. The bride wants the night of separation to end and the light of reunion to come. The shadows may stand for doubts, fears, or anything that keeps them apart.
“Turn, my beloved” is a plea for his attention and presence. She does not want him to stay distant. She calls him to turn toward her, showing her deep desire for closeness.
The comparison to a roe or a young hart, both swift deer, pictures speed and grace. The “mountains of Bether” may mean mountains of separation or division. She asks him to cross every barrier and come to her without delay.
Biblical connections
This verse connects with the previous one, Song of Solomon 2:16, where the bride says, “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” That assurance of belonging makes her longing here even stronger. Because they belong to each other, she can confidently call him to come.
Many readers also see a picture of Christ and the church. The bride’s longing for her beloved reflects the believer’s desire for Christ’s presence. The coming day can remind us of the hope of Christ’s return, when all separation and shadows will end forever. This hope is certain because Christ, the sun of righteousness, has risen and will come again.
Application
Like the bride, we should long for God’s presence. We can eagerly await the day when we will see him fully and live with him without any barrier.
We should also ask God to remove the shadows in our lives. Sin, doubt, and distractions can hide his face from us. We can honestly pray for him to turn toward us and draw us near.
Our pursuit of God should be urgent and wholehearted. The deer does not hesitate; it moves swiftly over the mountains. In the same way, we can seek the Lord with eagerness, not delaying or making excuses.
Reflection
The bride’s words teach us that love longs for closeness. Her desire for her beloved is strong and personal. When we read this verse, we can examine our own hearts. Do we truly long for God’s presence? Are we willing to let him remove what separates us from him?
The verse ends with hope. The day will break, and the shadows will flee. For the believer, that day is certain because Christ has promised to return. Until then, we can call to him with the same trust and love, knowing that he hears and will come.
