1. Song of Solomon 2:1. What is the significance of the “Rose of Sharon, ” and “the lily of the valleys”?

You will read in the commentaries the whole gamut of possibilities about the rose, the lily, Sharon, and the interpretations thereof. You will see “the” and “a” before each flower. You will hear of a rose, but also a narcissus. You will discover that Solomon is praising himself highly, or that he is merely modestly calling himself a common flower of the field.

Occasionally you will read that this line actually is spoken by the bride, not the groom. Consider verse 2, where Solomon may be responding to her, agreeing with her, that she is (but) a lily. But such a lily! Surrounded by thorns, she comes off as an incredible wonder in his eyes.

Christians will pick up the theme and write songs about the rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley being Jesus Himself, and so the imagery is settled in our head, and woe to the person who argues against it.

Fact is, we don’t know the significance of this phrase. No theology should be squarely based upon it, for that reason. Those who see Jesus in all the beautiful things of Earth are certainly justified in inserting Him here, but should never force such an interpretation on anyone else.

2. Song of Solomon 2:15. Why the concern over foxes just now?

This is a difficult one. The commentaries have their different take on what the allegory suggests. My own search has to do with the literal meaning of the words here, the flow of the activities being described. I must let the interpreters interpret, and there are several ways to go here. But in fact, who is speaking, and why does he/she speak in this way?

In verse 14, Solomon clearly invites his love to show him her beauty, in form and in voice. Is verse 15 more of his comments? Is he drawing her attention to the fact that the time is now for their love, as foxes are beginning to ruin the vineyards he has praised only moments ago (v. 13)? Or is she saying to Solomon, I cannot come at this moment, it would be irresponsible to leave my work here to be destroyed by little foxes. Help me take care of this work first.

Not the most romantic of sentiments, to be sure. And again, there are many ways that an interpreter can go with this:

Just when we begin to be intimate with the Lord, the “little foxes” of our lives intervene and distract us.

Or, Yes, I want to come away and pray and sing and love you, but what shall I do about the real world responsibilities that are around me.

Almost a “Mary” and “Martha” choice here. Relationship vs responsibility. But now I am interpreting, and I said I would not do that…

3. Song of Solomon 5:6. Why does Solomon suddenly leave for his garden (6:2)?

Love and admiration are shared by the two for several chapters, when suddenly, Solomon is gone! To his garden. To his own flock, it seems. Why the sudden movement?

This is not the first time she is left wondering where Solomon is. Chapter three details that episode. She is able, there, to find him immediately and bring him back. But now he is gone again.

Is this Solomon’s way, perhaps a man’s way, to “run off” from the intended, to be sure of her love for him? We would call this insecurity, looked at in the human way. “Do you really love me? Am I worth your time and effort? Do you long after me as I do you?”

But if, as many suppose, Solomon is Christ in the allegory, is it not true that He too hides himself from us, even allows our vision to be clouded, so that we will seek Him with all of our hearts, and, of course, find him with great delight down the road somewhere?