Song of Solomon 5:13: “His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, the bride continues describing her beloved with poetic imagery, focusing on his cheeks and lips. She compares his cheeks to “beds of spice,” suggesting richness, warmth, and a fragrance that delights the senses. This imagery evokes a sense of intimacy and closeness, where even his presence is as refreshing and pleasurable as a garden of spices.

The reference to his lips being “like lilies dripping with myrrh” conveys a sense of beauty, purity, and sweetness. Myrrh, a valuable resin often used in perfumes and anointing oils, adds a layer of richness and sacredness to the description. This imagery highlights the words and expressions of the beloved as life-giving and filled with grace.

Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, spices were associated with abundance, luxury, and celebration. Gardens of spice symbolized places of delight and refreshment. By comparing the beloved’s cheeks to spice beds, the bride communicates the pleasure and comfort she finds in his presence.

Myrrh, a costly and fragrant substance, was highly valued in ancient times and often used in sacred rituals, burial preparations, and anointing ceremonies. The mention of myrrh dripping from his lips emphasizes the beloved’s worth, purity, and the sacredness of his words. This connection would have resonated with the original audience, who understood the deep symbolism of these materials.

Theological Implications

This verse points to the richness and beauty of love, both human and divine. The description of the beloved’s cheeks and lips invites believers to consider the blessings of God’s presence and the sweetness of His words. Just as the bride finds comfort and delight in her beloved, Christians are called to find their satisfaction and refreshment in God’s grace and truth.

The mention of myrrh reminds us of the sacredness of God’s communication with us. His words are precious and life-giving, meant to bring healing, joy, and direction to our lives.

Literary Analysis

The verse is filled with sensory imagery, using the sights, smells, and textures of spices and flowers to convey the bride’s admiration. The metaphors of “beds of spice” and “lilies dripping with myrrh” create a rich and layered description that emphasizes both the beauty and the value of the beloved.

The language in this verse is deeply relational, focusing on physical closeness and the pleasure of being near the beloved. This poetic approach captures the emotional and spiritual aspects of love, blending admiration with reverence.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 19:10: “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” This reflects the sweetness and value of God’s words, similar to the imagery of myrrh on the beloved’s lips.
• Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” This connects the imagery of fragrance to sacrificial love.
• John 6:68: “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” This emphasizes the life-giving power of words, much like the beloved’s lips dripping with myrrh.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians, this verse is a reminder to treasure the richness of God’s presence and the sweetness of His Word. Just as the bride admires her beloved for his fragrance and beauty, believers are called to delight in God and His truth. The verse challenges us to see God’s words not as mere commands but as a source of life, joy, and refreshment.

This verse also encourages believers to reflect the same grace and sweetness in their own words and actions, becoming a source of encouragement and comfort to others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects the intimacy and richness of God’s love for His people. His presence, like the fragrance of spices, brings delight and refreshment, while His words, like myrrh, bring healing and life. God communicates His love through His Word and Spirit, offering us the comfort and joy that only He can provide.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus perfectly embodies the imagery in this verse. His presence is life-giving, and His words are filled with grace and truth.

• John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus’ words, like myrrh, bring healing and hope.
• Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus’ invitation reflects the comfort and refreshment symbolized by the spices.
• Luke 4:18-19: Jesus’ mission to bring good news to the poor and bind up the brokenhearted connects to the healing and sacredness of myrrh.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you experience the richness and refreshment of God’s presence in your daily life?
2. What are some ways you can delight in God’s Word and treasure its life-giving truths?
3. How does the imagery of spices and myrrh deepen your understanding of God’s love and grace?
4. In what ways can you reflect the sweetness and grace of Jesus in your interactions with others?
5. How does this verse inspire you to draw closer to God and experience His goodness more fully?