Song of Solomon 7:2: “Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.”
This verse is part of the bridegroom’s poetic admiration for his bride, continuing to celebrate her beauty through rich and symbolic imagery. It reflects not only physical beauty but also themes of abundance, blessing, and love.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
The bridegroom uses metaphors to describe the bride’s body in this verse. The “navel” being compared to a “rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine” symbolizes fullness, richness, and a constant source of delight. Wine in Scripture often represents joy, celebration, and abundance, suggesting that the bride brings these qualities to their relationship.
The “waist” being described as “a mound of wheat encircled by lilies” carries agricultural and floral imagery, symbolizing fruitfulness and beauty. Wheat was a staple crop, representing provision and sustenance, while lilies evoke purity, delicacy, and grace. Together, these images portray the bride as both nurturing and lovely.
This verse reflects not just physical admiration but a deeper appreciation for the bride’s ability to bring joy, provision, and grace to their relationship.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, poetic descriptions of beauty often drew from nature and agriculture, which were central to daily life. Wine and wheat were symbols of blessing and prosperity, frequently used in festivals and worship to celebrate God’s provision.
The rounded goblet and mound of wheat also reflect the cultural view of beauty at the time, which celebrated a fuller figure as a sign of health, fertility, and abundance. The imagery of lilies would have been familiar as a symbol of purity and elegance, commonly used in Hebrew poetry.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reflects the idea of abundance and delight in God’s creation. Just as the bride is described as a source of joy and blessing to her bridegroom, God calls His people to bring forth spiritual fruit and to be a source of joy and blessing in the world.
It also reminds us of the way God provides for His people. The images of wine, wheat, and lilies all point to God’s care and generosity in creation, providing both physical sustenance and spiritual beauty.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses parallelism and metaphor to create a vivid and layered description of the bride. The imagery of a goblet filled with wine and a mound of wheat surrounded by lilies blends themes of abundance, sustenance, and beauty.
The poetic style of the Song of Solomon invites the reader to reflect not just on the physical attributes of the bride but on the deeper qualities she embodies—joy, provision, and grace.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 104:15: “Wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
- Matthew 6:28-30: Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field, highlighting their beauty and God’s care in creation.
- John 15:5: Jesus calls His followers to abide in Him and bear much fruit, reflecting the abundance of a life connected to Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the joy and abundance that come from a life rooted in God’s love and provision. Just as the bride is described as a source of blessing to her bridegroom, we are called to be a source of joy and blessing to others.
It also challenges us to see beauty in the ways God provides for us, both physically and spiritually. The images of wine, wheat, and lilies remind us of His care for our needs and His desire to bless us abundantly.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love for His people is marked by abundance and delight. Just as the bridegroom admires the bride’s richness and beauty, God sees His people as a source of joy and delight. He provides for us not just with what we need to survive but with blessings that bring joy and fullness to life.
This verse also reflects the nurturing and gracious aspects of God’s love, symbolized by the wheat and lilies. He sustains us and surrounds us with His grace, calling us to reflect His love in our relationships.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate source of joy and abundance in our lives. The imagery of wine connects to the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), where Jesus turned water into wine as a sign of His power and His ability to bring joy and celebration to His people.
The reference to wheat can also point to Jesus as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), who sustains us spiritually and provides for our deepest needs. Through Him, we experience the fullness of God’s provision and grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to see God’s provision and care in your life?
- In what ways can you reflect joy and grace to others, becoming a source of blessing in your relationships?
- How can you embrace the abundance and beauty that God desires for His people?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus provides both physical and spiritual sustenance as the “bread of life”?
- How can this verse inspire you to appreciate the beauty and richness in God’s creation and in those around you?
This verse reminds us of the joy, abundance, and beauty that flow from love—both in human relationships and in our relationship with God. It challenges us to live as a reflection of His love, bringing joy, grace, and blessing to the world.