Song of Songs 2:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Behold, the winter is gone, the rains have diminished and ceased, the flowers are blooming on the earth.’ Humanity’s nature has been revived, like a plant once withered by death due to Adam's transgression and the dominion of sin over us. Furthermore, Christ declares through the holy prophets: ‘I am the One who has done for you what spring brings to the mountains and forests, renewing the plants with fresh shoots.’ The coming of our Savior marks a new era, akin to a second summer, beyond the initial age bound by the law and the prophetic word—an age where ‘death reigned from Adam to Moses’ (Rom. 5:14). Thus, in this new season, the Church shines brightly, emerging from the Gentiles, with Christ residing in her as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets (cf. Rom. 10:4 and Matt. 5:17). Do you not perceive that our message is aimed at your discernment? Christ is indeed the highest and sweetest-sounding turtledove, as well as the gentlest dove. As noted in the Song of Songs: ‘The voice of the turtledove is heard in the wilderness’ (12). He exemplified the utmost meekness when He said: ‘Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart’ (Matthew 11:29).

The voice of the turtledove resonates in our land, <the vines are blossoming, exhaling their fragrance>, as He has delivered to us a message of divine salvation through the Gospel.

With the arrival of the Savior, the malevolent demon (winter), which incited foolish passions akin to heavy winter rains, has been expelled; the forces of unclean spirits have been scattered, and the burdensome cloud of sin has been dispersed. Through the operation of grace, the illuminating light of spring has emerged. The early gifts of the Spirit envelop each soul like a gentle breeze, collecting the essence of flowers without harming them. Just as spring rejuvenates the world, so too does the coming of the Savior renew all things. The bridegroom directs the bride's attention to the true ‘month of renewal.’ Like a skilled gardener in springtime, God Himself prunes away our barren and unfruitful thoughts, leaving only pure intentions in the wake of the Savior's arrival. Thus, it is imperative for us, having received the grace of the Spirit, to be transformed toward a more virtuous way of living, liberated from sin and cleansed from earthly impurities. Let us cherish temperance and present a life of righteousness to Christ, who sacrificed Himself for us.

The prior winter season typified Satan's reign, embracing all in gloom and darkness, while despair cast a shadow over the hearts of men, chilled by the deadly frost of the devil. However, winter has come to an end; darkness has been dispelled, and the Sun of righteousness, Christ, enlightens our minds with His radiant beams. The earth has burst into bloom and become lush through the preaching of the Gospel and the teachings of the holy apostles. The faithful, represented as sheep and lambs yet to mature spiritually, graze in the abundant pastures. Just as joyful lilies blossom throughout the gardens of the Church, radiating with the glory of Christ, the Bridegroom of the Song of Songs (Christ) invites you to reflect upon the Savior’s works amidst the springtime as He beckons His bride (the Church).

He commands that the sacred tabernacle be established ‘in the month of the first’ (Ex. 40:2), as the dreariness of winter gives way to the enticing beauty of spring. The earth is warmed by the gentle and purifying rays of the sun, the vineyards bloom, and the farmer delights in the aroma of flowers and the greenery of the valleys. In the words of a Hellenic poet, ‘the ears are all bristling with tops,’ following the declaration that ‘winter has passed,’ as ‘the rains have gone,’ signifying ‘the season for pruning the grapes has arrived.’ This should be understood in a spiritual context, relating to the end of winter and the cessation of rain—indicative of the tempests of demonic oppression and cruelty. During Christ’s days, the power of demons was vanquished as we basked in the brilliance of the Son, whom God the Father identifies as: ‘And the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings’ (Malachi 4:2). This light dispels the chill of sin and infuses the warmth of the Spirit, leading us towards righteousness. Contemplate the fruitfulness of the mind and the blooms of the spirit—consider also the saints characterized by profound piety towards God and the yield of diverse virtues. In summary, spring adorns the earth with blossoms, nurturing it with greenery, revitalizing previously lifeless trunks marred by the harshness of winter, restoring their beauty and blanketing them in lush foliage while abundantly supplying nature's gifts to the diligent farmer. A similar transformation has occurred within us: once barren due to sin's reign and lacking the fruits of virtue, we have been revitalized in righteousness through Christ, and our budding faith now offers its early fruit to the Farmer of souls. Thus, we rightly comprehend the words spoken through one of the holy prophets on behalf of Christ: ‘I, the same, declare, “Behold, I am like the refreshing season upon the mountains”’ (Is. 52:6-7), for the renewal spring brings to the mountains has already been adequately described.

In the Song of Songs, we hear Christ addressing the bride and revealing the embodiment of the Church with the words: ‘Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, come away! Behold, the winter is gone; the rains have ceased; the flowers are visible on the earth; the time of singing has arrived’ (Song 2:10). <...> This springtime peace is meant for those who place their faith in Him.

The Rock is Christ. He provides for us who believe, forming a protective boundary, a refuge, and a defense for those who take shelter in Him.

He points to flourishing meadows adorned with flowers, declaring that these blossoms are in full bloom, ready for gathering, no doubt to be fashioned into garlands or offerings for the world. The scenery is further enhanced by the joyous melodies of birds and the delightful cooing of doves. The mention of figs and grapes hints at the future joy they will bring, first seen in the bursting of buds and the hint of color on the vine, pleasing the senses with their aroma. Thus, the description of spring is lavish, banishing all that is sorrowful and reveling in joyful images. However, instead of lingering on these delightful depictions, we should allow them to lead us toward the profound mysteries they signify, for there are treasures of thought concealed within these words.

What do we infer from this? Humanity was once ensnared by the shadows of idolatry, where the flexible nature of man was transmuted into the rigid essence of idol worship. As it is written, “Those who make them will be like them; so will all who trust in them” (Psalm 134:18). This was inevitable. Just as those who seek the true Divine receive the attributes of the Godhead, so he who gazes upon the emptiness of idols becomes transformed into what he worships, changing from human to stone. Thus, while the idol-worshippers were bound by darkness and immobility, it is precisely at such a time that the Sun of Righteousness emerges, ushering in spring. As the midday breeze dispels lethargy, warming all illuminated by the sun’s rays, so too is man, once hardened by despair, revitalized in spirit and warmed by the light of the Word, transforming him into a stream flowing towards eternal life. For it is proclaimed, “His breath will blow, and the waters will flow” (Psalm 147:7), after turning “stone into a pool and the dry ground into springs of water” (Psalm 113:8); about which the Baptist declared to the Jews, saying that these stones will be raised and will become children of the Patriarch, reflecting his virtues (Matthew 3:9). The Church receives this call from the Word, through the prophetic “windows” and via the legal “rivers,” absorbing the rays of truth, while still encased behind a partition of teaching, namely the law, which casts “a shadow of forthcoming blessings” but does not present “the very essence of things” (Hebrews 10:1). Beyond this barrier stood the truth, intrinsically linked to the image, first enlightening the Church through the Prophets, and then, with the arrival of the Gospel, dispelling the shadows of such representations, breaking down the partitions so that the inner atmosphere of the house could unite with the etheric light, removing the need for illumination through windows, as the true light itself, through the Gospel's rays, illuminates the entire interior. Therefore, the Word, who restores “the humbled” (Psalm 144:15), calls out to the Church as a beacon of light, saying, “Rise from your fallen state, you who are shamed by sin, you who have been trodden upon by the serpent, you who lie down in disobedience; rise again. It is not sufficient merely to be restored; ‘but come,’ excelling in goodness and pursuing the path of virtue.” We have learned this from the paralytic—the Word not only relieves him of his burden but also commands him to walk; thus, in moving from place to place, the Scriptures signify a journey towards a better existence. Hence, the Bridegroom proclaims, “Arise, and come.” What power lies in this command! The voice of God is, indeed, a voice of authority, as the Psalmist notes, “The Lord’s voice is powerful” (Psalm 67:34); and, “He speaks, and it happens; He commands, and it stands” (Psalm 32:9). Observe how He spoke to the one lying down: “Arise,” and then “Come,” and the command is quickly fulfilled. The bride receives the strength of the Word within her, rising to her feet, approaching and drawing near to the light, witnessed by the Word Himself who issues this command, as He states, “Arise, come, my companion, my fair one, my dove.” What harmony in the command! How seamlessly one idea follows another! The bride hears the command, is empowered by this word, and rises, progresses, draws close, becomes virtuous, and is called a dove. For can one perceive a beautiful figure in a mirror devoid of a lovely face? So too, the mirror of human nature did not reflect beauty before, but after it drew close to the beautiful, exhibiting a reflection of Divine splendor. While it bore the form of a serpent in its lowly state, once it rises, it faces the good and leaves vice behind; what it gazes upon, it mirrors. It contemplates the source of beauty, and that beauty is like a dove. Once it approaches the light, it becomes illuminated, and in this light, the beautiful likeness of the dove is reflected—the dove whose image heralded the presence of the Holy Spirit.

As the turtledove proclaims, the fig-trees have released their buds (Song 2:13), signifying that the commandments of the old law have fallen away, and the fragrant shoots of the gospel have emerged. While you hid your face with Moses, and the law served as a veil, I could neither see your countenance nor honor your voice to listen, saying, And when ye multiply your prayers, I hear not (Isaiah 1:15). Now behold my glory unveiled, and seek refuge behind a stronghold of enduring stone.

Finally, He addresses such a soul: Arise, come, my dear, meaning to rise above the indulgences of this world, to detach from earthly matters, and draw near to Me, you who, until now, have toiled and carried great burdens (Matt. 11:28, Ps. 37:5), because you find yourself troubled by worldly affairs. Leave behind the cares of this life and come to Me, for I have triumphed over the world (Jn. 16:33). Approach closer, already radiant with the splendor of eternal life, already as a dove, which signifies tranquility and humility, fully embraced in spiritual grace. The soul should rightly feel no trepidation toward the snares, for the One who remains unharmed by the traps of this world beckons it to Him. Although we find ourselves walking amidst snares—temptations abound because of our desires for sustenance—He, while in the flesh, bore no fear of those snares but transcended them; that is, He rose above the lures of this world and bodily desires, teaching others how to overcome them. Hence, wishing to strengthen this soul, He urges, Arise, come, my dear, do not fear the snares! In another phrasing, He conveys to the soul: Arise, my beloved (Song 2:10), which signifies: Rise from the pleasures of this world, rise from earthly distractions, and approach Me, for you remain burdened and weary (cf. Matt. 11:28) with worldly concerns. Elevate yourself beyond the temporal and come to Me, for I have conquered the world. Approach, already graced with the beauty of everlasting life, already a dove, humble and gentle, and filled with spiritual beauty. Indeed, we need not dread the snares, for the One who could not be ensnared by the temptations of this world calls to our very souls. While we may navigate among others and their traps, even He, during His time in the flesh, faced no fear of the snares which threaten those ensnared by their allure, for He rose above them, as an example for others to follow. Thus, to fortify this soul, He gently exhorts: "Arise, come, my beloved, do not be afraid of the nets."

The Bridegroom praises the beauty of the Bride, not merely affirming her goodness but declaring, “my goodness,” indicating that her loveliness brings Him great joy. He addresses her as a dove, embodying her completion in virtue and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. “Arise, come, my companion, my beloved, my dove.” In this manner, He reassures and uplifts His Church amidst her trials, urging her to rise and unite with Him. He has bestowed upon her the wings of the dove, as noted by David: “If ye sleep in the midst of the limits, the wings of the dove are silvered, and her inter-doors in the shining of gold” (Psalm 67:14). He describes the two Covenants as the boundaries, the dove representing the grace of the Holy Spirit, the silvered wings symbolizing the Light of the Word, and the inter-doors in the radiance of gold signifying the understanding of profound mysteries. It is as if He is saying: If you take repose between the two Covenants, you will discover there the diverse gifts of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when the Bride, responsive to spiritual urging, finds rest between the two Covenants, she uncovers silver-plated wings, on which she ascends to the Bridegroom.

“For behold, the winter is passing away; the rain is departing, it is departing for itself” (Song 2:11). “Flowers are appearing on the earth; the time of circumcision has come; the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land” (Song 2:12). “The figs are losing their blossoms; the grapes are ripening and giving off a fragrance” (Song 2:13). "Lo, winter shall pass away.” The winter symbolizes the period before His revelation, spring signifies the time following, and summer represents the age to come. “The winter passeth away, the rain departeth”—the threats of the Law and the heavy burdens for sin have ceased, “departeth unto itself," as the shadow yields to the reality, and the teacher emerges with wisdom. “The blossoms appeared on the earth” conveys the delicacy of the expression. He did not say, ‘fruit,’ but ‘blossom,’ implying that the full joy of these blessings will be realized in the age to come. While we dwell here, we echo St. Paul: “We see now as through a glass, darkly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). “The time of circumcision is at hand.” Simmachus and Aquila interpret it as the time of purification, for after Christ’s coming, all nations were cleansed. This is echoed in the Lord’s words: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman: every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:1-2). “The time of circumcision is come,” and likewise, “the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” The voice of the turtledove represents the teaching of the Holy Spirit, His grace likened to the turtledove because of its purity, love for solitude, and its nesting habits in trees. “The voice of the turtledove is heard in our land; the fig tree is losing its blossom,” which indicates the soon-to-ripen fruit of faith, from which the fruits of works are nourished, matured, and rendered sweet. “The ripening grapes give off fragrance.” The spiritual grapes bloom and emit their sweetness. Hence, “Arise, come, my companion, my beloved, my dove” (Song 2:13). “Thou, O my dove, art in the cleft of the rock, in the covert of the precipice” (Song 2:14). He calls her to shelter under a rock structure, to protect her from becoming tarnished again. This rocky shelter symbolizes genuine faith and true confession. “Thou, my dove, art under a rocky shelter, near the foretaste”—He desires for her to focus not on the transient, but on the eternal realities. He emphasizes that she should not be attached to the present life or be preoccupied with the visible, for the visible is temporary, while the invisible is everlasting. He encourages her to dwell in the pre-tribulation, urging, “Put to death your earthly desires; while in the body, be mindful of spiritual matters. Do not be troubled amid tribulations; be detached from the present city and its walls.” For without being close to the foretaste, she cannot experience the joy of unity with Him. If she does not echo Paul: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3)—if she does not stand between the present and the future (which I believe refers to prefiguration), our union will not be fulfilled. But I implore you to enter into this, “Show me thy countenance” (Song of Songs 2:14). You possess a pure vision, unhindered by worldly anxieties. “And let me hear thy voice; for it is sweet” (Song of Songs 2:14). “And let thine image be delightful to me” (Song of Songs 2:14). For then shall my beauty be reflected in you as in a mirror, and my words shall resonate in your heart. This is the message the Bridegroom imparted to the Bride, along with instructions to His ministers.