Song of Songs 2:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Holy Scriptures often liken a forest to the corrupted, passion-ridden life of humanity, where untamed beasts lurk and conceal themselves. These beasts, inactive in the light of day, grow powerful in the night; for as the Prophet states, with the approach of darkness, ‘the beasts come out of their lairs’ (Psalm 103:19-20).

Consequently, since the wild beast of the wilderness has devastated the exquisite grapes of human nature, as indicated by the Prophet: ‘The jackals and the vultures emerged from the oak-tree, and the solitary beast of the field appears’ (Ps. 79:14), the apple tree is thus planted within the forest. This tree, sharing in the essence of humanity (for it was tempted ‘in all things like as we are, yet without sin’ (Heb. 4:15)), bears fruit that delights the soul, setting it apart from the wilderness, much like the lily distinguishes itself from thorns. The lily offers beauty only through its appearance and fragrance; however, the apple tree satisfies all three senses, captivating the eye with its aesthetic, enticing the nose with its aroma, and nourishing the body with its taste.

Therefore, the bride recognizes her distinction from the Lord, who brings joy to our sight, serves as peace to our senses, and offers life to those who partake of Him: ‘he who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life’ (John 6:57). As human nature, enhanced by virtuous living, flourishes like a flower, it does not feed the laborer but adorns itself. Our need for His grace is emphasized, as the prophet states: ‘My goods you do not require’ (Psalm 15:2). A soul that has achieved purity perceives the Bridegroom, who appears as an apple tree ‘in the midst of the trees of the forest,’ intending to graft all the wild branches of the forest onto Himself to produce an abundance of divine fruit.

Thus, akin to how we identify the daughters of the false father by their thorny resemblance, we recognize those likened to forest trees as adversaries of the Bridegroom rather than His allies. The Bridegroom will transform them from being children of darkness and wrath into children of light through the communion of the fruit. But why does the soul attuned to the Divine declare, ‘His fruit is sweet in my throat’? The fruit symbolizes divine wisdom, for the Prophet states, ‘Your words are sweeter to my mouth than honey’ (Psalm 118:103). ‘As apples are among the trees of the forest, so is my brother among the sons: under His shadow I will sit, and His fruit is sweet in my throat.’ For the soul truly delights in the Word when, amidst temptation, the shade of the apple tree envelops it, shielding it from the scorching sun.

Yet, one might only find coolness under the shade of the tree of life when worldly desires guide the soul there. Consider the purpose of those passionate urges— they awaken a longing for the apple tree, whose delights abound for those who approach. The beauty captivates the eye, the fragrance enchants the nose, the body is nourished, and the mouth finds joy; the heat recedes, and the shade transforms into a throne for the soul, which has forsaken ‘the seat of the scornful’ (Psalm 1:1).

Having discovered this eternal grace continually flourishing in Christ, the Church declares, “In his shadow I longed and sat down” (Song of Songs 2:3; LXX). This sustenance of the everlasting gift was imparted by the Apostles, from whom no leaf could wither, and it even brings healing through the very shadow of their afflicted, as the weaknesses of the body are concealed by the faith of the spirit and the flourishing fruits of virtue.

Such is our Lord, our Savior, and Bridegroom! He satisfies all our senses. Under His shade, the bride longs to rest, sitting down to taste His most delightful produce. "Under his shadow, I will sit." She seeks refuge from the heat of wickedness, to avoid being scorned once more. "Under his shadow, I will rise and take my seat, and his fruit is sweet in my mouth." This resonates with the experiences of the truly faithful.