Song of Songs 2:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Delve into the book of Isaiah, and you will discover how the arrow speaks: ‘And He made Me a polished arrow,’ says the Word of God, ‘in His quiver He hid Me’ (Isaiah 49:2). With this arrow wounded, Jeremiah conveys to Him, ‘I was not weary of following You, nor did I desire the day of man’ (Jeremiah 17:16). With this arrow pressed upon his heart, David confesses to Him, ‘My soul clings to You, and Your right hand upholds me’ (Psalm 62:9). With this very arrow, the sorrowful Peter states to Christ, ‘Lord, You know that I love You’ (John 21:15). It was through this arrow that Paul, bound to Christ, proclaimed, ‘Who shall separate us from the love of God?’ (Rom. 8:35). By this arrow that causes anguish, the holy Church exclaims, ‘Alas for me, “I am wounded by love.”’ Oh, the sighs that emanate from the depths of the heart, overflowing with the streams of Christ's love! Oh, the sighs that attract the heavenly Bridegroom, Christ! Concerning this, she (the Church) expresses: ‘Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth’ (Song of Songs 1:1).

Moreover, Christ, the chosen and preeminent arrow (Isaiah 49:2), is concealed in the foreknowledge of the Father, akin to being hidden in a treasure trove, for He was known before the world's foundation (1 Pet. 1:20). He was brought forth to the earth at a time when all creation needed redemption, having succumbed to misfortunes by serving the created rather than the Creator (Rom. 2:25), falling prey to unclean spirits and ensnared by sin's web. This chosen arrow, as noted, strikes directly at Satan and his allied forces; it also targets the adversaries of truth and those who oppose His holy proclamation. Additionally, it inflicts wounds of another sort—ones that favor and save, as the beloved bride states in the Song of Songs: “I am wounded by love.”

Others may ponder the bride’s choice to adorn her dwelling with fine qualities rather than thorns, hay, or reeds, as the Apostle observes, steering clear from such earthly materials (1 Cor. 3:12). Instead, she wishes for apples to adorn the ceiling of her home, as she states, “Put me in apples,” for she seeks this fruit to embody everything beautiful and comforting—beauty, peace, sustenance, refreshment, shade, rest, and support. As beauty, it captivates; as perfume, it pleases the senses; as nourishment, it satisfies both body and spirit; as shade, it provides cool relief; as a seat, it brings comfort after toil; as a ceiling, it shelters those within; as a pillar, it offers stability, while the visible apples enhance the ceiling’s attractiveness. Can there be a more stunning sight than apples displayed elegantly together, where the deep red of one contrasts beautifully with the pale white of another? Furthermore, if these apples can be arranged to rise on a plane, what could possibly surpass such elegance? This is not unattainable for those seeking spiritual treasures, for such fruit is light and does not weigh down or bring low, but naturally yearns for heights. Virtue, like these apples, aspires upwards, directing the heart toward the mountain. Thus, the bride desires the beauty of these apples to become the ceiling of her home. It seems to me that the essence of this passage transcends mere aesthetics; it must surely impart valuable insights. What is the spiritual significance within this imagery? In the wilderness of our being, through God’s grace, He who took on our flesh and blood has become like an apple; in this fruit, one can perceive the harmonious likeness of flesh and blood—the whiteness symbolizing flesh, and the redness revealing the essence of blood. When the soul, in its delight in the Divine, yearns to behold this blood, the riddle teaches us that focusing on the mountain while attending to apples leads us toward a heavenly abode, guided by the Gospel revealed by Him who descended from above, showcased the fullness of good works in human form, as the Lord proclaims, “Learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Similarly, the Apostle guides us toward humility (one example affirms this truth). He reminds us that wisdom lies in understanding Christ Jesus, who, being in the likeness of God, did not seek equality with God but humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, entering our existence in the flesh, and embracing the suffering of death for the joy set before Him (Phil. 2:5-8). Therefore, when the bride implores, “Put me in the apples,” she expresses her desire to constantly gaze upward, reflecting on the good works demonstrated by the Bridegroom: there humility, there absence of malice, there compassion toward enemies and kindness to those who wrong us, rewarding anger with forgiveness; there self-mastery, purity, generosity, and a complete lack of vanity and worldly allure. The bride next praises the archer for his deft skill, declaring, “I am wounded by love,” thereby referencing the arrow embedded deep within her heart—the one who has fired it is love itself. Holy Scripture reveals to us that God is love. He releases His chosen arrow at those He saves—His only begotten Son—imbued with the Spirit of life. The arrow’s tip represents faith, ensuring that wherever it lands, the one who sent it is present, as the Lord states, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “We will come and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). Hence, the soul, elevated by divine grace, perceives within itself the sweet arrow of love and transforms the pain of wounding into praise, saying, “I am wounded with love.” How beautiful this affliction is! What a sweet sorrow, as it penetrates deep into the interior, opening what seems a door of entrance! In this union, both the soul and love share the experience of the arrow, transforming the act of shooting into joyful celebration. It is well understood that the hands carefully manage the bow according to need, adjusting as required; the left hand steadying the bow, while the right hand draws the bowstring to release the arrow, directed toward its target by the left hand's grip. Thus, the hand which was once the target now finds itself in the service of the archer, while the right and left hands embrace the arrow instead.

Peter delivers a painful rebuke (Matthew 26:51), whereas Judas offers a deceptive kiss (Matthew 26:49); the latter's kiss brings condemnation, while the former's wound prompts repentance. In Judas's kiss, the venom of betrayal is unleashed, while the sorrow from Peter’s action facilitates redemption. To capture the advantageous effects of love's wounds, the Church beautifully expresses in the Songs of Songs, "for I am wearied with love."

Furthermore, the Word of God produces wounds that ultimately bring about healing. There are wounds that arise from a righteous heart and those that spring from divine love, which is why it is articulated, "I am wearied with the wounds of love" (Song of Songs 2:5). The truly perfected individual experiences fatigue from these very wounds of love. Thus, the wounds inflicted by the Word and those given by a loving heart are both affirmatively good.

Hence, “Make love to me,” so that I may be joined to the Bridegroom and place Him above my father, mother, and all others. ‘Establish me in the worlds,’ implying strengthen me with the incense of the Bridegroom, so that I do not falter, forget Him, or turn away to distractions. Furthermore, ‘put me in the apples,’ cover me with His fruit, so that seated under His shadow, enjoying His fragrance and filled with fruit, I may always remember Him. ‘I am wounded with love,’ for He is the chosen arrow that penetrates the hearts of the devout.