Song of Songs 3:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The text accurately describes his palace, feasts, and lifestyle, yet it does not provide any distinctive details about the bed; therefore, we should not focus solely on the literal interpretation, but rather seek a deeper spiritual understanding. What value do sixty warriors bring to the marriage bed, if their sole knowledge revolves around the fears of warfare, their adornment being weapons and the dread of the night? The term 'terror' in Scripture reflects a frenzied fear, arising from nighttime troubles. Thus, we must uncover a meaning that aligns with our previous insights.

It seems that the Divine beauty possesses a unique dignity that contrasts with physical beauty: while the latter draws one towards lust, pleasant and appealing to the eye, the former embodies a fearful and awe-inspiring courage. Since the passionate and impure desires of the flesh create a mental turmoil, often capturing the will and leading one into spiritual bondage, and this is an affront to God— as the Apostle teaches, 'the carnal mind is enmity against God' (Romans 8:7)— divine love must emerge from the rejection of such bodily lust. Where the latter is characterized by fussiness and indulgent luxury, the courage that evokes fear and awe becomes nourishment for divine love. When righteous bravery confronts and evades the snares of sensuality, the soul’s pure beauty emerges, untainted by carnal desires.

Therefore, the King’s marriage bed is necessarily surrounded by warriors, whose combat experience and readiness with their swords invoke fear and awe, particularly for those lost in darkness who seek to harm the righteous (Psalms 10:2). The armor worn by those guarding this bier serves to repel impure pleasures, as indicated by the phrase, 'All are trained to fight: the man, his weapon on his thigh.' Indeed, equipped with a sword, those knowledgeable of the truths revealed in Scripture recognize that the 'thigh' symbolizes the Word. Thus, anyone who dons this formidable weapon—the sword of chastity—becomes esteemed for the eternal bed and is counted among the 'mighty men of Israel,' worthy of being included in the total of sixty.

While the numerical significance of sixty may convey deeper truths, its meaning is revealed only to those granted insight by the grace of the Spirit. It is prudent to remain grounded in straightforward interpretations of words, reminiscent of Moses’ directive concerning the Passover, advising that those who consume the visible sacrifices should not pry into the concealed truths hidden within (Exodus 12:10). Should anyone yearn for a deeper understanding of the hidden meanings, they must petition the One who unveils hidden truths. Yet, without neglecting God’s command to 'search the Scriptures' (John 5:39), we will consider the mention of sixty in another aspect.

Moses, at God’s command, gathered twelve rods symbolizing the tribes of Israel; among them, one rod stood out, noted for its vitality. Similarly, Joshua collected stones from the Jordan in equal number to the tribes of Israel, none being rejected, as all were acknowledged witnesses of the sacred event in the Jordan. A notable consistency is evident here; the account illustrates an evolution toward perfection within the people. Originally, there was only one living rod found amidst dry and fruitless ones. However, as the Israelites matured in their understanding of the law, accepting the second circumcision enacted by Jesus, and as the metaphorical stone knife metaphorically cleansed them of impurities, they eventually achieved a life conforming to virtuous practices. Consequently, none of the stones collected in honor of the tribes were excluded.

Notably, when Israel’s strength grew, the narrative emphasizes that ‘the mighty of Israel' signify not a single stone or rod from each tribe, but rather five fierce warriors from each, 'trained to fight among the strong men of Israel,' armed and prepared for battle, enhancing the king’s bier, which accounts for the total of sixty. Thus, from every tribe, five valorous armaments must stand as guardians of the king's bed, as the absence of five would indicate incompleteness.

Moreover, could we not ponder why five warriors from each tribe are needed to protect the king's bed, each armed with swords at their hips? Or could it be that a singular stone has been replaced by five defenders, each serving a unique purpose? The sword of the eye represents the focus on the Lord, maintaining purity of vision and avoiding unclean sights. The ear is armed to hear divine teachings and to disregard vain words. Similarly, our other senses—taste, touch, and smell—can be fortified by the sword of abstinence, appropriate to each sense’s defense.

Such a defense stands strong against the lurking dark thoughts that seek to ensnare souls in the night, for as the Prophet declares, wild beasts cunningly seek to prey upon the flock of God, as stated: ‘You have set darkness and it was night, wherein all the beasts of the forest creep forth’ (Psalms 103:20-21).

In this manner, everyone who is saved becomes an Israelite: ‘For they are not all Israel who are of Israel’ (Romans 9:6); rather, those who genuinely seek God earn this name through their conduct. It is the nature of one devoted to God not to succumb to sin in any aspect of their being, for no one can serve two masters—loving one inevitably results in hating the other. Consequently, all who are saved come together as one with the King. For as it is stated, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God' (Matthew 5:8), and those who, through faith, behold God are rightly termed Israel, a name shrouded in sacred significance, nuanced as it divides into twelve tribes. Thus, the full assembly of the saved comprises sixty, reflecting a complete representation from each part, with each segment divided into five warriors aligned with our faculties.

Therefore, the singular bier of the King is safeguarded by those who bear 'the whole armor of God' (Ephesians 6:11), who openly embody the spirit of Israel. With valor traced back to the twelve tribes, the culmination of strength amounts to sixty. United under one commander—the Bridegroom—the entirety is woven into the fellowship of one body, one assembly, one bride. The bier stands as the resting place for the saved, encapsulated by the Lord’s assurance to those who knock at the nocturnal door: ‘The door is shut, and the children are with me in bed’ (Luke 11:7).

In this beautiful declaration, He refers to those who, armed with righteousness, achieve a state of impassibility as children. This reveals that that which has been diligently cultivated is aligned with the original state of human nature. For he who wields the sword through a virtuous life casts off passions; and the child is untouched by such emotions, owing to the innocence of youth, which grants no space for desires.

Thus, we recognize that both warriors and those resting on the bed exhibit a shared passionlessness: some have not embraced lust; others have expelled it from their being; some remain unlearned, while others, transformed and regaining innocence, return to their original state. It is indeed a blessing to count oneself amidst them, whether as a child, a warrior, or a true Israelite: an Israelite, as one who earnestly seeks God with a pure heart; a warrior, as one who safeguards the king’s bier—his heart, in chastity and purity; and a child, as one resting on the blessed bed of Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be glory forever and ever! Amen.

What is the meaning of these words? It seems that divine beauty holds a unique dignity in its formidable nature, revealed starkly against the backdrop of bodily beauty. For while bodily beauty appeals to and enchants the eye, distancing itself from fear and anxiety, the pure beauty is characterized by a profound awe and bravery. Given that the tumultuous and impure lust of the flesh distracts the mind and entangles the will, often leading to spiritual captivity—which opposes God, as the Apostle states, 'the carnal mind is enmity against God' (Romans 8:7)—divine love must arise from contempt for earthly desires. Such earthly lust, governed by indulgence and self-gratification, yields to the boldness and reverence of the spirit, nurturing divine love. When resolute courage repels the allure of worldly pleasures, the soul's unsullied beauty is manifested, free from earthly lust.

22:9-10).” It was not Solomon who extended his reign to the ends of the earth, but rather Jesus Christ, who is part of Solomon’s lineage in his human form. He is called Solomon due to His tranquility and compassion, as He is the one who brought forth peace.

This is his bier — Solomon's (Song of Songs 3:7). When we refer to the bed of the bridegroom, we are speaking of the sacred Scriptures. As the bride rests upon it, she finds solace with her bridegroom, receiving the seeds of truth, conceiving and nurturing within, laboring towards understanding, and ultimately producing spiritual fruit.