Song of Songs 3:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

2:17) through 'those who bring good tidings' (Rom. 10:15). Who else can be considered the builder of the temple but He who laid 'its foundations on the holy mountains' (Ps. 86:2), that is, on the prophets and apostles? As Paul expresses, our foundation is built 'on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets' (Eph. 2:20). He is the 'living stone' (1 Pet. 2:5), with animated stones, just as the prophet proclaims (Zechariah 9:16), coming together to construct the walls. When united in faith and love, they form the Holy Church, becoming 'the dwelling place of God through the Spirit' (Eph. 2:21-22). Furthermore, Solomon represents true Wisdom, and this is universally acknowledged through both history and reality; Solomon exceeded all previous thresholds of human wisdom, holding in the 'breadth of his heart' knowledge of all things, making him unparalleled by those who came after him. The Lord Himself, by His very nature, embodies truth, wisdom, and power. Thus, as David states, 'By wisdom hast thou created all things' (Ps. 103:24); the Divine Apostle clarifies that 'by Him all things were created' (Col. 1:16), revealing that by 'Wisdom', the Prophet refers to the Lord Himself. That the Lord is indeed King of Israel is affirmed even by His adversaries, who inscribed on the cross a declaration of His royal status: 'This is the King of the Jews' (Luke 23:38). We accept this testimony, even though some argue it limits His authority to the kingdom of Israel. However, the inscription implies His dominion over all because a King who reigns over the entirety naturally holds reign over a part as well. Solomon's commitment to justice reflects the true Judge of the world, who declares, 'The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son' (John 5:22), and 'I can do nothing of Myself; as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just' (John 5:30). The essence of a true judgment lies in hearing those involved before rendering a decision, thus highlighting that God's power refrains from acting contrary to truth. The Lord's lineage as a descendant of David is well-recognized, and the story of the queen of Sheba, who journeyed great distances to seek Solomon's wisdom, is significant, particularly as she presents him with 'precious stones', gold, and fragrant 'aromas' (3 Sam. 10:10). This narrative resonates with the journey of the Gentile Church, which was initially steeped in idolatry and distanced from the knowledge of the true God, living in ignorance (Acts 17:30). However, when 'the grace of God appeared' (Titus 2:11), Wisdom illuminated hearts, and the true Light shone upon those dwelling in darkness and shadow. As Israel turned away from this Light, the Ethiopians—representing the Gentiles who approached in faith—became 'near' (Eph. 2:13), cleansing their spiritual darkened state with the waters of baptism, preparing 'their hands to God' (Ps. 67:32) and bringing their offerings to the King (Ps. 71:10): the sweet aroma of piety, the gold of divine knowledge, and the precious stones of obedience and virtue.

Thus begins our exploration, which will delve into the passages that refer to Solomon: 'King Solomon made himself a bier of Lebanon’s trees; its pillars are of silver, its canopy gold, its cushions are purple—crafted by the daughters of Jerusalem' (Song 3:9-10). Solomon’s attributes beyond what we have discussed unveil a mystery of the temple, and the arrangement of the bier signifies the construction of the body of believers, as God engages with those deemed worthy, manifesting His presence in each individual according to their capacity and honor. Some become dwelling places for God, others serve as thrones, footstools, or chariots, enabling them to carry out their purpose for the Ruler. Additionally, there exist those who constitute His bier, created not just from Lebanese trees but comprising gold, silver, purple, and stones, with each element signifying a unique divine aspect, stirring the love of God within. Not all can hold the power of love, but it is evident in those whose lives reflect that they are 'the daughter of the free Jerusalem above' (Gal. 4:26). Thus, one who carries God within themselves serves as a bier for the one who resides in them. As we examine the variety and diversity of materials used in this arrangement, we notice the mention of wood alongside gold, silver, and precious gems. While Paul, the 'wise master builder', deems wood unsuitable for construction—being easily consumed by fire (1 Cor. 3:10-13)—a special kind of wood can be transformed and elevated into gold, silver, or other precious forms. The Apostle notes that within ‘the great house’ of God, there are diverse 'vessels of gold and silver’, which likely represent the incorporeal and spiritual beings, and 'wood and clay', suggesting humanity, who through disobedience and sin have become earthly vessels. Yet, according to one’s willingness and faith, a vessel can transition from wood to gold or clay to silver, as the Apostle states: 'If anyone purifies himself, he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for every good work' (2 Tim. 2:20-21). In light of this, we are invited to contemplate the insights embedded within these teachings. The mountain of Lebanon is frequently referenced in Scripture as a symbol of strength, evidenced by the saying in the prophet, 'The Lord will tear down the cedars of Lebanon, and make them like a calf' (Ps. 28:5-6). This relates to the calf which was reduced to dust by Moses in the wilderness, now rendered acceptable to the Israelites. Thus, not only the calamities brought forth by opposition but the very source of evil, the mountain Lebanon, which nurtured such trees, will be brought low. As we were once trees rooted in wickedness and idolatry in Lebanon, we have now been hewn from its depths by the word, becoming vessels for the Artist, transforming our nature into precious materials of gold, silver, purple, and shining stones. The Apostle reminds us that 'God distributes the gifts of the Holy Spirit to each according to their measure, to one He gives prophecy in proportion to his faith' (Rom. 12:6). As with the arrangement of the bier, each person may serve a distinct role, likened to a 'pillar' or 'support,' contributing to a harmonious structure that reflects divine order and purpose. Each piece of this arrangement is imbued with beauty, with the silver pillars representing the Church's steadfast words, the purple symbolizing elevated dignity, and the gold embodying pure doctrine while the inner elements reflect the conscience adorned with the virtues of love—an offering from the 'daughters of Jerusalem' (Song 3:10). Should one wish to view the entirety of the Church as a bier, then it would be fitting to see the various parts reflecting the different roles established within the Church, as the Apostle declares: 'God has appointed in the Church first the Apostles, second the Prophets, third the teachers, followed by all other ranks' (1 Cor. 12:28), 'for the perfecting of the saints' (Eph. 4:12). Thus, the materials representing the bier's construction signify priests and teachers, with the pure integrity of righteous living illuminating the bed’s interior with the radiance of virtues.