Song of Songs 4:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The meticulous efforts in constructing structures urge us to prioritize our own dwellings, which ought to be founded on virtue. I propose that the renowned pillar, established by David in honor of the Church's prosperity, symbolizes the work of those dedicated to virtue. Although this pillar appears positioned high on a mountain, it was originally suited to house the spoils David acquired after subduing foes and claiming their riches. Thus, the King illustrated through his wisdom the good he envisioned for humanity, and by erecting the pillar, David imparted wisdom for future living.

In a way, by relating everything back to its source and aiming to celebrate the splendor of each part of the Church's body, he speaks of this pillar, named after David, which is also recognized as a fortification—referred to as “Phalpiof.” The text states: “as the pillar of David, thy revelation is made in Phalpiof: a thousand shields hang upon it, all the arrows of the mighty.” The physical construction of this pillar is famed because it is a work by King David, occupies a prominent place, and is adorned with an array of weapons, shields, and arrows, conveyed by the expression “a thousand.” Our objective is to comprehend the significance of the Divine word—why this pillar is compared to that part of the Church identified as “revealing.” Therefore, it is essential first to explore which part of our body holds this designation “zvidya” and then apply it to the Church's members.

The section that is situated among the branches supports the head and serves as a foundation. This area, the vestibule, is backed by bone, while its front remains unencumbered. Unlike typical arm or leg bones, this spinal structure is unique. It is not a singular and independent bone but rather a complex connection of vertebrae, separated in various places, linked together through lobes, muscles, and ligaments, all associated with the cerebellum—a conduit at its core, whose protective casing connects with the sensory pleura and whose contents interface with the brain. At the front, the throat facilitates respiration, allowing air to flow freely, essential for igniting the heart's fire with natural vitality; it also offers pathways for nourishment, as everything ingested through the mouth is directed by the throat into the receiving space. The throat possesses an additional quality; its positioning enables voice production where the vocal apparatus generates sound as air from the windpipe is agitated.

Thus, having characterized this bodily component, we can comprehend the attire and body of the Church—specifically the members who rightfully embody this designation and are likened to David's pillar. Primarily, if anyone bears the true Head of all, that is, Christ—“out of Him the whole body is made and composed” (Eph. 4:16)—such a person rightly takes on this title. Furthermore, one is a revelation if able to embrace the Spirit that ignites the heart, adding warmth and eloquence to their speech, as God designed the human voice to serve as a vessel for expressions flowing from the heart. This revelation must additionally nurture the body of the Church through doctrinal sustenance, for without food, the body cannot thrive; just as the absence of nourishment leads to decay.

Let him also emulate the graceful alignment of the vertebrae so that those in the community, though unique, may unite into a single body, both yielding and upright, effectively adapting to different scenarios. Such was the case with Paul, and others who emulated him succeeded in their endeavors. Chosen as a vessel by the Lord, he carried the Lord’s name, united with the Head of all men to such a degree that when he spoke, it was no longer just him, but rather his Head conveying the message, as he indicated to the Corinthians about ‘Christ’ who ‘spoke’ and ‘Christ’ who articulated through him (2 Cor. 13:3). His voice was a harmonious instrument through the Holy Spirit, articulating the word of truth; his larynx delighted in divine discourse, nourishing the entire body with life-giving teachings.

If one inquires about the vertebrae, who binds them into a cohesive body through peace and love? Who guides them to bend with humility in less significant matters while rising again in wisdom on high, swiftly navigating through diabolical snares? This revelation truly finds its foundation in David—understood as King and the Father of Kings—who initially established humanity as a pillar and, through grace, renewed them, equipping them with shields that render them resilient against the enemy's advances; for the shields do not lie on the ground but surround them in the air, instilling fear in foes, deterring them from attacking the pillar.

I posit that the multitude of shields signifies the angelic guardians enveloping the pillar, and the reference to arrows alludes to a similar protection. The Word emphasizes “strong arrows,” highlighting those engaged in the battle, resonating with the Psalmist’s assertion, “The angel of the Lord shall fight around them that fear Him, and shall deliver them” (Ps. 33:8). The term “a thousand” does not exclusively denote ten hundred but is commonly employed in scripture to denote a multitude, as seen when David says “a thousand gobzers” (Ps. 67:18), or “more than a thousand thousands of gold and silver” (Ps. 118:72). Here we perceive the vyah established upon the ramparts, which symbolize the diligent efforts towards an active life, enabling our spirits to achieve salvation.

The soul's growth—ascending towards God—becomes apparent to those attentive to the discourse, for previously the bride delighted in resembling the steeds that overcame the Egyptian tormentor, adorned with the beauty of her elegant neck. However, how much greater is her virtue as the Bridegroom now testifies, comparing her neck not merely to a captivating presence, but to a pillar that, viewed at a distance, showcases the splendor of the edifice rising prominently within its surroundings? Thus, when the pillar is the work of the King and elevated to glorious heights, the saying of the Lord—“A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14)—holds true; let us envision the pillar in place of a city.