Song of Songs 6:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Additionally, the Lord expresses to Jerusalem: "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings" (Matthew 23:37). All of this may indicate, as others may argue based on the context, that there is a connection to the thoughts presented here. Therefore, if there exists a divine spiritual understanding regarding God's nature, suggesting He possesses wings, and considering that the original creation of humanity reflects God's image, it stands to reason that being made in that likeness encompasses everything about that first image. According to Holy Scripture, this original image has been glorified, implying that human nature was also intended to possess wings, reflecting God's likeness. It appears that the term "wings" is employed figuratively, symbolizing strength, joy, immortality, and similar abstractions. As humanity, when aligned with God, exhibited such attributes, the turn toward vice has caused us to lose those wings—having stepped outside the protection of God's wings, we forfeited our own. Nonetheless, the grace of God has shone upon us, illuminating our path so that, laying aside wickedness and worldly desires, we might once again acquire righteousness and virtue (Titus 2:12). Therefore, if this interpretation holds merit, it is essential for the bride to acknowledge the grace bestowed upon her through the gaze of God. In that very moment, God gazes upon us with a compassionate eye, filling us with profound gratitude. I believe this meaning is encapsulated in the words expressed, as David, in the sixteenth psalm, implores the Lord, "Thy eyes... let Thy eyes behold righteousness," referring to his own. He continues, "Thou hast examined my heart; Thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tested me, and found no iniquity in me" (Psalms 16:2-3). Thus, to assert, "Thy eyes shall see righteousness," is equivalent to saying, "Thy eyes shall not behold the opposite." For one who perceives the straight path cannot see the crooked, and he who cannot see the crooked surely perceives the straight. Consequently, by disregarding the contrary, the Prophet reveals what is good in the sight of the Divine, through which the soul, rendered bare due to the disobedience of our forebears, is enveloped once again. Therefore, we comprehend from these statements: when Thy eyes are turned toward me, they avert from what is adverse, as they discern nothing contrary within me. This leads to the restoration of strength through Thy gaze, and by virtue of my goodness, I regain the wings of a dove, allowing me to soar and to find rest in the peace in which God ceased from His labors. What follows is a further description of the bride's beauty, where each attribute emphasizes her complete loveliness through fitting comparisons. Her hair, the alignment of her teeth, the hue of her lips, the sweetness of her voice, and the rosy glow of her palms are all commended. The praise for these various features is met with relatable comparisons. Her hair is compared to the flocks of goats coming from Gilead, her teeth likened to those of freshly shorn sheep, and her lips compared to scarlet threads, while her voice is adorned with the fragrance of spikenard. As it reads: "Thy hair is like a flock of goats that appear from Gilead; Thy teeth like a flock of sheep that are shorn, which come up from the washing; all of which are twins, and none is barren among them; Thy lips are like a scarlet thread, and Thy speech is comely; Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within Thy locks" (Song of Solomon 4:1-3). Given that these elements have been sufficiently examined thus far, to reiterate would be redundant; however, should anyone require further elaboration, I will briefly summarize the meaning of these metaphors for those who have not encountered previous discussions.

Hair possesses a unique nature, distinct from the sensitivity of the rest of the body. While the entire body is engaged in feeling—critical for life—hair, despite being a bodily part, lacks sensation. This distinction is evident, as hair does not experience pain through burning or cutting as other body parts do. Hence, in accordance with Paul’s proclamation that a woman’s glory is her hair (1 Corinthians 11:15), the adoration of the bride's hair signifies that the hair upon her head—symbolizing the Church—represents the apex of the senses, intended to envelop the senses with wisdom, as the proverb suggests, "the wise store up knowledge" (Proverbs 10:14). The wise do not rely on sight or taste or any other senses to discern beauty but, after mastering every sense, strive with unified hearts for the good things that are revealed spiritually, thereby glorifying the Church—the bride—without becoming arrogant in accolades or disheartened by trials. Even when persecuted for their faith in Christ, cast before wild beasts or flames, or subjected to other severe tribulations, they retain a posture of steadfastness, just as Elijah did, who emerged from Gilead with a rugged, unyielding spirit, never fazed by threats. Those who emulate the courage of this prophet, enduring hardship and isolation, as described in Hebrews (Hebrews 11:37-38), become like a flock surrounding the Head of all, representing the Church's glory, together with the Gilead resident advancing toward heavenly grace. The goat serves to symbolize beauty, possibly due to its natural capacity for abundant hair or its nimbleness upon rocky terrains, which resonates with those who traverse the challenging road of virtue. Moreover, it may also be noted that goats are crucial for many priestly duties established by the lawgiver. In the allegorical narratives, among the “four that walk well,” the goat is recognized as the leader of the flock (Proverbs 30:29, 31). This signifies that any venture initiated by an individual can be carried forward and multiplied by many. For instance, Scripture depicts Tovel as the pioneer of metallurgy, instructing others in working with iron; Abel was the first shepherd, and Cain the first farmer. The Scriptures further identify figures such as Nimrod, a pioneer in hunting, and Noah, who introduced viticulture, noting Enos as the first to invoke the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26). Such references highlight those who initiated certain vocations, influencing countless others through imitation. Since Elijah exemplified Divine zeal exquisitely, those who followed his path, striving to replicate his fervor and courage, collectively form a flock representing the glory and commendation of the Church, serving as the beauty of hair, which aligns with the essence of life outside the boundaries of sensory experience.

The Gospel affirms: "And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, divert your gaze from Me, as your adoration raises My glory. The amount of attention one gives to the Lord directly correlates to the elevation of the Lord, and in return, that individual is also honored. This is echoed in the declaration of the prophet King David: "I will exalt thee, O Lord, because thou hast lifted me up" (Psalm 29:2). The faithful elevate the Lord, while the sinful diminish Him. The Lord desires that the soul turns its gaze away so that He may not elevate only one, leaving others behind who may seem unprepared to follow Him upward. This is why, in the Gospel, He revealed His glory selectively, showing it only to a few of His most devoted disciples (Matt. 17, Mk. 9).

Consider a teacher attempting to clarify a complex topic for his listeners. Even if he possesses the essential knowledge for both science and language, he will adapt his explanations to suit those who struggle to comprehend, opting for simpler and more familiar terms. Meanwhile, the quicker students, eager to grasp the material, may push him to proceed faster. Yet, the teacher encourages them to be patient while he lingers on the fundamental concepts, ensuring that all his students can keep pace with him.