Song of Songs 7:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The chaste bridegroom, celebrated by his virgin bride, in turn extols her, declaring, “How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O daughter of Aminadab,” indicating a people that willingly submits. Virginity is a choice, and thus, the actions of the Church are commended for their pure chastity. It is not within the scope of this discussion to unveil all the profound truths of virginity found in the Song of Songs, as doing so may cause discomfort for sensitive readers.

What embellishes your feet in your shoes, O women of Nadavl? Simmachus interpreted this as the effusion of the Leader, referring to the Holy Spirit. "What beautifies your feet?" He commends the feet that stand firm, that tread the path of righteousness, that gleam in their footwear. Isaiah, recognizing the splendor of these feet, exclaimed: “Thy two teats are as two young twins of the chamois” (Song of Songs 7:4); “Thy eyes are as the pillars of Egypt, thy eyes are like pools in Heshbon, beside the gates of the daughters of many; thy nose is as the pillar of Lebanon facing the city of Damascus” (Song of Songs 7:5); “Thy head is like Mount Carmel, and the braid of thy hair is like crimson, the king is held captive in thrones” (Song of Songs 7:6). This description varies slightly from that of the Bride presented in the previous verse (Song 4) and thus needs no further explanation.

It is my belief that her feet symbolize the initiation of worship among those who emulate the journey of those who, through the holy apostolic sacrifice, rise to Christ in heaven. In this way, this community, inspired by the example of the blessed Peter, has transcended worldly actions and reached the heavenly realms by practicing the discipline of their bodies. They are akin to those who, by following Christ, have moved from the shadows of ignorance into the brilliance of the truth.

In the distance, Sulamita appears in stunning beauty, unaware of her friends nearby, and expresses that she has come to visit the vineyard. Her companions urge her to speak with them, but the bridegroom suddenly appears, silencing their curiosity and resuming his song of adoration for his beloved. He concludes by longing for the delightful fruits of the date and grape, likening them to his bride.