Song of Songs 8:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

May your affection for the Church remain unshaken by any trials; let no vast waters impede it, nor rivers be capable of overwhelming it.

It is essential for such love to dwell within us so that no peril can drive us away from Christ. As it is written, Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it (cf. Song 8:7), for the heart of the loving soul will traverse the turbulent waters. No tempest, no chasm of despair, nor fear of death or punishment can lessen the strength of love, for within these trials we are refined, and therein lies the blessed life, albeit obscured by the waves of adversity. A wise person remains unbroken by physical suffering and steadfast despite tribulation; even amid pain, true blessing endures.

If someone were to devote their entire existence to love, they would likely face scorn and rejection. Those who offer their lives for love often encounter derision from those who are either unloving or lacking in love. The Apostle Paul aptly expressed this: "They say evil against us, we bless; they persecute us, we bear with them; they blaspheme us, we pray; we are as rubbish to the world, as dust, trampled down by all until now" (1 Corinthians 4:12-13). This illustrates the true experience of those who suffer disorientation: those who lack steadfastness believe everything is spinning out of control; similarly, individuals deprived of affection can be perceived as irrational or reckless. Nevertheless, such scorn only fortifies the value of love that is disdained.

Jesus spoke to me, proclaiming, "Rejoice, rejoice!" as they approached. They grasped His feet. With fulfillment of prophecy, they clung to Him, for it is written, "I found Him whom my soul loves; I held Him and would not let Him go." Although the woman's physical form may be frail, her spirit remains bold: "Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the rivers overwhelm it." The One they were searching for had died, yet the flame of hope for His Resurrection continued to burn brightly.

In the garden, beneath the apple tree where she was brought into existence, she drifts into a serene sleep in the embrace of her beloved. He implores her companions not to rouse her from her rest, ultimately awakening her and, with gentle support, escorts her, most likely to her mother's dwelling. The companions are in awe of this splendid procession of the Shulammite; she, turning to her bridegroom, expresses her desire for an expedited union, for her affection is profoundly powerful and cannot be overshadowed or substituted by anything else.