Examining The Scripture XCVI: Corporeal Senses

You would expect the five physical human senses to manifest themselves in the course of Song of Solomon. If you expect this you will not be disappointed and I will use Song of Solomon 2:3-13 as a case in point. The bulk of Chapter 2 is "physically" descriptive and because of this they have a visceral impact to the reader.

I interpreted this solely from the NIV translation to keep things simple and to avoid rabbit trails. I believe the intent of using sensory images is to better relate to what is being written in the text at a more visceral human level. Some of the descriptions within this book literally “put us in the action” as if we are there. As a matter of fact, comments from She/Beloved (NIV) are directed to the reader.

Taste:

(v. 3) Describes the Lover among men as an apple tree in a forest and he is the fruit of that tree. In other words He/Lover is a rare find. Normally all you find in a forest is hardwoods or evergreens. Obviously the word taste implies intimacy with him or a type of relation. “Delight to sit in his shade” seems to imply that He is the protector and she the protected just as a shade tree protects one from the harsh rays of the sun.

Touch:

(v. 6) Describes embracing (lover holds beloved). Another indicator of a very close intimate relationship. The previpous verse states she is faint with love so the embrace may also be a support or an effort by him to hold here upright, bolster, perhaps even exhort in a relationship.

Hearing:

(v. 8) Listen! (at reader?) He approaches her (see more below in Sight)
(v. 10) My lover spoke (He)…asking her to
(v. 12) season of singing, cooing of doves

Sight:

(v. 8,9) Look! (at reader) He approaches her, she notes his attractive appearance as a “gazelle or a young stag”.

(v. 9) Gazing through windows & lattice: He is also anxious to see her also. There is a reciprocated relationship occurring here. The feelings are mutual. Probably a young love because there appears to be a bit of infatuation (visual and ideological) going on which is common in new relationships. The idealism of the other has not diminished yet. Interestingly, it should be noted that we should always approach Jesus like it is a new relationship (I do) because there will always be something new to find when worshipping and pondering God for eternity. He is infinite…the infatuation of Him will never end. Nice.

(v. 11) See the winter has past (directed at reader) Which means Spring is next in the progression of seasons. Birth or rebirth, blooms, etc. (v. 12) Spring is pleasant to hear, see, smell and the by-products of springtime pollination are the summer fruits which are tasty. This verse covers multiple sensory imputs. Spring also brings the chirping of birds and the sound of cicada and nocturnal warm weather creatures.

Smell:

(v. 13) Smell: Fragrance (vines, directed at reader) Fig trees from what I have read are extremely pleasant to smell. As above in verse 11 there is reference to blossoms flowering and their pleasant smell.

I’ve made every attempt possible not to fall into a pattern of thinking carnally as a Christian. Song of Solomon (Songs) easily lends itself to taking this route and perhaps in some cases it should. I personally chose not to because there is so much more that can be gleaned from the book. To get locked into the human sensuality aspect, which many through history often have, is to undermine the true value of the book and to go against some of what the Bible says about outward appearances since Song of Solomon tends to often dwell on appearances or external attributes rather than what God looks at which is the heart (although “Songs” deals with the heart also). I took the road less travelled on this one. I mentioned it but that is as far as I went with it. Someone else can take that avenue.

Deere, Jack S., John Walvoord. "Song of Songs." Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Bible Knowledge). Acambaro: Victor, 1985. 1014-1015. Print.