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Song of Solomon 1:10
Thy cheeks are comely with rowsof jewels, thy neck with chainsof gold.

Song of Solomon 4:4
Thy neckis like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

ivory

Song of Solomon 5:14
His handsare as gold rings set with the beryl: his bellyis as bright ivory overlaidwith sapphires.

1 Kings 10:18,22
Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold…

1 Kings 22:39
Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built,are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

thine eyes

Song of Solomon 4:1,9
Behold, thouart fair, my love; behold, thouart fair; thouhast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hairis as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead…

Song of Solomon 6:5
Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hairis as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

Ephesians 1:17,18
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: …

heshbon

Numbers 21:25
And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

Isaiah 54:4
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

thy nose

Philippians 1:9,10
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge andin all judgment; …

Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

the tower

Song of Solomon 4:8
Come with me from Lebanon,my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Song of Solomon 5:15
His legsare as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenanceis as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim;
Heshbon was a significant city in ancient Moab, known for its strategic location and abundant water sources. The pools of Heshbon would have been clear, tranquil, and life-sustaining, symbolizing depth, clarity, and serenity. The eyes, often seen as windows to the soul, reflect the inner beauty and peace of the beloved. The gate of Bath-rabbim, possibly a well-known entrance to the city, suggests accessibility and openness. This imagery may also connect to the idea of spiritual insight and understanding, as seen inPsalm 119:18, where the psalmist asks for open eyes to behold wondrous things.

your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, facing toward Damascus.
The tower of Lebanon likely refers to a prominent structure in the region known for its impressive height and strategic vantage point. Lebanon, famous for its cedars, was a place of beauty and strength. The nose, central to the face, symbolizes discernment and perception. Facing toward Damascus, a major city to the north, suggests a forward-looking perspective and awareness of the surrounding world. This imagery conveys a sense of alertness and readiness, akin to the watchfulness encouraged in1 Peter 5:8, where believers are urged to be sober-minded and vigilant.

• Ivory suggests purity and priceless beauty. The groom sees in his bride a flawless dignity that rises above all that is common, much as ivory stands out for its rarity (cf.Psalm 45:13–15 where the royal bride’s glory is emphasized).

• A “tower” evokes strength and stately stature, echoing an earlier compliment: “Your neck is like the tower of David” (Songs 4:4). Taken together, these images affirm that her character is upright, noble, and secure—attributes God desires in His people (Proverbs 31:25;Ephesians 6:13–14).

• The literal image of a graceful, straight neck supports the groom’s heartfelt praise of her physical beauty, yet Scripture simultaneously uses the metaphor to picture spiritual steadfastness (Colossians 1:23).

• Heshbon’s pools were famed for their crystal-clear, tranquil waters. The bride’s eyes convey peace, depth, and inviting refreshment, reflecting the calm confidence of one who is loved (Songs 1:15;2 Corinthians 3:18).

• “By the gate” hints at accessibility. Her gaze welcomes rather than withholds—a picture of transparent trust within covenant love (Genesis 2:25;1 Peter 3:4).

• Still waters also mirror; likewise, her eyes mirror the groom’s affection, reinforcing mutual delight (Songs 4:9–10;James 1:23–24).

• The tower of Lebanon was a well-known lookout commanding a sweeping view toward Damascus. The bride’s profile is straight and finely shaped, but the imagery reaches further: her discernment is sharp, her sense of spiritual “scent” keen (Philippians 1:9–10).

• A tower also guards. The bride’s discernment protects the relationship, echoing wisdom’s watchfulness (Nehemiah 4:9;1 Thessalonians 5:6).

• Facing outward, the tower stands unafraid; so the bride’s poise displays courage and confidence borne of love (1 John 4:18;Proverbs 28:1).

Song of Solomon 7:4 layers vivid physical compliments with spiritual overtones. The groom delights in his bride’s purity (ivory), strength (tower), tranquility (pools), transparency (gate), discernment (tower of Lebanon), and confidence (facing Damascus). These qualities celebrate God-given beauty in marriage and picture the steadfast, peace-filled, discerning character He desires in all who belong to Him (Ephesians 5:25-27;Revelation 19:7-8).

"Adspicies oculos tremulo fulgore micantes

Ut sol a liquida s?pe refulget aqua."

Ovid. Art. Am.,ii. 722.

Comp. also Keats:--

"Those eyes, those passions, those supreme pearl springs.

The gate of Bath-rabbim.--Doubtless the name of an actual gate, so called from the crowds of people streaming through it:daughter of multitudes.

"Adspicies oculos tremulo fulgore micantes,
Ut sol a liquida saepe refulget aqua" The nose formed a straight line down from the forehead, conveying the impression of symmetry, and at the same time a dignity and majesty inspiring with awe like the tower of Lebanon. The reference is perhaps to a particular tower, and in the time of Solomon there were many noted specimens of architectural and artistic splendour. "A tower which looks in the direction of Damascus is to be thought of as standing on one of the eastern spurs of Hermon or on the top of Amana (Song of Solomon 4:8), whence the Amana (Barada) takes its rise, whether as a watchtower (2 Samuel 8:6) or only as a look out from which might be enjoyed the paradisaical prospect."

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