I am a wallThis phrase symbolizes strength, stability, and purity. In the context of the Song of Solomon, the speaker, likely the Shulammite woman, asserts her chastity and moral integrity. The imagery of a wall suggests protection and separation from impurity, aligning with biblical themes of holiness and sanctification (e.g.,
Isaiah 26:1). Walls in ancient cities were crucial for defense, indicating the speaker's resolve to maintain her virtue. This metaphor can also be seen as a type of the Church, which is called to be set apart and holy (
Ephesians 5:27).
and my breasts are like towers
The comparison of breasts to towers conveys maturity and readiness for love, as well as dignity and honor. Towers in ancient times were symbols of strength and watchfulness, often used for protection and vigilance. This imagery may reflect the woman's confidence in her own worth and beauty, as well as her preparedness for a committed relationship. The use of towers can also be seen as a metaphor for the nurturing and protective aspects of love, akin to the nurturing nature of Christ's love for the Church (Ephesians 5:29).
So I have become in his eyes like one who brings peace
This phrase indicates the fulfillment and contentment found in a loving relationship. The speaker's purity and maturity have led to a harmonious and peaceful union with her beloved. In biblical terms, peace (shalom) encompasses wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation. This can be seen as a reflection of the peace that Christ brings to believers, reconciling them to God (Romans 5:1). The imagery of bringing peace also connects to the prophetic role of Christ as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who establishes a new covenant of love and unity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Shulammite WomanThe speaker in this verse, often interpreted as the bride or beloved in the Song of Solomon. She represents purity, strength, and maturity in her relationship.
2.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of the Song of Solomon, representing the bridegroom or lover. His relationship with the Shulammite woman is central to the account.
3.
JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the city is a significant backdrop in the Song of Solomon, symbolizing a place of love and union.
4.
The Wall and TowersMetaphors used by the Shulammite woman to describe her strength, maturity, and the protective nature of her love.
5.
PeaceThe outcome of the Shulammite's maturity and strength, symbolizing harmony and fulfillment in the relationship.
Teaching Points
Strength and Dignity in RelationshipsThe Shulammite woman’s declaration, "I am a wall," signifies her strength and dignity. In relationships, maintaining personal boundaries and integrity is crucial for mutual respect and peace.
Maturity and GrowthHer reference to her breasts as towers symbolizes maturity. In our spiritual and personal lives, growth and maturity lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships.
Bringing PeaceThe result of her strength and maturity is peace. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in our relationships, reflecting Christ’s love and harmony.
Symbolism of the Wall and TowersThe imagery of walls and towers can be seen as protective and strong. In our faith, we are called to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ, who is our ultimate protector.
The Role of PurityThe Shulammite’s purity is central to her identity. In a world that often devalues purity, Christians are called to uphold it as a testament to God’s design for love and relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 8:10?
2.How does Song of Solomon 8:10 reflect God's design for purity and strength?
3.What does "I am a wall" symbolize in Song of Solomon 8:10?
4.How can we apply the principles of Song of Solomon 8:10 today?
5.How does Song of Solomon 8:10 connect with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?
6.What role does self-worth play in Song of Solomon 8:10's message?
7.What does Song of Solomon 8:10 reveal about the nature of love and self-worth?
8.How does Song of Solomon 8:10 fit into the overall theme of the book?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Song of Solomon 8:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 8?
11.How do we reconcile the seemingly romantic and intimate focus of Song of Solomon 8 with the broader religious themes typical of other Bible texts?
12.How does Song of Solomon 8:5, which suggests a strong marital bond, align with biblical texts that portray marriage in more patriarchal terms?
13.Are there any archaeological findings that corroborate the cultural practices alluded to in Song of Solomon 8:2-4, or are these references purely poetic?
14.Song of Solomon 7:3 - How does comparing breasts to young deer align with or contradict other biblical teachings on modesty and propriety?What Does Song of Solomon 8:10 Mean
I am a wall“I am a wall” (Songs 8:10) speaks of the bride’s steadfast purity and moral resolve.
• A wall keeps intruders out; she has guarded her heart and body. Songs 4:12 calls her “a locked garden…a sealed spring,” echoing this protective imagery.
• Her resolved stance mirrorsProverbs 25:28—“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man without self-control.” She has not let desires overrun God-given boundaries.
• With that firmness, she models the call of1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, that each believer “learn to control his own body in holiness and honor.” Purity is never passive; it requires intentional fortification.
and my breasts are like towersJust as towers rise strong and visible, the bride’s maturing body now declares readiness for covenant love.
• Songs 4:5 likens her breasts to “two fawns,” showing gentle beauty; here they are “like towers,” presenting confident maturity.
• Towers in Scripture convey safety and strength.Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Her physical development, under God’s design, becomes a place of security and delight for her husband (Songs 7:7-8).
• Spiritually, her growth reflectsPsalm 144:12, where daughters are likened to “corner pillars.” She embodies stability that will support a future household.
So I have become in his eyes like one who brings peaceThe outcome of purity plus maturity is shalom—wholeness—between the couple.
• The bride is now “in his eyes” the very embodiment of peace.Genesis 2:23-24 shows that when man and woman unite under God’s order, they become “one flesh,” a picture of harmony.
•Proverbs 31:11 says, “The heart of her husband trusts in her.” Trust yields peace; she has earned that trust.
• True peace in marriage mirrors Christ’s gift to His people.Ephesians 2:14: “For He Himself is our peace.” When the groom sees her, he tastes a reflection of that divine completeness.
•Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to the steadfast; the bride’s steadfast wall-like purity now blesses both partners with rest and contentment.
summarySong 8:10 celebrates a progression: steadfast purity (“wall”), God-given maturity (“towers”), and the resulting harmony (“peace”). By guarding her heart, embracing God’s timing for physical intimacy, and entering covenant love, the bride becomes a source of deep rest and fulfillment to her husband—an earthly snapshot of the perfect peace the Lord designs for all who walk in His ways.
(10)
I am a wall. . .--The heroine interrupts with a protestation of her purity, and of her right to marry, being of age, and conscious of being beloved.
Verses 10-12. -
I am a wall, and my breasts like the towers thereof: then was I in his eyes as one that found peace. Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to brings a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard, which is mine, isbefore me: thou, O Solomon, shalt have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred. The meaning seems to be affectionate approval of the method just described. Solomon says, "If the young sister be, worthy of love, she shall receive more and more of defence and honour; she shall be all that I can make her." The bride takes up this thought. "So it is with me, and, in the spirit of thankful acknowledgments and praise, I will respond to all the favour of the king. King Solomon has loved me, and now I am rising higher and becoming more and more glorious because of his love." The typical reference can scarcely be missed. The Church, the bride of the Lamb, shines only in the light of him whose favour is life, and whose loving kindness is better than life. The comparison to a city with the walls and towers, while it would seem a little far fetched in a love song, is quite in place if the typical intention was in the mind of the writer. He was thinking of the city of God, "beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth." "One that findeth peace" is the same as "one that findeth favour," that is, one who is the object of his affection. There are several references which confirm this, such as
Esther 2:17;
Deuteronomy 24:1;
Jeremiah 31:2;
Psalm 41:10. The word "peace" (
shalom) is in all probability purposely chosen in this case as a kind of play on the name
Solomon, which appears immediately afterwards. "The king of peace delights in me because I am peace in his eyes." The Church is after the image of the King. His likeness in her makes her beautiful. Men take knowledge of Christians that they have been with Jesus (see
1 Chronicles 22:9). It is scarcely necessary to point out that this language of the bride is entirely against the shepherd theory. She could not have talked of finding peace in his eyes if she was torn from her true lover. The bride then goes on to express her devotedness to the king and her desire to bring forth abundance for him. She uses as an example, which perhaps was typical in her time and country, some remarkably fruitful vineyard of the king's. She will, in like manner, realize all his highest wishes. All that she has shall be his. The name Baal-hamon (
בַּעַלחָמון) in the LXX.
Βεελαμών (cf. Judith 8:3), designates probably a place near to Sunem, somewhere to the north, on the further side of the Plain of Jezreeh The produce of the vineyard must have been very large, as every keeper was to bring in for himself a thousand shekels of silver. It is not stated how many keepers there were, but the word which is employed is not "servants," but "watchers, or overseers." A vineyard was divided into portions, with a certain definite prescribed number of vines in each portion. In
Isaiah 7:23 we read, "And it shall come to pass in that day that every place where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings shall even be for briers and thorns." Now, a thousand silverlings was one shekel, so that if this passage can be taken as throwing light on what the bride says, it would imply that, instead of one shekel forevery thousand vines, every keeper brought a thousand shekels. That would seem impossible, so that the parallel can scarcely be strict. Perhaps the largeness of the vineyard is referred to, and each of the keepers would have many thousands of vines under his inspection. The general meaning, however, is not obscure. The vineyard was a celebrated one, and was taken as a typical instance of fertility and abundance. When the bride speaks of her vineyard which is before her, there may be an allusion to her previous manner of life as a rustic maiden employed in the vineyards, and to her own position as a keeper or as one of the family. But this is not intended to be prominently expressed. The whole spirit of the poem justifies the view that she is speaking of her person. She invited Solomon to rejoice in the beauty and fragrance of her garden, to pluck the fruits, to revel in the delights. Everything that is pleasant and lovely is before him (see
Song of Solomon 4:12;
Song of Solomon 5:1).
Before me; that is, in my power is all this delight, and my desire is to my husband; all that I have is his. Like the far-famed keepers of Baal-hamon, I will give the king a thousand shekels, that is, the utmost that the vineyard can produce, and "those that keep the fruit thereof" shall have two hundred - perhaps meaning a hundred each, that is a tenth, which was the ancient tithe due to the priests. It may be, however, that a double tithe is intended. The king shall be satisfied, and all those who labour for the king shall be more than ever rewarded. If we take such words as typical, they point to a state of things in the history of the kingdom of God when the spiritual and the temporal shall be perfectly adjusted. The keepers of the vineyard have often made sad havoc of the vineyard itself because of their greedy discontent. The fruits which have been yielded by the Church have fallen very far short. The husbandmen have ill treated the Lord's servants. But all the judgments which have been poured out both upon ancient Jews and upon the corrupt Christendom of later times have been directed to one end, to make the vineyard of the Lord more fruitful, to remove the things which are offensive in his sight, to satisfy him whose soul travailed for his people; for herein is the Father glorified in the Son, when them who bear the name of the Beloved "bear much fruit." Then the keepers of the vineyard will themselves rejoice, not that they reap a larger harvest of this world's good, not "for filthy lucre's sake," but because their hearts are one with his whose vineyard they keep, and to see the fruit abound is to fill them with joy. Surely we shall recognize in such language an anticipation of the many allusions which are found both in the prophets and psalms and in the discourses of our Lord himself. "The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant" (
Isaiah 5:7)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Iאֲנִ֣י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iam a wallחוֹמָ֔ה(ḥō·w·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346:A wall of protectionand my breastsוְשָׁדַ֖י(wə·šā·ḏay)Conjunctive waw | Noun - mdc | first person common singular
Strong's 7699:The breast of a, woman, animalare like towers.כַּמִּגְדָּל֑וֹת(kam·miḡ·dā·lō·wṯ)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4026:A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowersSoאָ֛ז(’āz)Adverb
Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforeI have becomeהָיִ֥יתִי(hā·yî·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bein his eyesבְעֵינָ֖יו(ḇə·‘ê·nāw)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainlike one who bringsכְּמוֹצְאֵ֥ת(kə·mō·wṣ·’êṯ)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentpeace.שָׁלֽוֹם׃(šā·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace
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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 8:10 I am a wall and my breasts (Song Songs SS So Can) 
