The Shulamite remains devoted to her beloved though they are now separated. Her affection for him has not changed. Even though Solomon is enchanted by her and pursues her longingly, yet she remains unmoved in her affection towards her beloved shepherd. The king was irresistible to many in his harem but not to this Shulamite. Baffled, the ladies want to know how special her beloved is, that she should be so spellbound even though she has the admiration of Solomon. They want to know what kind of person is her beloved.
So in Song 5:10-16, she describes her beloved to them. As far as she is concerned, he is everything to her. She began by saying that her beloved “…is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.” There is just something bright about him that makes him dazzles. And there is something about his look that shows how healthy and vibrant he is. And he cannot be missed even when he is surrounded by a crowd. Jesus, our Lord is truly attractive. He has distinguished Himself. He is none other than the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Once we know Him, nothing else and no one else matters. Our affection will be for Him and Him alone.
In verses 11-16 we see are ten brilliant physical qualities of the beloved that attracted the Shulamite to him. Firstly, His head is like pure gold, in other words, he is pure, superb and flawless. Secondly, his hairs are described as: “…locks are like clusters of dates and black as a raven.” He has a thick well groom bright and healthy hair. Thirdly, “His eyes are like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk, and reposed in their setting” The eyes of a dove are large and full, like precious stones set in a ring. This description tells us that the eyes of her beloved are lively yet reflect a deep composure. Fourthly, “His cheeks are like a bed of balsam, banks of sweet-scented herbs….” This could be describing the perfumed thick bushy beard that resembles the aromatic balsam plant. And fifthly, “His lips are lilies dripping with liquid myrrh.” His lips are so soft, symmetrical, lovely and inviting. The words that flow out of them are described as myrrh i.e. they are gentle, kind and tender words. Sixthly, “His hands are rods of gold set with beryl….” His hands are firm and strong with beryl coloured nails. Seventhly, “His abdomen is carved ivory inlaid with sapphires….” This is describing the symmetry of his “six-packs” and clearly demarcated muscles of his abs. Eighthly, “His legs are pillars of alabaster set on pedestals of pure gold….” Alabaster reflects greatness and purity and gold nobility. Ninthly, “His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars.” His height and posture are impeccably perfect and firm and strong like the cedar of Lebanon. Her beloved may not be a king but his features are kingly in every way. Tenthly, “His mouth is full of sweetness and he is wholly desirable.” His words are magnetizing and like a magnet that attracts. He draws and endears everyone to him. He is so irresistible, appealing and attractive.
In Song 6:1 the maidens of Jerusalem are so baffled by her description of her beloved that they sarcastically offer to help her look for him. They actually doubt her description, so they mockingly feign interest in helping her. Unperturbed by their doubt, the Shulamite disregards their mocking and continues to pour out her heart concerning her beloved. She is sure that he is about his work of shepherding “…his flock in the gardens and gather lilies.” Though the distance and circumstances may have separated them, one thing remains: She loves her beloved and she is assured that he loves her too.
When we see how lovely our Lord is, we will be drawn to Him. How will we ever know the beauty of the Lord, if we do not make time for Him? Living in this world inundated with activities, we need to rightly set our time and priority for Him. Don’t be so engrossed with the world and its attraction that we miss time with Jesus, our Beloved. Keep in mind the exhortation in 1 John 2:15-16, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
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