Song Of Solomon 2 4

Song Of Solomon 2:4 kjv

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

Song Of Solomon 2:4 nkjv

He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.

Song Of Solomon 2:4 niv

Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

Song Of Solomon 2:4 esv

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

Song Of Solomon 2:4 nlt

He escorts me to the banquet hall;
it's obvious how much he loves me.

Song Of Solomon 2 verses

Song Of Solomon 2 4 Meaning

Song of Solomon 2:4 describes the intimate and secure relationship between the beloved and her lover. She is brought to a place of feasting and abundance, symbolizing deep communion and joy. Over her, his banner declares not authority through conquest, but absolute, possessive love, providing protection and a clear identity of belonging within that loving relationship. It speaks of divine provision, profound intimacy, and steadfast devotion.

Song Of Solomon 2 4 Context

Song of Solomon chapter 2 is part of a lyrical poem celebrating profound romantic love, often interpreted allegorically as the love between Christ and His Church, or God and Israel. The verse appears during a conversation where the Shulamite woman expresses her desire for her beloved and their intimate fellowship. The immediate preceding verses highlight the beloved as a source of strength and refreshment, a "lily among thorns," emphasizing her beauty and distinctiveness in his eyes. The verse portrays her being brought into a sanctuary of intimacy, contrasting the external world with a space of dedicated affection and belonging, reflecting the depth of their private communion. Historically, ancient Israelite culture valued family, procreation, and strong communal bonds, within which marriage played a crucial role. Feasting and banquets were common expressions of joy, celebration, and hospitality, while banners signified tribal identity, royal authority, or military presence. This verse subverts the military understanding of a banner, making its declaration about love.

Song Of Solomon 2 4 Word analysis

• He: Refers to the male protagonist, the Lover or King. In allegorical interpretations, this signifies God or Christ as the initiator of the relationship.
• brought me: Hebrew: הֱבִיאַ֖נִי (hevianí) – "He brought me," indicating an intentional, active leading by the Lover, suggesting initiative and a tender drawing into a shared space.
• to the banqueting house: Hebrew: בֵּית הַיַּיִן (beit ha-yayin) – literally, "house of wine." This signifies a place of feasting, celebration, and intimate fellowship. It evokes joy, sustenance, and abundance. Symbolically, it points to the abundant provisions of grace, the presence of God in ordinances, or the heavenly kingdom.
• and his banner: Hebrew: וְדִגְל֭וֹ (və-dig'lō) – "his standard," "his flag." In ancient times, a banner served as a rallying point, a mark of identity for tribes or armies, and a symbol of authority, ownership, and protection. Here, it signifies the public declaration and nature of the Lover’s rule and identity.
• over me: Denotes position, covering, and protective presence. It implies being under his authority and care, sheltered and defined by his declaration.
• was love: Hebrew: אַהֲבָה (ahavah) – "love." This is the core attribute and message of the banner. Unlike banners for conquest or war, this banner proclaims profound affection, loyalty, and commitment. It is the defining essence of the relationship and the Lover's disposition towards the beloved.
• "He brought me to the banqueting house": Emphasizes a divine initiative in bringing the believer into a place of intimate communion, spiritual feasting, and joy. It highlights God's hospitality and desire for closeness.
• "and his banner over me was love": This powerful image conveys protection, identification, and possession. The Lover's identifying mark is not power or might, but unconditional, enduring love. It assures the beloved of her security, identity, and worth within his loving gaze and authority.

Song Of Solomon 2 4 Bonus section

The concept of God as a banner, specifically YHWH Nissi ("The LORD is my Banner") from Exodus 17:15, provides a crucial backdrop for understanding Song of Solomon 2:4. While YHWH Nissi is often associated with victory in battle, it is primarily about God's presence as the standard around which His people rally and under which they are protected. In Song 2:4, this theme is deepened and specified: the very nature of that banner, when manifested in the context of intimate communion, is unqualified love. This suggests that true divine victory and identification are rooted not in force, but in overwhelming, encompassing love that defines the relationship. Furthermore, the emphasis on wine in "house of wine" often alludes to joy and intoxicating fellowship, aligning with the "new wine" of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament that brings joy and intimacy with God.

Song Of Solomon 2 4 Commentary

Song of Solomon 2:4 encapsulates the profound joy and security found in a divinely initiated and sustained relationship. The "banqueting house" symbolizes an intentional invitation into intimate communion, a place of joyous provision and fellowship where needs are met and spirits are gladdened. This is not a reluctant duty but a joyful, chosen sanctuary. Crucially, the "banner" normally associated with warfare and conquest is here refashioned into a standard of pure "love." This indicates that the Lover's authority and identification are founded upon and exercised through unwavering affection and benevolent care. For the believer, it signifies being brought into Christ's abundant grace, where the prevailing atmosphere and declared truth over one's life is His protective, unfailing love, offering ultimate security and belonging. This love is not merely emotional but covenantal, providing an identity and assurance that transcends circumstances.