Song of Solomon – Chapter 2

Old Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

Song of Solomon 2 opens with the words: "I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys." Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys.

2As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

3As the apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow, whom I desired: and his fruit was sweet to my palate.

4He brought me into the cellar of wine, he set in order charity in me.

5Stay me up with flowers, compass me about with apples: because I languish with love.

6His left hand is under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.

7I adjure you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and the harts of the field, that you stir not up, nor make the beloved to awake, till she please.

8The voice of my beloved, behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills.

9My beloved is like a roe, or a young hart. Behold he standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices.

10Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come.

11For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone.

12The flowers have appeared in our land, the time of pruning is come: the voice of the turtle is heard in our land:

13The fig tree hath put forth her green figs: the vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come:

14My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, shew me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears: for thy voice is sweet, and thy face comely.

15Catch us the little foxes that destroy the vines: for our vineyard hath flourished.

16My beloved to me, and I to him who feedeth among the lilies,

17Till the day break, and the shadows retire. Return: be like, my beloved, to a roe, or to a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Important Verses in Song of Solomon 2

I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys.

Song of Solomon 2:1

Stay me up with flowers, compass me about with apples: because I languish with love.

Song of Solomon 2:5

The voice of my beloved, behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills.

Song of Solomon 2:8

Till the day break, and the shadows retire. Return: be like, my beloved, to a roe, or to a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Song of Solomon 2:17

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Song of Solomon was written with israel and the Church, invited into covenant intimacy with God in view. Chapter 2 of 8 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys." It concludes: "Till the day break, and the shadows retire. Return: be like, my beloved, to a roe, or to a young hart upon the…" The wider setting of Song of Solomon is this: The Song of Songs is a poem of spousal love between bride and bridegroom. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Traditionally linked to Solomon (10th century BC); final form possibly after the exile.

Who Wrote It

Attributed to Solomon

When It Was Written

Traditionally linked to Solomon (10th century BC); final form possibly after the exile

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter presents teaching, action, or revelation within the broader account of divine love expressed through spousal imagery. A pivotal line is verse 1: "I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys." The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

Catholic exegesis reads Song of Solomon 2 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Church sees this as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church (CIC 1602). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1604).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

Reflection for Today

In Song of Solomon Chapter 2, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of divine love expressed through spousal imagery.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Song of Solomon Chapter 2 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that God's love is passionate and faithful.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of trust in providence amid uncertainty bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Song of Solomon Chapter 2 about?

Song of Solomon 2 contains 17 verses. It opens with "I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys." and closes with "Till the day break, and the shadows retire. Return: be like, my beloved, to a roe, or to a young hart upon the…". The book as a whole is lyric love poetry.

What is a key verse in Song of Solomon 2?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Song of Solomon and when?

Attributed to Solomon. Traditionally linked to Solomon (10th century BC); final form possibly after the exile.

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