Expert: Dr Eddy Cheong - 10/7/2009

Question
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 Verse 3 Can you tell me what this verse means


Answer
Song 2:3

3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
is my lover among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
NIV

The Song of Solomon is a poetical book of the Bible and some commentators believe it is an allegorical representation of the relationship of God and Israel as 'husband and wife'. In most translations the main characters of the Song are simply a woman and a man and the poem suggests movement from courtship to consummation.
In verse 3 above, the apple tree is made to represent a source of nourishment as opposed to the other unnamed trees of the forest. The male partner is both provider and protector for the phrase "Sitting in his shade" was a metaphor for protection, not only in the Bible but also in the literature of the ancient Near East (Bible knowledge commentary). Sweetness suggests acceptance by the female partner.
In the same vein, God is always our protector and provider.
The word 'lover' should not be taken in a lustful sense as the Bible expressedly forbids premarital sex.