N What is this(A) coming up from the wilderness
like columns of smoke,
scented with myrrh and frankincense(B)
from every fragrant powder of the merchant?
It is Solomon’s royal litter[a]
surrounded by 60 warriors
from the mighty of Israel.
All of them are skilled with swords
and trained in warfare.
Each has his sword at his side(C)
to guard against the terror of the night.(D)

King Solomon made a sedan chair[b] for himself
with wood from Lebanon.
10 He made its posts of silver,
its back[c] of gold,
and its seat of purple.
Its interior is inlaid with love[d]
by the young women of Jerusalem.(E)
11 Come out, young women of Zion,(F)
and gaze at King Solomon,
wearing the crown his mother placed on him
the day of his wedding(G)
the day of his heart’s rejoicing.

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Footnotes

  1. Song of Solomon 3:7 A conveyance carried on the shoulders of servants
  2. Song of Solomon 3:9 In Hb, the term sedan chair is possibly a synonym for “litter”; it is also called a palanquin.
  3. Song of Solomon 3:10 Or base, or canopy
  4. Song of Solomon 3:10 Or leather

Young Women of Jerusalem

Who is this sweeping in from the wilderness
    like a cloud of smoke?
Who is it, fragrant with myrrh and frankincense
    and every kind of spice?
Look, it is Solomon’s carriage,
    surrounded by sixty heroic men,
    the best of Israel’s soldiers.
They are all skilled swordsmen,
    experienced warriors.
Each wears a sword on his thigh,
    ready to defend the king against an attack in the night.
King Solomon’s carriage is built
    of wood imported from Lebanon.
10 Its posts are silver,
    its canopy gold;
    its cushions are purple.
It was decorated with love
    by the young women of Jerusalem.

Young Woman

11 Come out to see King Solomon,
    young women of Jerusalem.[a]
He wears the crown his mother gave him on his wedding day,
    his most joyous day.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:11 Hebrew of Zion.