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Book of Song Of Solomon - Chapter 6 - Verse 13

6:13
Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.

Meaning

The verse "Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies." from the book of Song of Solomon can be interpreted in several ways. Some scholars believe that this verse is a call for the return of the beloved Shulamite woman, who may have left or been separated from her lover. The repetition of the word "return" emphasizes the urgency and longing for her presence. The question "What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies." suggests that the Shulamite may possess a sense of strength and power, like that of two armies combined. This could symbolize her resilience, beauty, and virtue. Overall, this verse reflects a deep desire for the Shulamite's return and a curiosity about her character and qualities.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the call for the Shulamite to return is repeated twice, emphasizing the urgency of her presence. The Shulamite is a beloved woman, often believed to symbolize the church or the bride of Christ. The line "What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies" has been interpreted in various ways. Some see this as a description of the inner spiritual struggle within the believer, symbolized by the two armies. Others view it as a reference to the beauty and strength of the Shulamite, likening her to a formidable army. The word "Shulamite" itself is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word shalom, meaning peace, which adds another layer of interpretation to the verse. Overall, this verse can be seen as a call for the beloved to return and be admired for her inner beauty, strength, and peace that she embodies.

American Standard Version

Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, As upon the dance of Mahanaim?
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