THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN THE UNIVERSE
SONG OF SOLOMON 6:10 – Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, pure as the sun, and awesome as an army with banners?
This passage in the Song of Solomon describes a woman of such extraordinary beauty that no other woman on earth—from Eve until the day of the Lord Jesus’s Second Coming—could compare to her. According to verses 4 and 10 of Song of Solomon chapter 6, she is the most beautiful woman in the entire universe; no one else comes close, not even in the slightest degree. Throughout history, many biblical scholars have offered interpretations of her identity; some suggest she was a village maiden who captivated King Solomon, while others believe she was one of the king’s queens or concubines. Whether these theories are correct is a question we can only answer later. However, let us explore her identity through Scripture to understand whom the Word of God describes. First, let us examine verse 4:
SONG OF SOLOMON 6:4 – You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.
When Christians read the word “LOVE” (or “beloved”) in this verse, they likely immediately think of a term describing romantic affection between a man and a woman—such as that between lovers or a husband and wife. But have we ever considered that word as a designation for LOVE—divorced from any carnal connotations? When the Lord Jesus used parables to teach the multitudes, was that merely a method employed during His earthly ministry, or does it also apply to the writing of the Scriptures? Since the Lord is unchanging, could His teachings to the world fluctuate from one way to another? Or would He use parables and imagery in one era but not in another? By answering these questions, we can set aside long-held mental prejudices and grasp the Lord’s word more easily (2 Corinthians 3:14–15). Thus, when reflecting on this title, we can understand it as a term denoting LOVE, rather than one describing romantic or sexual love between a couple. These two forms of affection are entirely distinct. We can be certain of this because these two biblical verses describe the woman’s beauty in the spiritual realm, not the physical. Later, you will come to recognize the distinction between these two terms and understand why we chose to use them in this way. Next, the Word of God in the Song of Solomon describes the woman as exceedingly beautiful, employing specific terms to characterize that beauty. First, she is described as beautiful as Tirzah. This name was commonly given to Hebrew women (Numbers 26:33, 27:1, 36:11; Joshua 17:3) and signifies a pleasing beauty—one that brings serenity and contentment, soothing the spirit. This term is entirely distinct from words used to describe mere physical allure. A later, deeper study will reveal the full significance of the name Tirzah.
Second, the woman is described as beautiful as Jerusalem. Taken literally—at face value—Jerusalem, even during the golden age of King Solomon, was not considered the most beautiful city in the world; later, other cities and capitals were far more beautiful and splendid. Thus, the literal reference to Jerusalem is insufficient to adequately describe the beauty of this woman, the fairest in the universe. However, when viewed figuratively—as a spiritual symbol—the matter changes completely. In the spiritual realm, no city rivals the beauty and splendor of the holy city of Jerusalem that comes from God (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 3:12, 21:2). Only the holy city of Jerusalem is worthy of being compared to that woman’s beauty. When her beauty is likened to the holy city of Jerusalem, she is also regarded as the mother of all Christians—or, more precisely, the mother of all the saved (Galatians 4:26). So who is that woman? You must answer this question carefully, for it reveals the faith each person has cultivated throughout their years of following the Lord. As for us, we will continue to explain the imagery of that woman in the sections that follow.
(to be continued)