1. Song of Solomon 5:10–16 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the function of the woman's poem in Song of Solomon 5:10-16?

Song of Solomon 5:10–16 (ESV)

10 My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand.

In response to the first question asked by the young women of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon 5:9, the young woman begins her longest poem of admiration for her beloved in the Song (Song of Solomon 5:10–16).

The description starts with a general statement about his beauty and then, moves from his head downwards to his legs. She does not give the young women a description of her beloved simply so that they can recognize him if they see him. Rather, it is a celebration of his matchless beauty, much like he celebrated her beauty in Song of Solomon 4:1–7).