Charles Ellicott Commentary Song Of Solomon 7:1

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Song Of Solomon 7:1

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Song Of Solomon 7:1

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"How beautiful are thy feet in sandals, O prince`s daughter! Thy rounded thighs are like jewels, The work of the hands of a skilful workman." — Song Of Solomon 7:1 (ASV)

How beautiful ... — Literally, How beautiful are thy feet (or thy steps) in the sandals. This description of the beauty of the bride—

“From the delicate Arab arch of her feet
To the grace that, bright and light as the crest
Of a peacock, sits on her shining head”—

is plainly connected with the dance mentioned in the last verse, and possibly proceeds in this order, instead of from the head downwards, because the feet of a dancer would first attract attention. See end of Excursus III.

O prince’s daughter! — Heb. Bath-nadib (the Septuagint uses Ναδαβ) — evidently again suggested by Amminadib, in Song of Solomon 6:12. But as the allusion there cannot be recovered, nothing relating to the rank of the heroine can be deduced from the recurrence of nadib (which means noble) here. The reference may be to character rather than descent, just as in the opposite expression, daughter of Belial (1 Samuel 1:16).

Joints. — Heb. chamûk, from chamah (meaning "went away"), probably refers to the rapid movements in dancing, and the image is suggested by the graceful curves formed by a chain or pendulous ornament when in motion. Or the reference may be to the contour of the person.