Song of Solomon 2:7
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Notice that the verse doesn't just say "don't fall in love too soon." It uses a powerful oath, adjuring them by the most graceful and precious creatures of the field, to protect love. This emphasizes that love is something delicate and wild, not to be carelessly disturbed but allowed to blossom in its own perfect time.
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at a moment when the Shulamite woman, in the midst of her joy and longing for her beloved, is surrounded by the "daughters of Jerusalem." She's expressing her deep feelings and her desire for their relationship to unfold naturally, at the right time, before this group of onlookers. Her plea is for patience and for their love to be allowed to blossom on its own, without being rushed or forced.
In a world that rushes everything, this verse calls for patience in love. But why wait?
This verse isn't just about romantic love; it's about the right timing for love to blossom. The Shulamite woman uses a powerful, poetic oath, calling on the delicate gazelles of the field as witnesses. This imagery highlights the precious and gentle nature of true affection.
A Love That's Not Forced
This 'adjuration' or solemn charge is given to the 'daughters of Jerusalem,' perhaps representing young women or even the community at large. It's a plea to respect the natural unfolding of love. Trying to force or prematurely 'stir up' romantic feelings can be like trying to force a bud to open before its time – it damages the delicate process and spoils the beauty of the bloom.
It emphasizes that love is a gift to be received and nurtured, not manufactured or hurried. The right time is when it 'pleases' – when circumstances, hearts, and perhaps divine timing align.
Why would the bride use such a strong oath invoking wild animals? What does this tell us about the seriousness of her plea?
The oath in this verse is remarkably vivid. By invoking 'the gazelles or the does of the field,' the Shulamite isn't just being poetic; she's appealing to the natural order and the delicate beauty inherent in creation. These animals are often symbols of grace, agility, and purity in ancient Near Eastern thought.
Protecting Preciousness
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This oath serves to underscore the immense value she places on authentic, rightly-timed love. It's not something to be trifled with, rushed, or engaged in carelessly. The 'daughters of Jerusalem' are being asked to guard this precious thing – the development of genuine affection – from premature or superficial attempts to 'stir it up.'
It's a reminder that what is truly valuable often requires protection and respect for its natural process, especially something as profound as the formation of deep, committed love.
Understand the original words
shaba' · Hebrew Verb
A solemn charge, request, or command often made under oath or by appealing to something sacred or significant to ensure compliance.
bat Yerushalayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A collective term for the inhabitants of Jerusalem; in this context, it refers to the peers or companions of the bride, serving as the audience for her expressions of love.
ahavah · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word 'ahavah' describes a deep, intense emotional, physical, and covenantal bond; in this context, it refers to the romantic desire and passion that is to be cultivated within the boundaries of marriage.
This proverb echoes the Song of Solomon's wisdom about guarding one's heart, emphasizing the importance of protecting our inner lives and desires from premature or destructive influences.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20Paul directly addresses the need for sexual purity and honoring God with our bodies, which aligns with the Song of Solomon's caution against prematurely awakening or misusing the powerful force of love.
Matthew 13:15Jesus quotes Isaiah here, describing hearts that have grown dull and ears that are slow to hear, illustrating the spiritual danger of being unresponsive to God's timing and will, similar to 'stirring up love' out of season.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage describes the fruit of the Spirit, including self-control, which is essential for waiting for the right time in relationships and not acting on impulsive desires, as advised in Song of Solomon.
Notice that the verse doesn't just say "don't fall in love too soon." It uses a powerful oath, adjuring them by the most graceful and precious creatures of the field, to protect love. This emphasizes that love is something delicate and wild, not to be carelessly disturbed but allowed to blossom in its own perfect time.
This verse comes at a moment when the Shulamite woman, in the midst of her joy and longing for her beloved, is surrounded by the "daughters of Jerusalem." She's expressing her deep feelings and her desire for their relationship to unfold naturally, at the right time, before this group of onlookers. Her plea is for patience and for their love to be allowed to blossom on its own, without being rushed or forced.
This verse comes at a moment when the Shulamite woman, in the midst of her joy and longing for her beloved, is surrounded by the "daughters of Jerusalem." She's expressing her deep feelings and her desire for their relationship to unfold naturally, at the right time, before this group of onlookers. Her plea is for patience and for their love to be allowed to blossom on its own, without being rushed or forced.
"I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases." — Notice that the verse doesn't just say "don't fall in love too soon." It uses a powerful oath, adjuring them by the most graceful and precious creatures of the field, to protect love. This emphasiz…
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Last reviewed October 2026
