Song of Solomon 6:13
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The king's repeated plea, "Return, return," isn't just a simple request; it emphasizes his deep longing for her presence. He frames her potential absence as a missed opportunity for his people to witness her beauty, comparing it to seeing a magnificent dance that would bring joy and unity, rather than a scene of division.
Return, return, O Shulammite, return, return, that we may look upon you. He Why should you look upon the Shulammite, as upon a dance before two armies?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This moment follows a period where the lover (the king) has been seeking his beloved, the Shulammite woman, and she has been absent. She has just revealed herself and described her beauty, and now the king and his companions are captivated and express a desire to see her more clearly, like admiring a beautiful dance. The Shulammite, however, questions this intense public scrutiny, as if she were an object of display for opposing forces.
Imagine someone you deeply admire turning away. The longing for them to reappear, to be seen again, can be intense. This verse captures such a moment.
The Beloved's Urgent Call
The opening lines are a passionate plea from the King and his court. They are captivated by the Shulammite woman, so much so that they cry out for her return. The repetition of "return, return" emphasizes their deep desire to see her.
This isn't just casual admiration; it's a profound recognition of her worth and beauty. They want her presence, her unveiled self, so they can "look upon you." It speaks to a deep appreciation for who she is.
Sometimes, being looked at can feel like being judged or put on display. The Shulammite's response challenges this idea, asking for her true value to be recognized.
More Than Just a Spectacle
The Shulammite's reply, "Why should you look upon the Shulammite, as upon a dance before two armies?" is striking. She questions the way they want to look at her.
A "dance before two armies" likely refers to a public performance, perhaps one where a woman's honor could be questioned or where she was merely an object of entertainment or a spoil of war. She's saying, 'Is my worth only that of a spectacle, something to be gawked at by opposing forces?'
She asserts her dignity, implying that her value is deeper than a mere public display. She desires to be seen not as an object, but as a beloved individual whose true beauty and significance are recognized.
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Understand the original words
haš-šū-lam-mîṯ · Hebrew Noun
A descriptive name for the female protagonist, likely derived from "Shalem" (peace) or a reference to her origin in Shunem. It denotes her identity as a woman of beauty and peace in the context of the poem.
mə-ḥō-lâ · Hebrew Noun
A rhythmic movement, often associated with celebrations, victory, or religious expression. In this context, it highlights the captivating and graceful beauty of the beloved.
ma-ḥă-neh · Hebrew Noun
An organized body of soldiers prepared for combat, representing strength and order. Here, it provides a vivid contrast to the grace and beauty of the Shulammite.
The setting of Solomon's prosperous and culturally diverse reign provides a backdrop for the poem's exploration of love, desire, and the value of genuine affection amidst potential superficiality.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon becomes king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and vast building projects, including his palace and fortifications.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon's Extravagant Court
Solomon's court is renowned for its splendor and his numerous foreign wives, influencing Israelite culture and potentially its religious practices.
c. 970-931 BC— this verse
Song of Solomon Composed
This love poem is believed to have been written during Solomon's prosperous and influential reign, reflecting the cultural milieu of the time.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the unified kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to political instability.
This passage describes Jacob wrestling with God and being permanently marked, paralleling the intensity and transformative power implied by the 'dance before two armies,' suggesting a profound, perhaps even dangerous, encounter.
Judges 11:30-40Jephthah's rash vow and its tragic fulfillment, leading to his daughter's sacrifice, illustrates the high stakes and potential devastation that can arise from commitments or situations as intense as a 'dance before two armies'.
1 Samuel 18:6-9This text highlights the intense public scrutiny and popular acclaim that can surround individuals, likening David's reception to a celebratory yet potentially volatile 'dance,' much like the scrutiny faced by the Shulammite.
Psalm 149:1-9This psalm speaks of God's people praising Him with music and dance, even with swords in hand, reflecting a powerful and potentially confrontational spiritual energy that resonates with the imagery of a dramatic 'dance before two armies'.
The king's repeated plea, "Return, return," isn't just a simple request; it emphasizes his deep longing for her presence. He frames her potential absence as a missed opportunity for his people to witness her beauty, comparing it to seeing a magnificent dance that would bring joy and unity, rather than a scene of division.
This moment follows a period where the lover (the king) has been seeking his beloved, the Shulammite woman, and she has been absent. She has just revealed herself and described her beauty, and now the king and his companions are captivated and express a desire to see her more clearly, like admiring a beautiful dance. The Shulammite, however, questions this intense public scrutiny, as if she were an object of display for opposing forces.
This moment follows a period where the lover (the king) has been seeking his beloved, the Shulammite woman, and she has been absent. She has just revealed herself and described her beauty, and now the king and his companions are captivated and express a desire to see her more clearly, like admiring a beautiful dance. The Shulammite, however, questions this intense public scrutiny, as if she were an object of display for opposing forces.
"Return, return, O Shulammite, return, return, that we may look upon you.
He
Why should you look upon the Shulammite,
as upon a dance before two armies?" — The king's repeated plea, "Return, return," isn't just a simple request; it emphasizes his deep longing for her presence. He frames her potential absence as a missed opportunity for his people to wit…
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Last reviewed October 2026