King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.

SONG OF SOLOMON 3:9KJV
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Song of Solomon 3:9 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 3:9 mean?

Song of Solomon 3:9 describes King Solomon making a special chariot out of wood from Lebanon. The verse highlights the craftsmanship and the choice of fine materials, suggesting something made with care and intended for a significant purpose.

In the context of the Song of Solomon, this verse is part of a poetic description celebrating love and beauty. The speaker is likely describing a royal wedding procession or a symbolic display of honor. The mention of Lebanon's wood points to the use of the best resources available, as Lebanon was famous for its strong and beautiful cedar trees.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 3:9

  • "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word makes it clear that the person acting is not just any man, but the king himself, emphasizing Solomon's royal status and resources.
  • "Chariot" (אַפִּרְיוֹן, appiryōn): This term is often understood as a type of portable litter or carriage, not a war chariot, used for ceremonial or royal purposes. It suggests luxury and honor rather than battle.
  • "Wood" (עֵץ, ‘ēts) and "Lebanon" (לְבָנוֹן, Levanon): The wood from Lebanon, especially cedar, was prized for its quality and fragrance. Mentioning it underlines the value and beauty of what Solomon made.

Why Song of Solomon 3:9 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the "chariot" here is not a vehicle for war, but a luxurious, ceremonial carriage, likely used in a wedding or royal celebration.
  • The detail about Lebanon's wood connects the verse to other biblical passages where Lebanon's cedars are used for important buildings, like the temple, showing the significance of the materials.
  • Placing this verse in the wider context of the Song of Solomon, it adds to the imagery of splendor and honor surrounding the union being described, emphasizing the value and dignity given to love and marriage.

Where else these words appear

“Lebanon” Hebrew H3844 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.