“It says, ‘The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters, cypresses.’ (v.17) These words paint a picture of strength and stability in the shared dwelling of this couple. By likening their home to durable wood—cedar beams and cypress rafters—they convey a love that is built upon something lasting and precious. Cedar was a prized resource in the ancient Near East, noted for its resilience and sweet aroma (1 Kings 5:6). In Solomon’s era (971-931 BC), cedar from Lebanon was famously used to build temples and palaces, highlighting the majestic sense of permanence that the lovers feel in the security of their relationship (1 Kings 5:10-12). Their shared life, much like the timbers of their home, is intended to be steadfast and pleasant.
Furthermore, by choosing these particular trees—cedar and cypress—the verse also alludes to the idea that genuine love should be both pleasing to experience and enduring over time. In a similar way, Jesus reveals Himself in the New Testament as the solid foundation on which we can build our lives of faith (Matthew 7:24-25). While Song of Solomon 1:17 speaks primarily to the joyful expectation of a permanent bond between two lovers, believers might also discern a reflection of the security we find when we base our hopes and hearts upon God’s unchanging nature (Hebrews 13:8).
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Song of Solomon 1:17 meaning
“It says, ‘The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters, cypresses.’ (v.17) These words paint a picture of strength and stability in the shared dwelling of this couple. By likening their home to durable wood—cedar beams and cypress rafters—they convey a love that is built upon something lasting and precious. Cedar was a prized resource in the ancient Near East, noted for its resilience and sweet aroma (1 Kings 5:6). In Solomon’s era (971-931 BC), cedar from Lebanon was famously used to build temples and palaces, highlighting the majestic sense of permanence that the lovers feel in the security of their relationship (1 Kings 5:10-12). Their shared life, much like the timbers of their home, is intended to be steadfast and pleasant.
Furthermore, by choosing these particular trees—cedar and cypress—the verse also alludes to the idea that genuine love should be both pleasing to experience and enduring over time. In a similar way, Jesus reveals Himself in the New Testament as the solid foundation on which we can build our lives of faith (Matthew 7:24-25). While Song of Solomon 1:17 speaks primarily to the joyful expectation of a permanent bond between two lovers, believers might also discern a reflection of the security we find when we base our hopes and hearts upon God’s unchanging nature (Hebrews 13:8).