Song of Solomon 7:13
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
The verse belongs to one of the one thousand and five songs or poems Solomon wrote, formed as a dialogue carried on between various parties. It uses vivid, warm, figurative Oriental language as part of an Oriental love poem. Its loving imagery belongs to the time when it was written and carries no objection when read in that setting.
It is a poetical picture or parable of Christ and His church, presenting His wonderful love for her. It also shows the church's love in response to Christ, though often wanting in faithfulness and constancy. The poem may also draw on experiences in Solomon's own life as types of Christ and His church. It is to be read alone with God with its picture of Christ and the church in mind.