THY TEETH ARE AS A FLOCK OF SHEEP

It must be continually emphasised that the language of this lit­tle Song is the language of the Oriental. How strange these present words would seem to Western ears. Teeth like a flock of sheep? But the shepherd of the East would perceive at once just what was being intended and the verses which follow help to explain what is really a lovely tribute. In this section of chapter 6the Beloved has likened the hair of His spouse to a flock of goats, black, silken and shining. Now He uses the sim­ile of a flock of sheep to describe the beauty of her teeth. But what does He mean?

In the previous chapter the spouse has been extolling the beauties of her Beloved. Now the Beloved is lauding the beauties of His bride. There is almost an argument of love in the Song where bride and Bridegroom seem to vie with each other as to who can best speak of the excellence of the other.

It will be noticed that the sentiments which are here expressed concerning the teeth of the spouse have already been expressed almost exactly in verse 2 of chapter 4. This is not need­less or vain repetition. It reveals the undying and unchanging affection of the Beloved for His bride. Has He said this before? Well, He will say it again! His love remains the same.

The sheep of which He speaks are newly shorn and have just come up from the washing. They are clean and white. So are the teeth of the spouse. There is no discolouration to spoil the beauty of her smile. His reference to twins suggests the lovely symmetry of her teeth. There is no unevenness but rather every tooth has its corresponding tooth, perhaps alluding to the upper and lower teeth in perfect form.

Neither is there any barrenness. None is missing. There is perfection here. Clean, white, even, symmetrical, what loveli­ness does the Beloved see in His spouse.

How different are the teeth of the ungodly as described in Psalm 57 verse 4 and in Proverbs 30 verse 14 - the symbolism could hardly be more revolting, suggesting a devouring atti­tude, with teeth as swords, knives, spears and arrows. How refreshing to hear the Beloved speak so tenderly of His spouse.