The husband compares his wife in Song of Solomon 4:12–15 to a courtyard, a garden. It is a splendid garden in which all kinds of special plants are growing—even plants that are not ordinarily found in Israel. For example, we read here of nard and calamus. These are plants that come from India. Myrrh is something that originally comes from the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
His wife is like a beautiful garden. The word garden
that he uses here is a very special word. It is the term from which our word paradise
originates. When you look at this garden it is full of delicious fruits, full of wonderful fragrances and beautiful flowers—just like paradise. Those who are allowed to enter this garden are given peace and may find enjoyment.
12 A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.