1. Song of Solomon 5:12 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does the woman describe the man's eyes as being like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk?

Song of Solomon 5:12 (ESV)

12 His eyes are like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk, sitting beside a full pool.

Like her eyes (Song of Solomon 4:1), the man’s eyes are also like doves. These doves are bathed in milk, which perhaps emphasizes the whites of his eyes in contrast to the dark pupils. These doves are beside streams of water and sitting beside a full pool. The meaning is unclear, but both images speak of abundant moisture, which would be a blessing in such a dry land as ancient Israel.1 The total image is one of eyes that are clear, vibrant, and inviting.