As he moves up from her thighs, he describes her navel and belly. Her navel is a rounded bowl with mixed wine. This is a discreet reference to the entire genital area and the intoxicating pleasure that it contains for her lover. Love is often compared to wine in the Song, but this wine is particularly special.1 The comparison of the navel to a goblet (bowl
) arises from its rounded shape. A goblet that never runs dry is one that can satisfy his thirst. Wine
is simply a metaphor for pleasures generally, which is what she gives him.2
He is also amazed by her belly, which is a heap of wheat, encircled by lilies. This is probably a reference to both shape and colour.3 An abundance of wheat and wine signifies rich fertility. The Hebrew word for belly
also indicates the womb, so it would appear that, as in many cultures, ancient tastes preferred women always to look slightly pregnant rather than in danger of imminent starvation.4
The mention of lilies probably associates the belly with the breasts (which are referred to next in Song of Solomon 7:3 and to remind us of the lover’s previous browsing in the field that is his beloved.5 The woman’s belly, therefore, is valued not simply for its procreative capacity, but also for its sensuality.6
2 Your navel is a rounded bowl that never lacks mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies.