The man continues his praise of her by moving up to her neck, eyes, nose, head, and hair. He expresses appreciation for her as a whole person, not just because of those parts of her body associated with sexual pleasure and intimacy.1 From pastural and agricultural metaphors in Song of Solomon 7:1–3, the poem moves to architectural and military images, which stress the woman’s determination and ability to defend her honour until the time comes to open the gates of her citadel to her husband (Song of Solomon 8:10).2
In Song of Solomon 4:4 he compares her neck to the tower of David referring to the dignity, majesty, and strength of the woman. Now he compares her neck to an ivory tower, which again suggests an elegant, long neck with a smooth appearance.3 As with her thighs in Song of Solomon 7:1, the description of her neck as an ivory tower probably means that her neck seems to be highly crafted from the finest materials.4 He is once again praising the dignity and majesty of his wife.
4 Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon, which looks toward Damascus.