The ancient rabbis did, and they found clues in the most unexpected places, even in the love poetry of the Song of Songs!
We're diving into Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a rabbinic commentary on the Song of Songs, specifically chapter 3, verse 9. It speaks of a "palanquin" made by King Solomon. But this isn’t just about a fancy royal carriage. The rabbis see layers of meaning, connecting it to the very foundation of the world and the divine realm.
"Palanquin," they say, represents the world itself. And who is this King Solomon who made it? It's none other than the King to Whom peace belongs – a clear reference to God. The "timber of Lebanon" used to construct it? That, according to Shir HaShirim Rabbah, was taken from the location of the Holy of Holies down here on earth.
Now, this gets interesting. There's a tradition that after the Ark of the Covenant was taken, a rock remained, known as the Foundation Stone. Why "Foundation"? Because the Midrash teaches the entire world was founded upon it! As it says in Psalms 50:2, "From Zion, the perfection of beauty…" The world, then, was created by expanding from this rock, this focal point in the Holy of Holies. The connection to Lebanon is that Solomon built the Temple with wood from Lebanon, as we see in I Kings.
So, what are the pillars of this world? According to Shir HaShirim Rabbah, "He made its pillars of silver," refers to the families, the lineage, of the Jewish people. Jewish families of pure lineage are pillars of the world! The "cushion of gold" represents the bounty of the earth, the fruits and produce sold for gold. And the "seat of purple wool"? That evokes the image of God "who rides the heavens in your assistance," as we find in Deuteronomy 33:26.
But what about the interior? "Its interior is plated with love." Rabbi Yudan says this refers to the merit of Torah study and the righteous people who engage in it. Rabbi Azarya, quoting Rabbi Yehuda in the name of Rabbi Simon, offers another interpretation: it's the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence itself!
But wait, there's more! The rabbis weren't content with just one interpretation. The "palanquin" can also represent the Throne of Glory in the heavens! The "timber of Lebanon" then becomes the location of the Holy of Holies on high, mirroring the one below. As Exodus 15:17 says, "The place [makhon] of Your dwelling," corresponding [mekhuvan] to Your dwelling. The earthly Temple is a reflection of the heavenly realm.
The "pillars of silver," in this heavenly context, are like those described in Job 26:11: "The pillars of heaven sag." The "cushion of gold" transforms into matters of Torah, which are "more desirable than gold and fine gold," as Psalm 19:11 tells us. And the "seat of purple wool" echoes Psalm 68:34: "To the Rider of the ancient heavens of heavens."
And that "interior plated with love?" Rabbi Berekhya and Rabbi Bon, in the name of Rabbi Abahu, offer a powerful image. They say there are four beings known for their pride: the eagle among birds, the bull among domesticated animals, the lion among beasts, and humankind above them all. And what did God do? He took them all and incorporated them into the Throne of Glory! As Ezekiel 1:10 describes. Psalm 103:19 then seals it: "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, [and His kingship rules over all]." By placing His throne above the proud, He demonstrates His ultimate dominion.
So, what does it all mean? This passage from Shir HaShirim Rabbah uses the imagery of the Song of Songs to paint a picture of a world built on foundations both physical and spiritual. It connects the earthly Temple to the heavenly Throne, and highlights the importance of Torah, righteousness, and the Divine Presence in sustaining everything. It is a reminder that even the most beautiful poetry can reveal profound truths about creation, divinity, and our place in the cosmos. What "palanquin" will you build today? What foundations will you strengthen?