Song of Solomon 5:14 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His hands - gold rings set with the beryl - This really seems to refer to gold rings set with precious stones on the fingers, and perhaps to circlets or bracelets about the wrists. Some suppose it to refer to the roundness and exquisite symmetry of the hand and fingers. תרשיש tarshish, which we translate beryl, a gem of a sea-green tint, had better be translated chrysolite, which is of a gold color.

His belly - bright ivory overlaid with sapphires - This must refer to some garment set with precious stones which went round his waist, and was peculiarly remarkable. If we take it literally, the sense is plain enough. His belly was beautifully white, and the blue veins appearing under the skin resembled the sapphire stone. But one can hardly think that this was intended.

Song of Solomon 5:14

14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.