Song of Solomon 3:8

Modern

All are skilled with the sword, experienced in warfare. Each has his sword at his side prepared for the terror of the night.

Traditional

They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

Literal

All of them are grasping a sword, studied in warfare; each man has his sword upon his thigh, against the dread in the nights.

Latin

…omnes tenentes gladios, et ad bella doctissimi: uniuscujusque ensis super femur suum propter timores nocturnos.

Hebrew

English

All are skilled with the sword, experienced in warfare. Each has his sword at his side prepared for the terror of the night.

In the three-character dramatic interpretation, Solomon's humility and generosity are evident when he attends a wedding of a woman who chose a common shepherd's love over his. With Solomon there, this ordinary wedding becomes a grand ceremony.
If the Song is an anthology, this poem seems to describe Solomon's wedding procession. People are amazed by the luxury of his carriage and the power of his entourage. This reflects the importance of marriage, similar to how expensive and beautiful wedding dresses and tuxedos do in modern weddings.

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 45:3
Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor.
1 Thessalonians 5:6–8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
Isaiah 27:3
I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it;
Nehemiah 4:21–22
So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.
Ephesians 6:16–18
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Psalm 149:5–9
Let the saints exult in glory; let them shout for joy upon their beds.
Psalm 91:5
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,