Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Song of Solomon 7:2

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

His navel is described as a round bowl that never lacks mixed wine, because in all knowledge it is rounded, not lacking in spiritual drink. And his belly is not only nourished by a heap of wheat, that is, by more powerful nourishment of the celestial mystery, but also filled with the sweetness of certain lilies of moral virtue. Hence, she herself is crowned with the blood of Christ as a well-deserving queen, as it is written: And the ornament of her head is as purple. …

Commentary on the Song of Songs ↗

Bede

Your belly is like a heap of wheat surrounded by lilies. The belly, like the navel, denotes our mortal condition: for it is the most certain and greatest judge of our weakness, which daily renews our body with nourishment, lest it fail, until that which we hold promised is achieved: Meat for the belly, and the belly for meat, but God shall destroy both it and them (I Corinthians VI). …

Commentary on the Song of Songs ↗

Robert of Tombelaine

The navel is also the order of holy preachers, which is fittingly called a goblet, because while the people are instructed through them, they are intoxicated with spiritual wine by their ministry. It is fittingly called "turned on a lathe," because it is necessary that the tongue of the preacher be turned according to the customs of all people. It "lacks not cups," because what he serves to others, he must drink more abundantly than the rest, and more fully contain what he gives. …

Commentary on the Song of Songs, Chapter 7 ↗