The bond between two lovers is portrayed through a promise of enduring presence, even when circumstances of time and place shift. A temporary separation occurs, but the beloved assures his companion that he will seek out a fragrant, permanent dwelling where they can eventually reunite. He explains that he must depart for a short time—either until the morning sun rises and the daily winds begin to blow, or until the heat of midday passes and the lengthening evening shadows finally fade [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד, רש״י, מצודת ציון]. During this interim, he will retreat to a mountain of myrrh and a hill of frankincense, lush regions filled with aromatic spices, waiting there until it is time to return [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון].
The primary approach among commentators elevates this narrative into an allegory for God establishing His permanent presence in the Temple. Following eras of inconsistent prophetic connection, God promises to dwell continually in the place where incense is offered [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This marks a shift from temporary sanctuaries to an everlasting home. For example, after the Israelites sinned during the leadership of Eli and his sons, God departed from the Tabernacle in Shiloh and ultimately chose Mount Moriah as His eternal dwelling [רש״י, שפתי חכמים]. This spiritual transition was finalized during the reigns of David and Solomon, when past obstacles were cleared and the Temple was constructed [ספורנו, עזרא בן שלמה].
Within the context of the Temple, the fragrant spices represent the sacrificial service that bridges the physical and spiritual realms. The mountain of myrrh corresponds to animal sacrifices and the blood placed upon the altar, as myrrh itself is derived from an animal source. Conversely, the hill of frankincense symbolizes the grain and liquid offerings brought from plants. Because these plant-based offerings are considered spiritually lower than animal sacrifices, they are fittingly compared to a smaller hill rather than a towering mountain [מלבי״ם].
Beyond the Temple, the imagery reflects the merit of the Patriarchs, who act as a spiritual shield for the Israelites. The mountain of myrrh represents Abraham, who stands as the foremost of the righteous, just as myrrh is the chief spice in the incense. Abraham is likened to this spice because God tested him with fire; just as incense releases its fragrance when burned, Abraham's trials broadcasted his righteousness to the world. The hill of frankincense points to Isaac, who was bound and prepared to be offered on the altar like a handful of pure frankincense [תורה תמימה, חומת אנך]. Additionally, this hill evokes the covenant of circumcision performed by Abraham and later by the Israelites under Joshua. The removed flesh was gathered into a hill, and its spiritual scent rose before God like an incense offering, effectively transforming divine judgment into mercy [תורה תמימה].
Other interpretations view this promise through the lens of national redemption and the giving of the Torah. God assures the Israelites that He will redeem them even before the darkness of their Egyptian exile fully lifts. In this view, the fragrant mountain represents Mount Sinai. The Torah received there functions like purifying myrrh, driving away evil influences and cleansing the people, while the frankincense symbolizes the whitening and complete purification of their past sins [צרור המור, אלשיך]. Finally, a philosophical perspective applies this journey to the human mind striving to eliminate the darkness of ignorance. As the light of understanding dawns, the intellect first explores the natural world—represented by the mountain of myrrh—as an essential stepping stone on the path to ultimate spiritual perfection [רלב״ג].