“My beloved is white and ruddy…” (Song of Sol. 5:10 NKJ).
The word white in this verse has to do with radiance like clear light. It is a reference to rays of morning sunshine, scattering the somber effects of the night.
White is also a symbol of purity. Jesus is the lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Pet. 1:19 NKJ). When Daniel saw Him as the ancient of days. His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool (Dan. 7:9).
When John saw Him, His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Rev. 1:14). When the disciples saw Him on the Mount of Transfiguration, His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light (Matt. 17:2).
No one was ever pure and white like Jesus. The color white as applied to our Lord is not an indication of race or nationality; it is a reference to the glorious radiance and dazzling splendor that caused Malachi to call Him the Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4:2).
Ruddy is the word used to describe the blood of Jesus. It reminds us of the sacrificial death of our precious Savior, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8).
In eternity, in the midst of the throne. He is still seen as a Lamb as it had been slain (Rev. 5:6). In days coming, He shall appear clothed with a vesture dipped in blood (Rev. 19:13). Isaiah says of him: “…red is thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth the winefat (Isa. 63:2).
The expression white and ruddy portrays radiant splendor clothed in blood-dyed garments, future glory wrapped in past remembrance of His crucifixion.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers