V1
In contrast to his sorrow in Ecclesiastes, Solomon penned a delightful
song. Whilst the primary meaning was as a genuine love poem, the faithful Jew
would see the love between God and His beloved Israel. As Christians we see the
love between Christ and His church.
(The division of verses varies between different Bible versions and
commentators; some words are therefore attributed to different speakers.)
V2
Christ’s love preferred above material things. In contrast the kiss of
Judas Iscariot was of deception and betrayal. The words here speak of a kiss of
tenderness and affection, rather than of passion; here is the desire to know Him
more, and to show Him our love.
V3
The fragrance of the very name of Christ.
V4
His chambers; the place of secret communion with Christ; notice that the
initiative is God’s, “He brought me.”
The beloved’s friends witness her affection for the king.
V5
See Ps 120.5, the tents of Kedar (the line of Ishmael), speaking of
dirtiness, unworthiness.
V6
The beloved (Shulamite) is conscious of her own unfaithfulness, “my own
vineyard I have neglected.”
V7
The desire to serve, with the Saviour’s flock, not even “the flocks
of your friends.”
V8-11 The
first words of the Beloved, the Saviour. He describes the woman as the “most
beautiful of women.” Here God’s
grace changes the natural unrighteousness and unworthiness.
He instructs her to follow the steps of the godly, the other shepherds,
Phil 3.17. He gives here a small task, her young goats, with godly oversight;
once she proves faithful in this task, the Lord will give greater things.
The first description of the Shulamite is like a “mare harnessed,”
indicating a love that is disciplined. The use of ear-rings and jewels reveals a
love that is made manifest.
V12-14
Delight in the presence of the Beloved, as they share a meal together.
They exchange compliments (v15 – 2.3).
V15
Her eyes are beautiful; this is the first part of her he notices; here is
where true beauty begins.
V16
The Beloved sees past her unworthiness (v5-7), for grace has provided
atonement, and admires her.
V17
The Shulamite looks ahead to the time when they will share a house, built
of strong cedar and fragrant fir.
The friends, of Daughters of Jerusalem, intervene in the conversations;
“Let us hurry” (v3), “We
rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine” (v4),
“We will make you ear-rings of gold, studded with silver” (v11), after which
they are silent; their words do commend both parties, but they do not share the
deeper love of the Shulamite.