Song of Solomon 1:15-17

This is a very happy conversation. We think that, perhaps, the couple are using friendly humour.

Solomon says that the woman’s eyes are like doves (birds). Of course, doves live outside. So she jokes that the couple would need a green bed, like grass. Then the couple imagine the house. It could have tall trees for its walls. And its roof would be branches that spread out.

So the couple joke that they should not really be inside. She has already explained that she has to work outside (verse 6). And he replied that he wants her to join him in his outdoors work (verse 8).

December 2005

perfume ~ a sweet smell.
vineyards ~ a place where vines grow.
vine ~ a plant with fruit; grapes (a small, soft fruit) grow on them.
veil ~ a piece of cloth; a woman wears it over her face; it is possible to see through it.
flock ~ a group of sheep, goats or other animals.
shepherd ~ someone who looks after sheep.
dear ~ someone that you love in a special way.
mare ~ a female horse.
chariot ~ a vehicle with two wheels. A horse pulls it.
dove ~ a bird.

How to love God with all your heart

Song of Songs

Commentary: Keith Simons. Translation: Mark Kirkpatrick

Chapter 2

The young woman

v1 I am only a wild flower from Sharon,

a wild flower of the valleys.

Solomon

v2 You are like a wild flower,

a wild flower among *thorns.

You are my very *dear woman among women.

The young woman

v3 You are like an apple tree.

This tree is among the trees of the forest.

This is what you are like among young men.

I sit in your shade with great pleasure.

Your apples taste good. They are sweet.

v4 He has taken me to his house.

It is where he has special meals.

Everyone can see how much he loves me.

v5 He has made me strong again with his fruit.

I feel much better with his apples!

I am weak with love.

v6 His left hand is under my head.

And he touches me softly with his right hand.

v7 Women of Jerusalem, make a promise to me.

Think about the wild *gazelles and *deer as you make this promise.

Do not think about love until the right time.