Song Of Songs 2

PLUS

8–13 In verse 7, the lovers have realized that they must restrain their passion; they are not yet married. Therefore, here in verse 8, we see that they are no longer together. However, the young woman is still yearning for her lover.

In these verses, Solomon appears to make a visit to the young woman’s house;8 this takes place in the springtime.

14–15 The lover desires that his beloved not hide from him, like a dove hiding in the clefts of the rock (verse 14). Perhaps the beloved has withdrawn from her lover for fear of losing control of her emotions (see verse 7).

It is not clear who is speaking in verse 14; it could be either the lover or the beloved. Either way, concern is expressed about the little foxes—that is,the impulses and temptations that might cause the lovers to defile their love, to ruin their vineyards that are in bloom. The lovers appeal for outside help—perhaps from the “daughters of Jerusalem”—to catch these “foxes.”

16–17 Here the beloved reassures her lover that she belongs exclusively to him and he to her.9 She is ready for him to “browse” among the lilies—that is, to enjoy her charms.