v.1-5
Ob:
1. The repeated words:
a. long for or seeking
b. my loved (lit-the one whom my soul loved) x4
2. The determination of the beloved to seek her lover:
a. 3 Cohortatives in v.2: I will arise, I will look all around, I will search
b. Her reaction when he was found: I held onto him tightly and would not let him go, I brought him to...
3. The time and place:
All night long or nights
On my bed, then all around the town, then the mother's house, then the bedroom chamber of the mother
Interpretation:
1. What is the mother's house and the bedroom chamber of the mother? If this is related to the consummation of the marriage then this is a violation of the law. There is no wedding preceding the consummation.
(EBC) It may be that the reference to the maiden’s bringing her lover to her mother’s home
(BKC) When she found him in her dream, she took him to her mother’s house, the most secure place she knew.
Less likely (NET) There is debate about the reason why the woman brought her beloved to her mother’s house. Campbell notes that the mother’s house is sometimes referred to as the place where marital plans were made (Gen 24:28; Ruth 1:8). Some suggest, then, that the woman here was unusually bold and took the lead in proposing marriage plans with her beloved. This approach emphasizes that the marriage plans in 3:4 are followed by the royal wedding procession (3:6–11) and the wedding night (4:1–5:1)
2. Why did this bold move to held onto the lover and brought him to her mother's house follow by v.5 saying do not awake or arouse love until it pleases?
In 2:7, when the same phrases as in v.5 appears, the beloved also gave commands to her lover in v.5. Perhaps this is the way she checked herself to not to overdo love.
Summary reflection:
The longing for lovers are mutual in their relationship (2:14 and 3:1-4) and their passion is strong. She is so determined to find him that she arose in the middle of the night and search all around the city. When she found him she wound not let go.
Do I forget the intensity of love? Do I have their desire and determination any more? If not, where do my love go to now?
On the other hand, the beloved always remind her friends (and herself) that love should wait, no matter how strong the desire you have for that person. There is no compulsory love. Do I miss that? Do I think I can work hard and everything will be done?
v.6-11
Ob and In:
1. Repeated words:
a. the fragrant v.6 (the song covers all senses: smell (fragrant), sight (color), and sound ("Come out...v.11")
(NICOT) Such scents are not native to Israel but are brought in from far distant places like Arabia and India, a fact that adds to the exotic and luxurious atmosphere of the scene. The question draws our attention and raises our curiosity as to what possibly could be on the horizon.
b. the warriors with swords to guard Solomon against the terrors of night v.7-8
(NICOT) This palanquin is a symbol not only of wealth and luxury but also of power, since it is accompanied by a troop of sixty men, and not ordinary men but distinguished soldiers...Verse 8 dwells on the heroes who accompany the palanquin of Solomon. Talking about their skills emphasizes the grandeur of the litter and the importance of its occupant. They are battle-ready. They not only have a sword ready-to-hand, but they know how to use it; that is, they are battle-trained. The reference to terrors of the night (pahad balêlôt) show that their protection never stops. They are constantly ready for any threat, especially at night, because evil often seeks the cover of darkness.
c. the luxury of the sedan chair v.9-10
d. the wedding crown was wore on his wedding day, his most joyous day
e. terms related to Israel: King Solomon v.7, 9, Israel's most mightiest warriors v.7, maidens of Jerusalem v.10, maidens of Zion .11
2. Difficulties:
a. Why coming from the wilderness? That word has never been used in the whole SOS.
b. The interior of the sedan chair was inlaid with the love of the maidens of Jerusalem. Why keep repeating in SOS about the love of other women?? Even though NET translated the word "love" as leather, but ESV keep the word, "love." In 1:3, "No wonder the young women adore you." The word, "adore"=BDB-woman’s love to man, same word as the lover and the beloved use to describe their love to each other in 1:4,7; 3:1,2,3,4. How can a love song between a man and a woman include the love of other women to this man?
For 3:10, (NICOT) M. H. Pope understands the word as love but takes it as referring to love scenes that decorated the interior. In his words, “love scenes are an appropriate decoration for a love couch.”
For "love of young women," is still difficult to understand. This should be the day of Solomon's first marriage. If he had already have many wives, it would not be the most joyous day of his life.
Summary and reflection: The wedding day is also the day that the bridegroom shows off what he had prepared for his wife. He wants other to see and know that she is precious to him. What a king can provide, of course, is more luxurious, honorable, and powerful than others. The bride was well-protected, and the bridegroom received all the admiration from the crowds.
Was my husband happy on his wedding day? Is he happy now? Was he well prepared and provided the best for me? Is he well prepared and providing for me now?
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