22002 Commentary on the Song of Songs
The Love of Shulamite for Solomon
The Song of Songs 1:1-8

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All the Bible verses quoted in this article are from the King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.

2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

8 If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

In the introduction to the Song of Songs, we mentioned that to fully understand the meaning of a Hebrew poem, the reader must be familiar with the literary style, the meanings of idioms, and the customs and traditions of the Israelites.

Moreover, the division into chapters and verses as we see in today’s printed Bibles did not exist originally when the Bible was written. It wasn’t until the early 13th century that the Bible was divided into chapters with numbered sequences, and it was not until the mid-16th century that the chapters were divided into verses with numbered sequences. This makes Bible referencing easier. However, those who did the work of dividing chapters and verses did not follow the context closely, resulting in many chapters and verses being cut off inappropriately, making them difficult to understand.

Therefore, in the interpretation of the books or poetic sections of the Bible, we will follow the context, work on dividing the verses, and arrange the verses related to a particular idea together before proceeding with the interpretation.

The terms “Shulamite, the daughters of Jerusalem, Solomon, the people, Solomon and Shulamite,” with colons following them at the beginning of each verse, are not in the original text of the Bible but were added by us to help the reader easily recognize who is speaking each verse.

Below is the contextual verse division of Song of Songs 1:1-8.

I. The Betrothal Period (1:2-3:5)

A. Love for Each Other (1:2-2:7)

1. The Love of Shulamite for Solomon (1:2-8)

(1) The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.

(2) Shulamite: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.

(3) Shulamite: For thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

(4) Shulamite: Draw me, we will run after thee.

(5) Shulamite: The king hath brought me into his chambers.

(6) The daughters of Jerusalem: We will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

(7) Shulamite: I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

(8) Shulamite: Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

(9) The daughters of Jerusalem: If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

Next, let’s explore the meaning of each verse:

(1) “The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.”

Song of Songs 1:1 is considered the title of the book Song of Songs. “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s” means: The most wonderful song among the songs composed by King Solomon. Solomon was the son of King David. The name Solomon means “peace.” King Solomon was the third king in the history of Israel, the builder of the first Temple of God in Jerusalem, the speaker of 3,000 proverbs, and the writer of 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). Thus, it can be said that Song of Songs is the most wonderful song among Solomon’s 1,005 songs. The most wonderful means the most beautiful in form, the best in melody of the poetic words, the most beneficial in content, and the most touching to the heart when sung. The term “which is Solomon’s” also implies: by the wisest person of all time.

When Solomon first became king, he only asked God to grant him wisdom, and God answered his prayer:

“Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.” (I Kings 3:12)

Therefore, even if the Song of Songs were not considered part of the Holy Scriptures, as God’s word given to humanity, it would still hold very high value because it was written by the wisest and most knowledgeable person of all time.

The ancient Israelites likened the Book of Proverbs to the outer court of the temple, the Book of Ecclesiastes to the holy place of the temple, and the Song of Songs to the holy of holies of the temple.

(2) Shulamite: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.”

After the title of the book comes the opening song of the woman. Based on verse 6:13, we know that the woman’s name is Shulamite. The name Shulamite has the same meaning as the name Solomon: “peace.” The name Solomon is a masculine noun, while the name Shulamite is a feminine noun. In other words, the name Solomon means “Mr. Peace,” and the name Shulamite means “Ms. Peace.”

Verse (2) can be paraphrased as follows: Shulamite says to herself, I wish that my beloved would kiss me passionately and fervently, so I can taste the sweet and fragrant kisses from his mouth. I wish that my beloved would keep on kissing me!

After becoming betrothed to Solomon, Shulamite was brought into a special area within the capital city, where maidens chosen to become queens and concubines resided, to prepare for the wedding. She was invited by Solomon to visit the palace and introduced to the queens and concubines. Upon meeting Solomon again, Shulamite longed for her lover to kiss her with the kisses that bring the thrilling pleasure of sexual desire between a man and a woman.

The word “kiss” describes the act of kissing to show affection during a common greeting. The phrase “kiss with the kisses of his mouth” implies kissing mouth to mouth, which brings sexual pleasure.

According to the customs of the Israelites, when two people were betrothed, they were officially considered husband and wife in the presence of family and friends. However, they could not engage in sexual relations until after the wedding ceremony was conducted. Shulamite’s statement is not an invitation for her lover to kiss her but merely an expression of her inner longing. This statement illustrates the reality that two betrothed individuals can desire physical intimacy with each other without committing the sin of lustful thoughts.

Spiritual Lesson: The Church is the betrothed bride of Christ, but the wedding has not yet taken place. The day of the wedding is when the Church will be fully united with Christ in a mysterious way and will enjoy the greatest joy in Christ’s love.

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2)

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Revelation 19:7-8)

The Church’s readiness is the Church living in holiness in the new life that Christ has purchased for the Church with His holy blood. The Church’s holy life is formed by the righteous deeds of God’s people in the Church, which are the works that *God has prepared in advance for them (Ephesians 2:10).

While we wait for the day to be united with Christ at the wedding of the Lamb, we can meet Him in spirit whenever we communicate with Him through prayer, fellowship, glorifying Him, and longing for the wonderful joy in His love.

(3) Shulamite: “For thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.”

The Hebrew noun “דּוֹד” (dôḏ) /dode/ (H1730) carries the following meanings: uncle (father’s brother); beloved; love. In Song of Songs 1:2; 1:4; 4:10; 7:12, this noun is used in the plural form, but it is not translated as “your loves” or “my loves.” When used in the plural form, “דּוֹד” implies the expression of love through intimate actions that bring sensations and feelings of satisfaction to two people in love. If between husband and wife, it refers to the intimacy that brings sexual pleasure. If between two adulterers, it refers to the illicit satisfaction of sexual desire.

We see in the following Bible verses that the noun “דּוֹד” in its plural form does not mean “loves,” but is used to mean “making love,” and we have chosen to translate it as “intimacy”:

Translate literally from the Hebrew: “Come, let us take our fill of intimacy until morning! Let us delight ourselves with intimacy pleasures!” (Proverbs 7:18).

Translate literally from the Hebrew: “When I passed by you and looked at you, behold, your time was the time for intimacy. I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares God, the Self-Existing and Eternal One.” (Ezekiel 16:8)

Translate literally from the Hebrew: “The Babylonians came to her on the bed of intimacy and defiled her with their adultery. She was defiled by them, and her soul was alienated from them.” (Ezekiel 23:17)

Therefore, Shulamite means to say that Solomon’s love, expressed through his actions, is more wonderful than wine.

Verse (3) can be paraphrased as follows: Shulamite says to Solomon, My beloved! I know that your queens and concubines love you deeply because your love for them, expressed through your passionate intimacy, is more intoxicating and delightful than the finest and most precious wines. They also admire you because your character makes you renowned, like precious oils that spread their fragrant aroma far and wide.

In marital love, sexual relations and sexual satisfaction are needed. In marital love, there is not only affection and admiration but also a longing to belong to each other, to be bonded with each other, and to satisfy each other sexually. Husbands and wives in the Lord must recognize that sexual satisfaction between spouses is a gift from God. The mutual positive response in sexual relations between spouses is the duty of both parties. The Word of God teaches that:

“Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” (1 Corinthians 7:5).

The verb “defraud” used in the above verse, in the original Greek of the Bible, means “to rob; to take away unlawfully.” This teaching helps us understand the important role of sex in married life.

Husbands and wives in the Lord not only have the duty to meet each other’s sexual needs, but they should also strive to make their expression of love through sexual activity with their spouse more wonderful than the finest and most precious wines.

Spiritual lesson: The Church needs to recognize that the love of Christ encompasses all creation that He Himself made (John 1:3; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16). All things are directed toward Him and will be united in Him (Hebrews 2:10; Ephesians 1:10). The sin of humanity has caused all creation on earth to be corrupted (Romans 8:19-22), but the death of Christ to redeem humanity also restores all things (Acts 11:9-10; Colossians 1:20).

If Christ’s love for all creation is so great, how much greater and more wonderful is His love for the Church. The name JESUS CHRIST is more fragrant than all the most precious oils. That name means: The Self-Existing and Eternal One is the Savior, the High Priest, the Greatest Prophet, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” (Philippians 2:10-11).

We need to recognize Christ’s love for us. That love has been demonstrated through action:

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8) [The likeness of men includes everything that belongs to a man: appearance, sensations and emotions, attitudes, actions, lifestyle, etc.]

That love will continue to be demonstrated through action for all eternity. We must also honor and cherish the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is through that name we are saved (Acts 4:12), and that name signifies the wonderful qualities of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us ask ourselves the following questions: What have I understood about the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that makes me recognize His name as more precious than the fragrance of oils? What have I done to make the love demonstrated through the actions of the Lord Jesus Christ known to many? What have I done to spread the fragrance of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ everywhere? And most importantly, am I immersing myself in the wonderful love of Christ?

(4) Shulamite: “Draw me, we will run after thee.”

The purpose of the meeting was for Solomon to introduce Shulamite to his palace and his queens and concubines, so Solomon took Shulamite on a tour through the rooms of the palace.

Verse (4) can be interpreted as follows: Shulamite continues speaking to Solomon, My beloved! Please hold my hand and lead me with you. Together, hand in hand, we will run to all the places you want to take me, our hearts filled with joy and delight because we are together.

We can see that Shulamite’s state of mind is not focused on touring the palace but on the joy of being with her beloved.

Spiritual lesson: The Church wholeheartedly trusts and loves Christ. The Church desires to always be by Christ’s side and is willing to follow Him anywhere He wants the Church to go with Him. Simply being with Christ brings the Church joy and satisfaction.

(5) Shulamite: “The king hath brought me into his chambers.”

The chambers of Solomon mentioned here are the rooms in the palace, including Solomon’s workplace and the living quarters of the queens and concubines.

(6) The daughters of Jerusalem: “We will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.”

The term “the daughters of Jerusalem” used in the Song of Solomon narrowly refers to the female citizens of the city of Jerusalem and more broadly to the female citizens of the nation of Israel. We understand that this term is used to collectively refer to Solomon’s queens and concubines, who are Israelite women from Jerusalem. Only queens and concubines would have sexual relations with the king.

Verse (6) can be paraphrased as follows: O beloved! You are our joy and delight. We will never forget the love you have for us. That love has been shown through your passionate and intoxicating intimacy, more exhilarating than the finest wines. Therefore, we love you with sincere hearts.

First, we need to remember that, in the Old Testament times, God allowed a man to have multiple wives due to the consequences of human sin, which led to social circumstances where there were more women than men, caused by wars and the arduous lives of men while earning a living. Additionally, many women would not be able to support themselves without a husband. The Law includes provisions requiring a man with multiple wives to treat his wives and children fairly (Exodus 21:10; Deuteronomy 21:15-17). God Himself sent His prophet to tell King David that He had given David the wives of his master (2 Samuel 12:8). However, the Law also strictly prohibits a king from having too many wives (Deuteronomy 17:17), a commandment that King Solomon violated. The Law also strictly prohibits God’s people, the Israelites, from marrying the seven nations marked for destruction in Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1-4), which King Solomon also violated (1 Kings 11:1-8).

At the time of the romance between Solomon and Shulamite, Solomon already had 60 queens and 80 concubines (6:8). We do not know how many of them were Israelites and how many were foreigners. However, the term “daughters of Jerusalem” used in the Song of Songs, according to the context, must refer to Solomon’s Israelite queens and concubines.

Solomon’s queens and concubines collectively affirmed that they were content being Solomon’s wives; they truly loved Solomon.

Spiritual Lesson: The love of Christ is not exclusively for the Church. His love is also for those who belong to Him but are outside the Church. We should remember that the Church includes only those who genuinely believe in Christ and live for Him from the time the Church was established until the Church is taken out of the world. Before that, there were those who genuinely trusted in God and lived according to His law in the Old Testament and before the Old Testament. After that, there are those who genuinely accept the Gospel and die for their faith during the seven-year tribulation. Finally, there will be countless people who accept the Gospel during the thousand-year reign of peace. Although these individuals are not united with Christ in the same mysterious way as the Church, they will also live eternally in the love of Christ and delight in His love. They, too, are righteous people who love Christ.

(7) Shulamite: “I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.”

Verse (7) can be paraphrased as follows: Oh, sisters! Please do not look at me with such scrutiny! My brothers have been strict, making me work in the vineyards, so I haven’t had time to take care of my body. My skin is tanned because I labor under the sun, but I know I am beautiful. My skin’s healthy tan is like the goats’ hair woven into the material for the tents of Kedar, like the curtains in Solomon’s palace.

Perhaps when Shulamite was introduced to Solomon’s queens and concubines, they scrutinized her because of her tanned skin. Shulamite reveals that her brothers have been strict and harsh with her, making her work in the vineyards (which we later learn are Solomon’s vineyards).

The verb translated as “angry” in the original Hebrew of the Bible also means anger or jealousy. When we get to 8:8-10, we will understand that Shulamite’s brothers wanted to protect her, keeping her pure until her wedding day and preventing her from being deceived or violated by wrongdoers. Therefore, they made her work in the vineyards with them, under their supervision. Initially, Shulamite might not have understood her brothers’ good intentions, so she resisted and was scolded by them. Later, Shulamite understood their good intentions.

The phrase “my own vineyard I have not kept” does not mean that Shulamite had a vineyard of her own. Rather, it is a figurative, literary expression referring to her body. Because she was busy tending to the vineyards, she did not have time to care for her own body. However, she still knew she was beautiful. Her tanned skin did not diminish her beauty but rather added to her healthy appearance.

Spiritual lesson: When the people of God in the Church are encouraged by pastors and elders to study the Word of God and participate in the ministries of the Church, they should joyfully obey. Studying the Word of God and participating in the ministries of the Church are acts of worship and service to the Lord. These activities enhance the value and beauty of the Church. When we prioritize the common good of the Church over our personal matters, the Lord Himself will bless us and address all our personal needs and issues.

(8) Shulamite: “Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?”

Verse 8 can be paraphrased as follows: Beloved one! I love you with all my soul. I long to visit you where you shepherd your flock, when you rest at noon with your flock. But I do not want to wander in search of you in the pastures, passing through the flocks and the shepherds with you, as it would make me appear like a disreputable woman.

As the time to part with her beloved approached, Shulamite wanted to know where Solomon shepherded his sheep and where he rested at noon so she could visit him. Shulamite did not want to have to cover her face and wander through the pastures, searching for Solomon among the flocks tended by other shepherds.

According to the custom of that time, prostitutes had to cover their faces in public (Genesis 38:15). Prostitutes also often lingered near shepherds to find clients. Shulamite did not want to search for Solomon among the shepherds and their flocks because, from a distance, it would look like she was a prostitute seeking clients.

Spiritual lesson: God’s people have a longing to seek the Lord and commune with Him because they love Him. They want a quiet place where they can be alone with the Lord. The place where the Church gathers to worship the Lord should be a private and quiet place.

(9) The daughters of Jerusalem: “If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.”

Verse (9) can be paraphrased as follows: O most beautiful among women! If you do not know where your beloved grazes his flock, then go out and follow the tracks of the sheep! Seek him among the shepherds and their flocks. And while you’re at it, let your young goats graze beside their tents.

This is a sarcastic and mocking remark from the queens and concubines directed at Shulamite. Because Shulamite said, “I am black, but comely.” They mockingly call her “O thou fairest among women.” They also take Shulamite’s words, “For why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?” to taunt her: “and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.”

We see the jealousy and malice of the queens and concubines toward Shulamite. We can imagine them speaking and giggling together.

Jealousy and the desire to humiliate those who are better than us are sinful human traits. We see and experience this from within the family, among siblings, at school, and in the workplace.

Spiritual lesson: In the Church, sometimes out of jealousy and competition, people use words to demean their brothers and sisters in faith. This is displeasing to the Lord, is sinful, and is a grave sin. When we look down on, ridicule, mock, slander, or falsely accuse any of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are doing these things to Christ Himself. The Church is the body of Christ, and each person in the Church is a member of the body of Christ.

As God’s people, we can say witty things and tell funny stories that are not vulgar and do not aim to make others the subject of ridicule; however, we must absolutely avoid vulgar jokes or using anyone as the target of our jokes. Our holy mouths cannot utter vulgar words. Using someone as the object of our jokes is a public humiliation of that person. In reality, making someone the subject of jokes has caused serious offense. We need to remind each other whenever we see someone making another person the target of a joke.

We have now completed our understanding of the meaning of Song of Solomon 1:1-8. Here is a summary of our paraphrases of Song of Solomon 1:1-8:

The most wonderful song among all the songs of Solomon.

I wish my beloved would kiss me passionately and fervently, so I could taste the sweet, fragrant flavor of his mouth. I wish my beloved would keep kissing me forever!

My beloved, I know that your queens and concubines love you dearly because your love for them is expressed through your passionate and intoxicating intimacy, which is more thrilling than the finest and most exquisite wine. They also admire you because your character makes you renowned, like precious oils that spread their enchanting fragrance far and wide.

My beloved, please take my hand and lead me. We will run together, hand in hand, to wherever you want to take me, with joy and excitement in our hearts, because we are close to each other.

The king has brought me into his chambers.

My beloved, you are our joy and delight. We will never forget the love you have for us. That love is shown through your passionate and intoxicating intimacy, more thrilling than the finest wine. Therefore, we love you sincerely.

O sisters, do not look at me with such scrutiny! My brothers have been strict, making me work in the vineyards, so I haven’t had time to take care of myself. My skin is tanned because I worked under the sun, but I know I am beautiful. My skin is healthy and beautiful, like the tents of Kedar and like the curtains in Solomon’s palaces.

My dearest beloved, I love you with all my soul. I long to visit you, where you shepherd flock when you rest at noon with your sheep. But I do not want to wander around searching for you in the meadows, among the flocks and shepherds, because it would make me look like a promiscuous woman.

O most beautiful among women! If you do not know where your beloved shepherds his flock, then go out and follow the tracks of the sheep! Seek him among the shepherds and their flocks. And while you’re at it, let your young goats graze near their tents.

And here is the poem:

Beloved’s Kiss

O, for the taste of his sweet, fragrant mouth,
Passionate kisses, fervently bestowed.
May his lips linger, never to go south,
In this embrace, our love has truly glowed.

Queens and concubines, they adore him so,
His love intoxicates like finest wine.
His character, like precious oils that flow,
A scent that travels far, a mark divine.

Take my hand, beloved, let us run free,
To places only your heart can decree.
Joy and excitement, our souls intertwined,
In royal chambers, our love is enshrined.

O sisters, judge not my sun-kissed skin,
For I’ve toiled long in vineyards, day by day.
Like Kedar’s tents, Solomon’s curtains within,
My beauty endures, though work held sway.

Where do you rest at noon, my shepherd love?
I long to find you, but fear to roam,
Lest I appear a wanderer among the drove,
Guide me to your flock, my heart’s true home.

If you seek him, O fairest of the fair,
Follow the tracks where sheep have gently trod.
Among the shepherds’ tents, you’ll find him there,
Let your young goats graze near, on verdant sod.

May the love, grace, and fellowship of God forever cover each of us. Amen!

Timothy Christian Huynh
Priscilla Christian Huynh
09/08/2018