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1I am a rose of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.
2As a lily among thorns,
so is my love among the daughters.
3As the apple tree among the trees of the wood,
so is my beloved among the sons.
I sat down under his shadow with great delight,
his fruit was sweet to my taste.
4He brought me to the banquet hall.
His banner over me is love.
5Strengthen me with raisins,
refresh me with apples;
for I am faint with love.
6His left hand is under my head.
His right hand embraces me.
7I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
by the roes, or by the hinds of the field,
that you not stir up, nor awaken love,
until it so desires.
8The voice of my beloved!
Behold, he comes,
leaping on the mountains,
skipping on the hills.
9My beloved is like a roe or a young deer.
Behold, he stands behind our wall!
He looks in at the windows.
He glances through the lattice.
10My beloved spoke, and said to me,
“Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
11For behold, the winter is past.
The rain is over and gone.
12The flowers appear on the earth.
The time of the singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
13The fig tree ripens her green figs.
The vines are in blossom.
They give out their fragrance.
Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
and come away.”
14My dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the hiding places of the mountainside,
let me see your face.
Let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.
15Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes that plunder the vineyards;
for our vineyards are in blossom.
16My beloved is mine, and I am his.
He browses among the lilies.
17Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away,
turn, my beloved,
and be like a roe or a young deer on the mountains of Bether.
Speak to the Foxes
By Carter Conlon74148:21SNG 2:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing the 'little foxes' in our lives that can hinder our testimony for Christ. It highlights the need to deal with small compromises, sins, and weaknesses that may seem insignificant but can have a significant impact on our spiritual walk and witness. The message encourages believers to allow God to search their hearts, remove hindrances, and walk in supernatural faith and provision for the days ahead.
02 Delighting in the Lord: Enjoying God (Song 2:3-5)
By Mike Bickle4057:12Spiritual PleasureDelighting in GodSNG 2:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the theme of delighting in the Lord through the Song of Solomon, illustrating that spiritual pleasure and enjoyment of God are foundational truths often overlooked by believers. He explains that even immature believers can experience God's delight and that this understanding can transform prayer from a duty into a joyful interaction. Bickle highlights the importance of recognizing God's pleasure in us, which empowers us to pursue a deeper relationship with Him, ultimately leading to spiritual growth. He encourages believers to engage with God's heart and to seek the superior pleasures found in their relationship with Him, rather than settling for inferior pleasures of the world.
Forerunners With the Bridal Paradigm
By Mike Bickle391:00:59ForerunnerIdentity in ChristIntimacy With GodPSA 27:4SNG 2:4MAT 22:2LUK 15:20JHN 3:29ROM 8:151CO 2:9EPH 5:251JN 3:1REV 3:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding the 'Bridal Paradigm' in the context of the Kingdom of God, which invites believers into a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus as the Bridegroom. He explains that this perspective transcends gender and is about a position of privilege and closeness to God's heart, encouraging both men and women to embrace their identity as the Bride of Christ. Bickle shares personal experiences and biblical insights, particularly from the Song of Solomon, to illustrate the depth of God's desire for intimacy with His people. He highlights that true understanding of one's identity as the Bride comes from recognizing Jesus as a compassionate and loving Bridegroom, which transforms how believers see themselves and their relationship with God.
12 the Bride's Identity and Life Purpose (Song 2:1-7)
By Mike Bickle3043:39Purpose Of LifeIdentity in ChristSNG 2:1Mike Bickle explores the profound themes of identity and purpose in the Song of Solomon, emphasizing that the bride's true identity is found in being Jesus's inheritance. He highlights that our greatest purpose is to be voluntary lovers of God, reflecting both love and obedience, which radically transforms our lives. Bickle stresses the importance of understanding our identity as the rose and lily, symbolizing love and purity, and how this understanding shapes our relationship with God and others. He warns against seeking fulfillment in anything other than Jesus, the true source of refreshment for our souls. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to embrace their identity and purpose in Christ, fostering a deep, lovesick relationship with Him.
Challenging the Comfort Zone
By Mike Bickle2744:22Overcoming FearStepping Out in FaithSNG 2:10Mike Bickle challenges the congregation to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a deeper relationship with God, as illustrated in the Song of Solomon. He emphasizes that knowing about God is not enough; true engagement requires a response to His call for deeper partnership and obedience. Bickle highlights the importance of recognizing God's love and power, encouraging believers to trust Him even when faced with fear and uncertainty. He reassures that God views our hesitations as immaturity rather than rebellion, inviting us to grow in our faith and obedience. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to rise up and follow God's lead into new challenges and opportunities for spiritual growth.
13 Challenging the Comfort Zone (Song 2:8-17)
By Mike Bickle2544:54Costly ObedienceSpiritual MaturitySNG 2:8Mike Bickle explores the theme of challenging our comfort zones through the lens of the Song of Solomon, emphasizing that spiritual sincerity does not equate to maturity. He highlights how Jesus calls the maiden to rise above her comfort and face the mountains of costly obedience, revealing His desire for a deeper relationship based on voluntary love rather than mere obedience. Bickle illustrates that the journey to spiritual maturity involves confronting fears and the 'little foxes' that spoil our relationship with God. Ultimately, he reassures that even in moments of hesitation and struggle, our sincere cries for help are sweet to God, and He desires to see our faces and hear our voices. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the challenges of faith as a pathway to deeper intimacy with Christ.
Song of Solomon Part 5 (With Korean Translation)
By Mike Bickle231:04:08Overcoming FearRadical ObedienceSNG 2:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones in his sermon on the Song of Solomon, illustrating how the bride's journey reflects our own spiritual growth and the call to partner with Jesus in the mission of discipling nations. He highlights the need for radical obedience and the dangers of complacency, urging believers to confront their fears and the 'little foxes' that undermine their relationship with God. Bickle reassures that even in moments of hesitation, Jesus desires to see our faces and hear our voices, inviting us to seek His help in overcoming our struggles. The sermon culminates in a call for the church, particularly in South Korea, to rise up with renewed dedication and commitment to prayer and missions as the harvest is ripe.
14 God's Loving Discipline (Song 3:1-5)
By Mike Bickle2042:43God's DisciplineSpiritual GrowthPRO 3:12SNG 2:10SNG 2:17ISA 64:7JER 20:7ROM 2:41CO 11:32HEB 12:3JAS 4:8Mike Bickle discusses God's loving discipline as depicted in Song of Solomon 3:1-5, emphasizing the relationship between the Shulamite maiden and King Solomon as a metaphor for the Bride of Christ and Jesus. He explains that the maiden's struggle to follow the Lord's call to a deeper intimacy reflects spiritual immaturity rather than rebellion, highlighting the importance of obedience and faith in our relationship with God. Bickle illustrates how God's discipline is a sign of His love, meant to awaken a deeper hunger for Him and to challenge us to let go of the things that hinder our spiritual growth. He encourages believers to seek God even in times of confusion and to recognize that their love for Him remains genuine despite struggles. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to pursue God wholeheartedly, even when faced with the discomfort of His discipline.
Song of Solomon Part 4 (With Korean Translation)
By Mike Bickle171:02:06Identity in ChristSpiritual SeasonsSNG 2:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the bride's identity in Christ, illustrating how she sees herself as the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley, reflecting her spiritual relationship with Jesus. He explains that the true value of believers lies in their relationship with God, where they are loved and called to love Him back. Bickle encourages the congregation to understand their primary identity as being cherished by God, which leads to a life of success defined by love rather than worldly achievements. He also discusses the importance of recognizing the different seasons in one's spiritual journey and the need to remain steadfast in seeking more of God's presence and love.
A Heaven Unto Me!
By Thomas Brooks0Heart KnowledgeLove for ChristPSA 73:25SNG 2:5MAT 22:37JHN 17:3ROM 8:381CO 16:22EPH 3:19PHP 3:8COL 3:41JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true knowledge accompanying salvation is deeply heart-affecting, drawing the soul closer to Christ and igniting a passionate love for Him. He illustrates how the more one knows Christ—His nature, names, and beauty—the more one’s heart is captivated and desires Him above all else. Brooks warns against mere intellectual knowledge that lacks affection for Christ, which ultimately leads to a lifeless faith. He passionately expresses that Christ is everything to him—his life, love, joy, and crown—making Him a heaven unto his soul. The sermon concludes with a stark reminder that a lack of love for the Lord results in a curse.
Heart to Heart
By Miles J. Stanford0SNG 2:10Miles J. Stanford preaches about the journey of spiritual growth and maturity, likening it to a transition from a superficial 'puppy-love' to a deep 'bridal-love' relationship with Christ. He emphasizes the importance of accepting God's arrangements and gifts to help us detach from worldly concerns and focus on heavenly things, where we find true fulfillment and joy. Stanford encourages believers to not just see Jesus as a reliever of burdens but as the ultimate desire and attraction of their hearts, leading to a profound knowledge and experience of Christ's love and grace.
The Spiritual Feelings of Believers and Hypocrites Compared
By Ralph Erskine0SNG 2:7Ralph Erskine delves into the difference between the pleasant spiritual impressions peculiar to true believers and those that hypocrites may have in the ways of religion. He emphasizes that true and saving impressions in believers are sociable, unlimited, habitual, and natural, advancing and harmoniously helping one another. In contrast, hypocrites' impressions are limited, temporary, and not natural to them, as their carnal unrenewed nature recoils against it. Erskine illustrates how believers' impressions are like a living spring, never drying up, as they are under the influence of the Spirit dwelling in them.
Mystical Union Between Christ and His People
By Thomas Watson0PSA 45:10SNG 2:16JHN 1:16ROM 7:41CO 6:172CO 5:21EPH 2:17EPH 5:32HEB 2:16REV 19:9Thomas Watson preaches about the mystical union between Christ and His people, emphasizing the deep love and connection between Christ and His church. The sermon explores the doctrine of a marital union with Christ, highlighting the twofold union - natural and sacred, and the significance of believers being mystically united to Christ. Watson delves into the eternal nature of this union, the separation required before union, and the purpose of co-habitation and fruit-bearing in this spiritual marriage.
Epistle 314
By George Fox0Perseverance in SufferingFaithPSA 125:3SNG 2:4ISA 11:10MAT 13:81CO 16:13EPH 6:15EPH 6:17PHP 1:29HEB 12:2REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, equipped with the spiritual armor provided by Christ. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, even amidst persecution and suffering, drawing inspiration from the faith of biblical figures and martyrs throughout history. Fox reminds the faithful that their struggles are shared and that they should find joy in their perseverance, as it is a gift from God. He calls for unity in worship and the proclamation of Christ's name, assuring that victory belongs to the Lamb. Ultimately, he urges believers to hold fast to their hope in Christ, who is the anchor for their souls.
Whining and Whimpering?
By Thomas Brooks0Assurance in ChristJoy in SufferingSNG 2:16ROM 8:38Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound assurance of belonging to Christ, declaring that believers can confidently affirm their relationship with Him as their Head, Husband, and Savior. This assurance fosters patience, courage, and joy, enabling Christians to endure life's challenges with a heart full of hope and gratitude. Brooks encourages believers to remember the immense love and eternal promises of God, which far outweigh their earthly troubles, urging them to focus on rejoicing rather than whining. He reminds Christians that their mercies surpass their miseries, and a moment in Christ's presence will outweigh all earthly suffering.
Epistle 60
By George Fox0Spiritual GrowthDivine GuidancePSA 23:2PSA 130:7SNG 2:14ISA 40:11MAT 5:6JHN 10:11ROM 15:132CO 4:16EPH 3:16PHP 4:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing the pure essence of God within us, which guides us towards spiritual growth and obedience to His will. He encourages believers to delight in the truth that reveals the deceit of their hearts and to trust in God's constant presence and provision, likening Him to a shepherd who protects and nourishes His flock. Fox assures that those who seek the Lord will experience joy and abundance, moving from a state of want to one of plentiful redemption and divine guidance. He concludes with a blessing for the preservation and empowerment of the faithful in God's might.
Rise Up My Love, My Fair One, and Come Away
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual AwakeningDivine CallingSNG 2:10EPH 2:6COL 3:1C.H. Spurgeon passionately calls believers to awaken from spiritual slumber, emphasizing the invitation from the Beloved to rise above worldly distractions and embrace a higher calling. He reflects on the beauty of being called 'My love' and 'fair one' by God, which serves as motivation to leave behind the mundane and pursue a deeper relationship with Him. Spurgeon acknowledges the struggle against sin and worldly ties but expresses a longing to be drawn closer to God, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in His presence. The sermon highlights the transformative power of God's grace and the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to rise and come away from the chaos of life. Ultimately, it is a call to find rest and purpose in the divine embrace of the Lord.
I Am the Rose of Sharon
By C.H. Spurgeon0Beauty of ChristSpiritual FulfillmentPSA 27:4SNG 2:1ISA 53:2MAT 13:44JHN 15:5EPH 3:19PHP 3:8COL 1:171PE 2:7REV 22:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled beauty of Jesus Christ, referring to Him as the 'rose of Sharon,' which signifies His supreme loveliness and spiritual richness compared to the finest things in the material world. He illustrates that while the rose is the sweetest flower, Christ surpasses it in beauty and charm, captivating all senses of the soul. Spurgeon highlights that even the memories of Christ's love are fragrant and satisfying, making Him the ultimate fulfillment for the highest spiritual desires. He concludes that no earthly beauty can adequately express the preciousness of Christ, urging believers to cherish Him in their hearts forever.
Marks of the Righteous
By David Wilkerson0Hearing God's VoiceRighteousnessSNG 2:3ISA 32:1JHN 1:47David Wilkerson emphasizes the characteristics of true ministers of God as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, highlighting that they will proclaim the all-sufficiency of Christ and live in quiet confidence and peace. He describes the righteous servant as one who possesses discernment and the ability to hear God's voice clearly, akin to Nathaniel, who was recognized by Jesus for his integrity. Wilkerson encourages believers to pursue a life above reproach, free from hidden sins, to receive continuous revelations of Christ's glory. The sermon calls for a commitment to trust in Jesus as a source of strength and sustenance in a weary world.
Romantic Love
By K.P. Yohannan0LoveMinistry ChallengesPSA 34:18SNG 2:4JER 29:111CO 13:4GAL 6:9K.P. Yohannan shares his personal journey of romantic love, reflecting on the cultural challenges of expressing such feelings in India. He recounts his deepening affection for Gisela, despite the looming separation and the uncertainty of their future together. Amidst this emotional turmoil, he grapples with the harsh realities of his ministry, feeling disheartened by the lack of lasting impact in the villages he serves. This struggle leads him to a moment of despair, where he questions the effectiveness of his work and recognizes the need for spiritual renewal and reassessment of his calling.
Epistle 338
By George Fox0Courage in FaithUnity in SpiritDEU 4:24NEH 8:10PSA 40:2PSA 91:1PSA 116:9PSA 137:7SNG 2:4ISA 52:7MAT 18:20JHN 15:5JHN 16:33ROM 2:23ROM 6:4EPH 4:3REV 2:17REV 3:11REV 12:11REV 13:8George Fox encourages believers to be courageous in their faith and to uphold the truth of Jesus, emphasizing that they should not fear human wrath but rather honor the Lord. He reminds them that through the blood of the Lamb, they have victory over the world and should remain united in spirit, producing good fruit in their lives. Fox highlights the importance of living in the newness of life, serving the Lord, and maintaining peace among one another, assuring them of the eternal rewards for those who overcome.
"By the Fear of the Lord Men Depart From evil." – Proverbs 16:6
By Horatius Bonar0Eternal HopeThe Call of ChristPRO 16:6SNG 2:10Horatius Bonar emphasizes the loving and authoritative call of the Lord Jesus Christ to His church, depicted as His bride. He describes how Christ's voice, filled with love and admiration, beckons His beloved to arise and depart from the evils of the world, promising a glorious future together. Bonar illustrates this call as not only a present invitation to holiness but also a future promise of eternal union and glory at Christ's second coming. The sermon encourages believers to heed this call, leaving behind sin and worldly distractions to embrace their identity as joint heirs with Christ. Ultimately, Bonar reminds the church that their true home and rest lie beyond this world, in the eternal presence of their Bridegroom.
He Is Thy Lord ("Worship Thou Him"¦ So Shall the King Greatly Desire Thy beauty.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0WorshipIntimacy with ChristPSA 45:11PSA 73:25SNG 2:9LUK 6:46Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the deep, personal relationship believers can have with Jesus, portraying Him as the beloved Bridegroom who desires a heart ablaze with love and worship. He challenges the congregation to move beyond mere words and rituals, urging them to truly know and experience Jesus as their Lord. Waldvogel highlights the importance of surrendering one's will to God, recognizing that true worship involves a complete submission to His authority. He calls for a genuine awakening to the beauty of Christ, encouraging believers to seek Him above all earthly things. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to embrace a life of devotion and intimacy with their Savior.
Epistle 227
By George Fox0Faith in AdversityThe Victory of ChristEXO 10:21SNG 2:2ISA 35:1JER 9:3ZEC 2:10JHN 14:6GAL 3:161TH 5:51PE 2:22REV 17:14George Fox encourages believers to rejoice and sing, emphasizing that despite the darkness surrounding them, the Lord is actively working and truth is flourishing. He reminds them that Christ reigns over all challenges, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and valiant for the truth, even in difficult circumstances. Fox reassures that the seed of Christ brings life and peace, guiding them through the trials of life and the ways of the fallen world. He emphasizes the importance of following Christ, who ultimately has the victory over all adversities.
Rise Up My Love, My Beautiful One—and Come Away!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual AwakeningDivine CallingPSA 40:2SNG 2:10ISA 40:31MAT 11:28ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 2:10PHP 3:14JAS 4:81JN 2:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the call of the Beloved to rise from the distractions and sins of the world, encouraging believers to embrace their identity as loved and beautiful in His sight. He reflects on the struggle to leave behind worldly desires and the longing to be drawn closer to God, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from responding to His call. Spurgeon highlights the gentle yet powerful invitation to 'come away' from the vanity of life, urging believers to seek the grace of the Holy Spirit to help them rise and pursue a deeper relationship with Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Introduction
A description of the bridegroom, and his love to the bride, Sol 2:1-9. A fine description of spring, Sol 2:10-13. The mutual love of both, Sol 2:14-17.
Introduction
rose--if applied to Jesus Christ, it, with the white lily (lowly, Co2 8:9), answers to "white and ruddy" (Sol 5:10). But it is rather the meadow-saffron: the Hebrew means radically a plant with a pungent bulb, inapplicable to the rose. So Syriac. It is of a white and violet color [MAURER, GESENIUS, and WEISS]. The bride thus speaks of herself as lowly though lovely, in contrast with the lordly "apple" or citron tree, the bridegroom (Sol 2:3); so the "lily" is applied to her (Sol 2:2), Sharon-- (Isa 35:1-2). In North Palestine, between Mount Tabor and Lake Tiberias (Ch1 5:16). Septuagint and Vulgate translate it, "a plain"; though they err in this, the Hebrew Bible not elsewhere favoring it, yet the parallelism to valleys shows that, in the proper name Sharon, there is here a tacit reference to its meaning of lowliness. Beauty, delicacy, and lowliness, are to be in her, as they were in Him (Mat 11:29).
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON 2 Here begins a new colloquy between Christ and his church; in which they alternately set forth the excellencies of each other; and express their mutual affection for, and delight and pleasure they take in, each other's company. Christ seems to begin, in an account of himself and his own excellencies, and of the church in her present state, Sol 2:1; then she, in her turn, praises him, and commends him above all others relates some choice proofs she had had of his love to her, and of communion with him in his house and ordinances, to such a degree as to overcome her, Sol 2:3; and then either he or she gives a charge to the daughters of Jerusalem, not to disturb either the one or the other in their sweet repose, Sol 2:7. Next the church relates how she heard the voice of Christ, and had a sight of him on the hills and mountains, at some distance; then more nearly, behind her wall, and through the lattices, Sol 2:8; and expresses the very words in which he spake to her, and gave her a call to come away with him; making use of arguments from the season of the year, the signs of which are beautifully described, Sol 2:10; and requests that she would come out of her solitude, that he might enjoy her company, whose countenance and voice are so delightful to him; and gives a charge to her and her friends, to seize on such as were harmful and prejudicial to their mutual property, Sol 2:14. And she closes the chapter with expressing her faith of interest in Christ; and with a petition for his speedy approach to her, and continued presence with her, Sol 2:16.
Verse 1
2:1-7 In this short poem, the man and the woman exchange compliments. Using metaphors of flowers and trees, they describe the nature of their loving relationship, emphasizing his role as protector and provider. • The poem ends (2:6) with the man and the woman in an intimate embrace.
2:1-2 the lily of the valley:the lily of the valleys: The Hebrew shows the woman’s modesty and humility, as she claims to be but one flower among many in Sharon and in the expansive valleys of Israel. • The man affirms her comparison to a lily, but says that her beauty is far from common; she is a lily among thistles. • my darling (literally my companion): They are in love, and they are also friends.
Verse 3
2:3 As she is the finest of small, beautiful flowers, he is like a larger and stronger apple tree. An apple tree is a sensuous image in the ancient Near East because of its delicious fruit and pleasant fragrance. In the intense heat of the Middle Eastern climate, a tree’s shade is more than refreshing; it can be life-saving (cp. Jon 4:6; Matt 13:32).
Verse 4
2:4 He escorts me to the banquet hall: Dropping the image of the apple tree, the woman now speaks of the man as her provider at a feast. • it’s obvious how much he loves me: Literally His banner over me is Love. He likes to tell others how much he loves her.
Verse 5
2:5-6 The woman’s love is intense, his love overwhelming. • If the Song is an anthology, the couple can be seen as married, and lovemaking is seen as so physically exhausting that she grows faint and calls for the sustenance of raisin cakes and apples. These foods were considered aphrodisiacs in the ancient Near East. • Strengthen me: She now depends on him to revive her with the fruit of the earlier image—he is the apple tree, so he can provide apples for her renewed strength. • His left arm is under my head: He tenderly supports her with his embrace as they lie together (see also 8:3).
Verse 7
2:7 Promise me . . . by the gazelles and wild deer: This plea is obviously important to the Song; it is repeated in 3:5 and 8:4, and a promise is requested. When a promise was made, witnesses were needed, and the wild animals were the only witnesses present. These graceful animals suggest a romantic pastoral setting. • not to awaken love until the time is right: As in 8:8-9, virginity is praised. The woman warns the women of Jerusalem to be cautious and not to hurry love.
Verse 8
2:8-17 In this poem, the woman anticipates the arrival of her lover. She describes the passing of winter and the coming of spring, a time of floral fragrance and new beginnings. She and her lover are in their country garden, a place of intimacy, though even here there is a hint of threat (2:15).
2:8-10 The man ardently desires to be in the woman’s presence. He finally arrives at his lover’s home and takes her into the romantic countryside during the new, budding spring. • The woman compares the man to a gazelle, a fast, sleek animal that easily overcomes obstacles to reach its destination.
Verse 10
2:10-13 In the Middle East, winter is the rainy season of clouds, gloom, and cold. When winter is past, and the rains are over and gone, the stimulating and invigorating sights, sounds, and smells of spring energize romantic feelings.
Verse 14
2:14 In the dramatic view, the couple is playing a game of hide-and-seek in which she is teasing him; he resorts to simply pleading for her to appear, for even playful separation from her is too frustrating for him. • The rocks are a metaphor for separation that the man wants to overcome to be with her.
Verse 15
2:15 The foxes may represent threats to the relationship. These threats are not identified; they could be the normal ups and downs of love, rival suitors, or anything else that might keep the couple from enjoying one another. • In the dramatic view, the woman’s responsibilities as a vinedresser are still in mind. She is probably instructing the vinedressers who cared for her vineyard and received two hundred pieces of silver from her in 8:12. The alarm about catching the foxes may be understood in terms of the woman’s personal interest in maintaining the value of her vineyards; eventually, she needs to pay Solomon the lease. If the foxes’ hole-digging ruins the grapevines, she will be further in debt.
Verse 16
2:16–3:5 In the dramatic view, the woman has already been separated from her lover and is horrified by the notion that she will not see him soon. One night, her worries drive her from bed to search frantically for him; she finds him and takes him to see her mother.
2:16-17 He browses . . . like a gazelle: The woman has so identified her lover with the strength and speed of a gazelle that she portrays his delay as grazing in the country. • Alternatively, the lover, in the guise of a gazelle, grazes among the lilies that possibly represent the woman, suggesting the intimate association of the couple. The woman is often likened to a garden (see also 4:12, 15-16; 5:1; 6:2). • return to me: Her longing to see him in the evening is intensifying by the hour.