Song of Solomon 8

Song of Solomon 8:1

8:1, 2 The Shulamite is still speaking. If the shepherd were only her brother, she could kiss him and not be reproached. She would take him to her mother’s house and serve him the choicest spiced wine made of pomegranate.

Song of Solomon 8:3

XVII. FINAL CHARGE TO THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM (8:3, 4)In an aside to the daughters of Jerusalem, the Shulamite sees herself in his arms, then charges them for the last time not to stir up love until it pleases.

Song of Solomon 8:5

XVIII. THE COUPLE ARRIVE IN THEIR COUNTRY VILLAGE, EXCHANGE THEIR VOWS, AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER (8:5-14)8:5a In her home village, the local people see her returning from Jerusalem and ask who it is, coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved. 8:5b Then as the lovers approach, the shepherd points out familiar placesunder the apple tree where their romance began, and then also her birthplace. 8:6, 7 The Shulamite suggests renewing their vows. In words of great beauty that have been widely quoted, she affirms that there is no rival for her love. It is as strong as death, unquenchable, and beyond price. 8:8, 9 Years ago, when planning the young Shulamite’s future, her brothers had made this decision. If she proved to be chaste, pure, and faithful, they would give her a silver dowry. If, however, she was promiscuous and accessible as a door, they would hide her away in seclusion. 8:10, 11 The maiden assures them that, now of marriageable age, she has been steadfast as a wall. Her lover knows that. She tells them of Solomon’s vineyard at Baal Hamon with its many tenants. 8:12 But she wasn’t interested. She had her own vineyardher shepherd-lover. Solomon could keep his wealth as far as she was concerned. 8:13 In the presence of witnesses, the shepherd asks her to commit herself to him now in marriage, to say “I do.” 8:14 In figurative language, she tells her beloved to make haste to claim her as his own. And thus the book closes. It has been called the Old Testament’s endorsement of monogamy in the face of the most glaring example of polygamy to be found in the Scriptures. It is a powerful plea to Israel of Solomon’s day to return to the God-given ideal of love and marriage.