Song of Solomon 1:1

Song of Solomon 1:1

1. The song of songs, whichis Solomon's For the superscription, which probably comes from a later hand than that of the author, see Introduction, § 1, p. ix.

Chap. Song of Solomon 1:2-8. In the King's Household

The first scene from the life of the heroine called the Shulammite is contained in these verses. She has been brought by the king's command into his chambers (Song of Solomon 1:4). The scene is consequently in some royal residence, probably at Jerusalem, and we have present, the Shulammite, the Jerusalem ladies of the court, and perhaps also Solomon. The ladies of the court sing the praises of the king as the object of their love, and seek to rouse the Shulammite also to admiration of him (2, 3, 4 b). She, rapt in dreams of her absent lover, pays no heed at first, but murmurs a wish that he might come and rescue her (4 a). Then, becoming conscious of her surroundings, she turns to address the ladies of the court (5, 6). Again she falls to musing, and asks her shepherd lover where he may be found (7). The ladies answer ironically (8).