Song of Solomon 1:3

Because of the savour, &c.— The eastern nations, and indeed the ancients in general, dealt much in unguents, which in the hot countries are necessary to brace and close up the pores of the body: fragrant ointments were especially used on nuptial and other festival occasions. See Psalms 45:8.; Proverbs 7:17.; Amos 6:6.; 2 Samuel 12:20. Hence the odour of sweet ointments became a common metaphor, to express the extensive acceptableness of a good name. Ecclesiastes 7:1. Houbigant connects this sentence with the preceding words thus, For thy love is more excellent than wine, and thy fragrance than fine ointments. New Translation.