The maiden's eyes are here compared to doves, peeping out from behind the veil (RV). As is usual with Syrian brides her hair is not braided, but hangs loosely down, like a flock of black goats which graze along the slope of a mountain, and look as though they were suspended from it (RV).... [ Continue Reading ]
DESCRIPTION OF HER CHARMS. HER INVITATION 1-7. This short poem belongs to the class which the Arabs call wasf, in which the bride's charms are described: they are sung while she is being dressed, or when she exhibits herself in her nuptial array, or on the day subsequent to the ceremony. Here is on... [ Continue Reading ]
Her teeth are white, regular, a perfect set. Her cheek resembles the rich colours of the pomegranate. She has a swan's neck, a graceful, slender tower, hung round with ornaments, as the tower of David—whatever that may have been—was hung with shields (1 Kings 10:16; 2 Kings 11:10; Ezekiel 27:11; Eze... [ Continue Reading ]
The idea conveyed by this abrupt and obscure v. seems to be that she will be perfectly safe, even in regions remote from home, and where many dangers lurk, if only her lover is at hand. His presence ensures happiness and security. The exclamation, 'Look,' etc., reminds us of a modern traveller's rem... [ Continue Reading ]
The smell of her garments is like the fresh and healthy odour of the cedars, or, as we in England should say, of the pinewoods: cp. Genesis 27:27; Psalms 45:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
Honey and milk are most highly prized amongst Orientals (Isaiah 7:15).... [ Continue Reading ]
She is as a garden barred (RM) to... [ Continue Reading ]
Her charms are like the young plants in an orchard of pomegranates, protected from the depredations of wild beasts.... [ Continue Reading ]
The SAFFRON is the autumnal crocus, the dried flowers of which are employed in medicine, dyeing and perfumery. The thick, creeping rootstock of the CALAMUS is pungent and aromatic. The resin of ALOES is used in the preparation of incense.... [ Continue Reading ]
The 'flowing' (RV) STREAMS, etc., reminds us of the many streams which run into the sea between Tyre and Beyrout.... [ Continue Reading ]
Accepting his figurative description of her, she bids him welcome. The colder north wind and the warmer south are naturally mentioned: not the east, which brings drought, nor the west, which carries moisture from the sea. SONG OF SOLOMON 5:1. The bridegroom's reply. He bids his friends follow his e... [ Continue Reading ]