I have, &c. Solomon now speaks to her. my love = my friend, or one beloved. Hebrew. ra'yah. Feminine here, Song of Solomon 1:15 ; Song of Solomon 2:2 , Song of Solomon 2:10 , Song of Solomon 2:13 ; Song of Solomon 4:1 , Song of Solomon 4:7 ; Song of Solomon 6:4 . a company of horses = my mare. in Pharaoh's chariots = in the chariot of Pharaoh. read more
THE IRONIC RETORT OF THE HAREM WOMEN"If thou know not, O thou fairest among women,Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock,And feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.""This verse contains the response of the chorus."[15] What chorus? The scene here is that of Solomon's harem. These had overheard her soliloquy, longing to find her true love; and their ironic and contemptuous answer is in this verse. "Let her go and find him for herself. `Go back to your shepherd life'; feed the kids by... read more
SOLOMON WOOS THE SHULAMITE WITHOUT RESPONSE(Song of Solomon 1:9-2:2)"I have compared thee, O my love,To a steed in Pharaoh's chariots.Thy cheeks are comely with plaits of hair,Thy neck with strings of jewels.We will make thee plaits of goldWith studs of silver."The big deal here is that Solomon will load the Shulamite down with expensive jewelry. His comparison of her to a horse (presumably a mare) hooked up to one of Pharaoh's chariots reveals the sensual nature of Solomon. Every woman, in his... read more
Song of Solomon 1:8. If thou know not, &c.— This is the reply of the virgins, and it breathes all the simplicity of pastoral life. read more
Song of Solomon 1:9. I have compared thee—to a company of horses— This, says the author of the New Translation, is the speech of the bridegroom, who, meeting the bride and her virgin companions, says, I have compared thee, O my love, to my well-trained steed in Pharaoh's chariots. We ought not to think the comparison coarse or vulgar, if we consider what beautiful and delicate creatures the eastern horses are, and how highly they are valued; and, withal, the very strong figurative expressions... read more
8. If—she ought to have known (John 14:8; John 14:9). The confession of her ignorance and blackness (John 14:9- :) leads Him to call her "fairest" (John 14:9- :). Her jealousy of letting even "His companions" take the place of Himself (Song of Solomon 1:7) led her too far. He directs her to follow them, as they follow Him (1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 6:12); to use ordinances and the ministry; where they are, He is (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 18:19; Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:25).... read more
9. horses in Pharaoh's chariots—celebrated for beauty, swiftness, and ardor, at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:15). These qualities, which seem to belong to the ungodly, really belong to the saints [MOODY STUART]. The allusion may be to the horses brought at a high price by Solomon out of Egypt (2 Chronicles 1:16; 2 Chronicles 1:17). So the bride is redeemed out of spiritual Egypt by the true Solomon, at an infinite price (Isaiah 51:1; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 1:19). But the deliverance from Pharaoh at... read more
The Ardent Affection of the Lovers2-7. Songs of the bride: her enquiry and his answers.2. Love] The original has 'loves,' i.e. expressions of love, repeated kisses and embraces.3. Ointments] Orientals have always been passionately fond of perfumes. The literatures of Egypt, Greece, and Rome abound in references to them: in the Bible see Psalms 23:5; Psalms 45:7-8; Proverbs 7:17; Proverbs 27:9; Luke 7:46; John 12:3. A modern traveller writes: 'Arabs are delighted with perfumes; the nomad... read more
(8) If thou know not.—With this verse one subsection of the poem plainly ends. Most of the supporters of the dramatic theory make Song of Solomon 1:9 begin the second scene of Act I.; and many of them understand this reply to the heroine’s question as an ironical allusion on the part of the court ladies to her low birth. We take it rather as one of the many playful ways in which the poet either recalls or arranges meetings with the object of his passion (comp. Song of Solomon 2:10-14). In the... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Song of Solomon 1:8
If thou, &c. Answer of the court-ladies: ironical. read more