Shulammite
She describes herself in humble terms. The hillsides would be covered with flowers – beautiful, but all looking the same.
2.1 I am a flower of the Sharon plain, a lotus flower of the valleys.
Solomon
2.2 As a lotus flower among thorns,
so is my darling companion among the young women
GP
He is saying that if she is compared to a flower, then the other girls are like thorns. He isn’t having trouble complimenting her.
Her response is the same type of comparison
Shulammite
2.3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men.
GP
Then she steps forward and speaks to the audience again.
In his shade I longed to stay, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
2.4 He has brought me to the house of wine, and his banner over me is love.
Sustain me with raisin cakes and refresh me with apples because I am faint from love.
6 Oh, may his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me.
Girl
No. Does it really say that in the Bible?
GP
Yes it does. His shade is being together, feeling safe and protected. His taste probably refers to kissing him. She is thinking that she is special to him and the banner lets everyone know it. Notice the part about the banner. He is publicly stating that she is with him Watch out for a guy who wants to be with you in private, but doesn’t want other people to know you are together. Something isn’t right. In their society they thought that raisin cake and apples would increase sexual stamina. She is getting excited about being with him, and she is wishing to be doing more than they are doing physically. Now she stops her emotions and gives a warning. It isn’t a warning not to have feelings. She isn’t trying to deny that she has emotions. She finished with this warning that is repeated twice in Song of Solomon
Girl
But if it feels good, why not do it?
GP
Physical stimulation isn’t enough. It can be fun for awhile, but love won’t be satisfied. And when the relationship blows apart the negative feelings will be what is remembered.
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