Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

SONG OF SOLOMON CHAPTER 8

DESIRES OF THE SHULAMITE BRIDE

Verses 1-2 reveal a hypothetical wish of the Shulamite that she could better express her love for her spouse; that she could talk with him about it more freely as she formerly discussed private matters with her brother or mother. She would like for her mother to teach her the fine points of expressing married love. The precise significance of the pomegranate wine or juice in this setting is not clear.

Verse 3 repeats the Song of Solomon 2:6 longing of the Shulamite for the embrace of her beloved.

Verse 4 repeats the refrain of Song of Solomon 2:7 and Song of Solomon 3:5.

THE SHULAMITE AND SHEPHERD IN PUBLIC

Verse 5 again asks the identity of a female who comes out of the wilderness, see Song of Solomon 3:6 and Song of Solomon 6:10. The answer in all instances is the Shulamite. However, she is now leaning upon her beloved shepherd, a posture of closeness. The latter half of the verse is a statement of the Shulamite addressed to her beloved, but the significance is not clear.

THE ENDURING BOND THAT UNITES THE SHULAMITE AND SHEPHERD

Verses 6-7 express in poetic form the Shulamite’s desire that her love for and claim to her beloved shepherd is and should be known as real and unending.

BROTHERS OF THE SHULAMITE DISCUSS THEIR LITTLE SISTER

Verses 8-9 appear to be a discussion of the Shulamite’s brothers relative to what should be done when someone wants to marry their younger sister. The implication seems to be that they will require that she be sexually mature before they will permit marriage.

SHULAMITE AFFIRMS HER OWN MATURITY ’

Verse 10 expresses the Shulamite’s affirmation that she is mature, strong, and fully sufficient for the obligations of a wife.

SHULAMITE CONTRASTS HER RIGHTS WITH RIGHTS OF KING SOLOMON

Verses 11-12 is the Shulamite’s contrast of the rights of Solomon to use his possessions as he pleased with her right to give herself to the husband of her choice.

CONCLUDING WORDS OF SHEPHERD AND SHULAMITE

Verse 13 expresses the shepherd’s view that his bride now "dwells’ (resides permanently) in the gardens and the companions who assembled for the celebration (Song of Solomon 6:13) hearken (give heed) to what she has to say. He also reminds her that he personally loves to hear her voice often (Song of Solomon 2:14).

Verse 14 expresses her immediate response, urging him to make haste in exercising the privileges of love to which they are happily committed.