Song of Solomon 6:1-13
Q.1. How were the bride’s friends prepared to help? Did the bride know where the groom was? Was she worried about his absence? – (Song.6:1-3)
The friends saw that the groom was missing and offered to help locate him. They asked – Where has your beloved gone that we may seek him with you (Song.6:1). The bride knew that he was busy pasturing his flocks. She reassured them that she was confident in their love – I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine … (Song.6:3). The groom had left the bride on a number of occasions, simply because he was sensitive to her needs – I adjure you … that you do not arouse or awaken my love until she pleases (Song.2:7; 3:5). She probably realized upon reflection, that he had gone to attend to his business, and left her out of consideration for her. She knew that she was loved by him (Song.6:3).
Q.2. What did the groom think of his bride? How did she compare with all other rivals? How did the bride’s friends respond to her absence? – (Song.6:4-13)
The reality of his love was clarified upon his return. She meant everything to him, and like Jerusalem, was the joy of the whole earth to him (Song.6:4-7 c.f. Ps.48:1-2). Solomon would have at least sixty queens and eighty concubines in the future. These made him despair of real love. This reference was probably more comparative, in order to underscore that she was – my dove, my perfect one, is unique: … (Song 6:9). However, Solomon was often called away for royal duties – “Before I was aware, my soul set me Over the chariots of my noble people.”(Song.6:12). Her friends loved to see Solomon and his Shulamite bride dancing together – (Song.6:9 & 13).