Bible Commentaries
Song of Solomon 3

Introduction

The bride relates to the chorus what appears to be an imaginary occurrence transacted in a dream (like that of Song of Solomon 5:2-8). The Targum takes this section to be typical of the wanderings of Israel after the Holy One in the wilderness, as the next Song of Solomon 3:6-11 is made to represent their entrance into the land.

Verse 1

By night - i. e., In the night-hours.

Verse 3

The city - One near the bride’s native home, possibly Shunem.

Verse 4

I held him - This begins the fourth stanza. The bride’s mother is mentioned again in Song of Solomon 6:9; Song of Solomon 8:2.

Verse 5

See Song of Solomon 2:7 note.

Verses 6-11

Daughters of Zion - So called here to distinguish them from the bride’s companions, who are always addressed by her as “daughters of Jerusalem.”

His mother - Bathsheba 1 Kings 1:11. This is the last mention of her in sacred history.