Song of Solomon 1:5-6
Summary for Song 1:5-11: 1:5-11 a If the Song is a three-character drama and the shepherd is her lover, the couple was apart while she was in the king’s palace, and in this passage she wants to be sure of where to find him when she leaves there. On two occasions, she is frantic about losing him again (3:1-4 b; 5:2-8 c). At other times, her concern is more subtle (2:14 d).Summary for Song 1:5-6: 1:5-6 e The woman’s dark skin color has nothing to do with her race; her complexion has been darkened by the sun. Even so, she retains her self-respect and asserts her beauty. She is wholesome-looking from tending vineyards and goats (see also 1:8 f).
• Solomon had caretakers of his fields, vineyards, herds, and flocks; the herders lived in dark goats’-hair tents.
1:6 g my own vineyard: The NLT interprets vineyard as a metaphor for the woman’s own body (cp. 2:15 h; 7:12 i). In ancient Near Eastern societies, brothers protected sisters from premature intimate relationships with men. The woman’s protest reflects her belief that she is ready for love (see also 8:8-12 j, the only other mention of the brothers).
• The dramatic view takes vineyard literally: The brothers’ abuse had resulted in the woman’s inability to take care of the vineyards for which she was personally responsible. She found herself in Solomon’s harem because she had not been able to pay Solomon the money she owed him (8:11-12 k).
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