Song 1:6 | TNotes | STEP | 1:6 my own vineyard: The NLT interprets vineyard as a metaphor for the woman’s own body (cp. 2:15 ; 7:12 ). 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 , 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 ).

d8:8-12►

e8:11-12►

‏ Song of Solomon 1:6

1:6 ^a my own vineyard: The NLT interprets vineyard as a metaphor for the woman’s own body (cp. 2:15 ^b; 7:12 ^c). 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 ^d, 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 ^e).