Song Of Solomon 1:7

¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

Tell {H5046} me, O thou whom my soul {H5315} loveth {H157}, where thou feedest {H7462}, where {H349} thou makest thy flock to rest {H7257} at noon {H6672}: for {H4100} why should I be as one that turneth aside {H5844} by the flocks {H5739} of thy companions {H2270}?

Tell me, my love, where you pasture your flock, where you have them rest at noon; for why should I veil myself [like a whore] beside the flocks of your friends?

Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions?

Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?

Song of Solomon 1:7 is a tender and earnest plea from the Shulamite woman to her beloved shepherd, revealing her deep affection and desire for exclusive companionship. This verse sets a foundational tone for the intimate relationship explored throughout the book.

Context

The Song of Solomon is an ancient Hebrew love poem, often interpreted on multiple levels: as a celebration of human marital love, an allegory for God's love for Israel, and Christ's love for His Church. In this early part of the book, the Shulamite woman expresses her longing for her beloved, who is portrayed as a shepherd. She is seeking his presence and guidance, eager to be with him and not be mistaken for someone who is unattached or searching among others. The setting evokes the pastoral life of ancient Israel, where shepherds led their flocks to prime grazing spots and places of rest during the midday heat.

Key Themes

  • Intense Longing and Devotion: The phrase "O thou whom my soul loveth" immediately communicates a profound, heartfelt affection. Her love is not superficial but deeply rooted in her being.
  • Seeking and Finding the Beloved: Her questions, "where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon," demonstrate an active pursuit. She wants to know his whereabouts to join him, highlighting the theme of diligent seeking.
  • Desire for Exclusive Relationship: The concern "why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?" reveals her desire for fidelity and clear association with her beloved. She doesn't want to be mistaken for a wanderer or someone available to other shepherds; she belongs solely to him.
  • Provision and Rest: The imagery of feeding and resting at noon points to the shepherd's role as provider and protector, offering sustenance and relief from the day's toil and heat. This symbolizes the comfort and security found in the beloved's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "whom my soul loveth" emphasizes a deep, personal affection, where 'soul' (nephesh) encompasses the entire inner being and life force. It's a love that permeates her very essence. The act of "feeding" (ra'ah) and "making to rest" (rabats) are fundamental actions of a shepherd, signifying care, provision, and security. The concern about being "one that turneth aside" ('atah) suggests wandering, straying, or perhaps being veiled and mistaken for a harlot or someone seeking company from other men. This highlights her earnest desire for a clear, unambiguous relationship with her chosen one, avoiding any appearance of impropriety or disloyalty.

Practical Application

For the believer, this verse beautifully illustrates the soul's longing for Christ, our Good Shepherd. Just as the Shulamite sought her beloved, believers are called to actively seek Jesus, our Good Shepherd, for spiritual nourishment and rest. We desire to know where He leads us and where He provides peace amidst the "heat" of life's challenges, as echoed in Psalm 23:2. This verse also speaks to the importance of exclusive devotion to God, avoiding spiritual "wandering" or seeking satisfaction in worldly "companions" that distract us from our true Beloved. Our desire should be to remain intimately connected to Him, finding our identity and purpose solely in His presence, much like the Church, the bride of Christ, longs for her Bridegroom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:1

    ¶ By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:4

    [It was] but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

  • Isaiah 13:20

    It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

  • Psalms 23:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

  • Psalms 23:2

    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

  • Psalms 28:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, [if] thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

  • Psalms 80:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

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