Song Of Solomon 1:7

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:7 presents the Shulamite woman's heartfelt plea to her beloved shepherd, expressing deep affection and an earnest desire for exclusive companionship and guidance. She seeks to know his whereabouts, specifically where he provides nourishment and rest for his flock, so that she might join him and avoid any appearance of impropriety or association with other shepherds. This verse encapsulates themes of longing, devotion, and the yearning for an unambiguous, intimate relationship, setting a foundational tone for the passionate dialogue that unfolds throughout the book.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 1:7 is situated early in the book, following the Shulamite's initial expressions of longing for her beloved's kisses and her desire to be drawn after him (Song of Solomon 1:2-4). Her plea here is a direct address, moving from general yearning to a specific inquiry about his pastoral activities. This verse immediately precedes the beloved's tender response, where he reassures her and invites her to follow the tracks of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8). The dialogue establishes the primary characters—the Shulamite (the "bride") and the shepherd (the "bridegroom")—and introduces the pastoral setting that will serve as a recurring motif throughout the Song, symbolizing themes of care, provision, and intimacy. The shift from internal monologue to direct address signifies a deepening of their interaction and the urgency of her desire for connection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Song of Solomon 1:7 is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern pastoral lifestyle. Shepherds were crucial figures, responsible for leading their flocks to fertile grazing lands and safe resting places, especially during the intense midday heat, which necessitated finding shade and water. This practice was not merely practical but also signified the shepherd's role as a provider and protector. The concern about being "one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions" reflects the social customs of the time, where a woman wandering among other shepherds' flocks might be mistaken for a harlot or someone unattached and seeking illicit company. Her desire for clear association with her beloved underscores the importance of reputation, fidelity, and the public acknowledgment of a committed relationship in ancient Israelite society. The setting evokes the natural beauty and simplicity of rural life, contrasting with the urban settings sometimes mentioned.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Song of Solomon. First, it highlights **Intense Longing and Devotion**, as the Shulamite's "soul loveth" her beloved, indicating a profound, whole-person affection that transcends mere physical attraction. This deep emotional connection is central to the book's portrayal of love. Second, the verse emphasizes the **Active Pursuit and Seeking of the Beloved**. Her direct questions, "where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon," are not passive inquiries but an earnest desire to locate and join him, reflecting a proactive engagement in the relationship. This theme of seeking and finding is echoed throughout the Song, as seen in passages like [Song of Solomon 3:1-4](/song_of_solomon/3-1 "Song of Solomon 3:1-4 - The Shulamite Seeks Her Beloved"). Third, the concern about being "as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions" introduces the theme of **Desire for Exclusive Relationship and Fidelity**. She yearns for an unambiguous, publicly recognized bond, rejecting any perception of disloyalty or shared affection. This desire for singular devotion is a cornerstone of biblical marriage and a metaphor for God's covenant love for His people, as seen in [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Covenant with Israel"). Finally, the imagery of feeding and resting points to the beloved's role as **Provider of Nourishment and Rest**, symbolizing the comfort, security, and sustenance found in his presence, a theme resonant with the pastoral care described in [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **loveth (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** From H157, this primitive root signifies a deep affection, whether sexual or otherwise. In this context, it denotes a profound, personal, and passionate love that originates from the very core of her being, her "soul" (nephesh). It's not a fleeting emotion but a settled devotion, indicating a comprehensive and wholehearted attachment to her beloved.
* **nephesh (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, "soul" here encompasses the entire inner person, including vitality, appetite, mind, and self. When the Shulamite states "my soul loveth," it conveys that her love is not merely intellectual or emotional, but deeply rooted in her life force, her very essence. It is an all-encompassing, existential love.
* **turneth aside (Hebrew, _ʻâṭâh'_):** From H5844, this root primarily means "to wrap," "cover," or "veil." In this context, it carries the nuance of being veiled or covered in a way that might lead to misidentification, specifically as a harlot or a woman seeking company from others. It implies a state of being obscured or wandering aimlessly, which she desperately wishes to avoid, emphasizing her desire for clarity and propriety in her relationship.
* **companions (Hebrew, _châbêr'_):** From H2270, this term refers to an associate or fellow. The Shulamite's concern about being seen by the "flocks of thy companions" highlights her desire for exclusive association with her beloved. She does not want to be perceived as available to or mingling indiscriminately with other shepherds or their flocks, reinforcing her singular devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth,"**: This opening phrase establishes the Shulamite's deep, personal, and profound affection for her beloved. The direct address, "Tell me," indicates an urgent and intimate request, while "whom my soul loveth" conveys that her love is not superficial but originates from the deepest part of her being, her very life force. It underscores a comprehensive, all-encompassing devotion.
* **"where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon:"**: These questions reveal her earnest desire to locate her beloved and join him in his pastoral duties. The imagery of "feeding" (providing sustenance) and "making to rest" (providing security and relief from the midday heat) highlights the shepherd's role as a caretaker and provider. Her longing is not just for his presence, but for the comfort, provision, and peace found in his care. The "noon" specifies the hottest, most vulnerable part of the day, when rest and shade are most crucial.
* **"for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?"**: This rhetorical question expresses her deep concern for her reputation and her desire for an exclusive, unambiguous relationship. "Turneth aside" suggests wandering, straying, or being veiled/covered in a way that might lead to misidentification, perhaps as a harlot or someone available to other men. She seeks to avoid any appearance of impropriety or disloyalty, emphasizing her singular devotion and her wish to be clearly identified solely with her beloved. She does not want to be mistaken for someone seeking company from other shepherds or their flocks.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:7 is rich with **Imagery**, particularly pastoral imagery, which pervades the entire book. The references to "feedest," "flock," and "rest at noon" evoke vivid pictures of a shepherd's life, symbolizing care, provision, and security. The "midday heat" serves as a **Symbol** of life's trials or vulnerabilities, making the desire for rest and shade (found in the beloved's presence) even more poignant. The phrase "whom my soul loveth" is a powerful example of **Hyperbole** and **Intensification**, emphasizing the depth and totality of her affection. The concluding phrase, "for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking an answer but powerfully conveying her anxiety about her reputation and her fervent desire for exclusive, unambiguous association with her beloved. This also employs **Contrast**, setting her desired clear association with him against the undesirable state of being mistaken for a wanderer among others.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 1:7, while a celebration of human love, resonates with profound theological truths about the believer's relationship with God. The Shulamite's intense longing for her beloved shepherd mirrors the soul's yearning for Christ, our Good Shepherd, who provides spiritual nourishment and rest. Her desire for exclusive devotion and clear identification with him reflects the call for singular allegiance to God, avoiding spiritual idolatry or seeking fulfillment in worldly "companions" that distract from our true Beloved. This verse beautifully illustrates the intimate and personal nature of the covenant relationship God desires with His people, a relationship marked by seeking, finding, and abiding in His presence, where true provision and peace are found.

* [Psalm 23:1-3](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-3 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")
* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:7 invites us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own spiritual affections. The Shulamite’s earnest plea to her beloved, driven by a love that permeates her very soul, challenges us to cultivate a similar all-encompassing devotion to God. In a world full of distractions and competing allegiances, do we actively seek the presence of our Good Shepherd, or do we wander aimlessly among "flocks of companions" that offer superficial satisfaction but no true nourishment or rest? This verse calls us to clarity in our spiritual identity, ensuring that our lives unmistakably reflect our belonging to Christ. It reminds us that true rest and provision are found not in frantic searching or worldly pursuits, but in abiding intimately with the One who truly cares for our souls. Our desire should be to remain in His fold, under His watchful eye, finding our security and purpose solely in Him, avoiding any appearance of spiritual compromise or divided loyalty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "whom my soul loveth" mean for your relationship with God? Is your love for Him truly from your "soul," encompassing your entire being?**
* **In what "flocks of companions" (worldly distractions, false comforts, or competing loyalties) might you be tempted to "turn aside" from your exclusive devotion to Christ?**
* **How actively do you "seek" Christ for spiritual nourishment and rest in your daily life, particularly during times of "noon" (midday trials or intense pressure)?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your identity and allegiance are clearly and unambiguously associated with Christ, avoiding any appearance of spiritual wandering?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "noon" in this verse?**

Answer: The "noon" (Hebrew: _tsôhar_) signifies the hottest part of the day in ancient Israel. During midday, the sun's intensity would be at its peak, making it a time of great heat and discomfort for both shepherds and their flocks. For the flock, it would be a time when they needed shade, water, and rest to avoid heat exhaustion. For the shepherd, it was crucial to find a cool, safe place for his sheep to recline and recover. Therefore, the Shulamite's question about where he makes his flock "rest at noon" is not merely about location but about finding a place of essential provision, safety, and relief from the day's toil and heat. It symbolizes a time of vulnerability and the need for the shepherd's protective care, much like believers seek rest and refuge in Christ during life's most challenging and wearying moments, as promised in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary").

**Why is the Shulamite concerned about being "as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions"?**

Answer: This concern highlights the Shulamite's desire for an exclusive and unambiguous relationship with her beloved. In ancient Near Eastern society, a woman wandering alone among various shepherds and their flocks could be misconstrued as unattached, available, or even of questionable reputation (e.g., a harlot). The phrase "turneth aside" (Hebrew: _ʻâṭâh_) can imply being veiled or covered in a way that leads to misidentification or wandering aimlessly. She wants her association with her beloved to be clear, public, and exclusive, reinforcing her fidelity and commitment. Her plea underscores her yearning for a defined, secure relationship where there is no doubt about her allegiance, reflecting the deep yearning for a covenant relationship free from spiritual adultery, as seen in God's desire for Israel's exclusive devotion in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - You Shall Worship No Other God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:7 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, our ultimate Good Shepherd. The Shulamite's longing for her beloved, "whom my soul loveth," prefigures the deep, soul-level affection that believers are called to have for Christ. Just as she sought where her shepherd "feedest" and "makest [thy flock] to rest at noon," so too do believers seek Jesus for spiritual nourishment and true rest. He is the one who leads us to "green pastures" and "still waters" ([Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - Green Pastures and Still Waters")), providing sustenance for our souls and respite from the wearying "heat" of life's trials. The Shulamite's concern about not being "as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions" beautifully foreshadows the Church's desire for exclusive devotion to Christ, her Bridegroom. The New Testament consistently portrays the Church as the Bride of Christ, called to singular allegiance, pure and undefiled, awaiting His return ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride"); [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). We are not to wander among the "flocks of companions"—the false gods, worldly philosophies, or empty promises of this age—but to remain intimately connected to the one Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). In Christ, we find not only provision and rest but also our true identity and belonging, eternally secure in His fold, never to be mistaken for those who stray.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.