1 1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's. a a v1 Song of Solomon is poetic celebration of married love between bride and bridegroom. Christian tradition has long also heard in it our Father's love for his people through Jesus — the Bridegroom who gives himself for his Bride. 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth — for your love is better than wine. 3 Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is perfume poured out — no wonder the young women love you. 4 Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine — they are right to love you.
5 I am dark, yet lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. b b v5 Kedar was a desert people whose tents were woven from black goat hair — the bride compares her dark, sun-weathered skin to their beautiful black tents. 6 Do not stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has gazed on me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept. 7 Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you let it rest at noon — why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions? c c v7 A woman wandering veiled and alone beside a stranger's flocks would be taken for an unchaperoned outsider — the last thing a bride wants to appear.
8 If you do not know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of the flock, and graze your young goats beside the shepherds' tents. 9 I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots. 10 Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.
11 We will make you ornaments of gold, studded with silver. 12 While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance. d d v12 Nard was a precious, sweet-smelling oil imported from far away — the same costly perfume later poured on Jesus before his burial. 13 My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh that rests between my breasts. 14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of Engedi. e e v14 Engedi was a freshwater oasis beside the Dead Sea, famous for its lush, fragrant gardens in the midst of barren desert.
15 How beautiful you are, my love — how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. 16 How beautiful you are, my beloved — truly delightful! Our bed is green;
17 The beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are cypress.