The Bride Longs for Affection

1 The most amazing song of all, by King Solomon. The Shulamite[1]

2 Let him[2] smother me with kisses — his Spirit-kiss divine.[3] So kind are your caresses,[4] I drink them in like the sweetest wine![5]

3 Your presence releases a fragrance so pleasing — over and over poured out. For your lovely name is “Flowing Oil.”[6] No wonder the brides-to-be adore you.[7]

4 Draw me into your heart. We will run away together into the king’s cloud-filled chamber.[8] The Chorus of Friends We will remember your love, rejoicing and delighting in you,[9] celebrating your every kiss as better than wine. No wonder righteousness adores you!

5 Jerusalem maidens, in this twilight darkness[10] I know I am so unworthy — so in need. The Shepherd-King Yet you are so lovely! The Shulamite I feel as dark and dry as the desert tents of the wandering nomads.[11] The Shepherd-King Yet you are so lovely — like the fine linen tapestry hanging in the Holy Place.

6 Please don’t stare in scorn because of my dark and sinful ways.[12] My angry brothers quarreled with me and appointed me guardian of their ministry vineyards, yet I’ve not tended my vineyard within.

7 Won’t you tell me, lover of my soul, where do you feed your flock? Where do you lead your beloved ones[13] to rest in the heat of the day? For I wish to be wrapped all around you as I wander among the flocks of your shepherds. It is you I long for, with no veil between us![14]

8 Listen, my radiant one — if you ever lose sight of me, just follow in my footsteps where I lead my lovers. Come with your burdens and cares. Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds.[15]

Expression of Mutual Love

9 My dearest one,[16] let me tell you how I see you — you are so thrilling to me. To gaze upon you is like looking at one of Pharaoh’s finest horses — a strong, regal steed pulling his royal chariot.[17]

10 Your tender cheeks are aglow — your earrings and gem-laden necklaces set them ablaze.

11 We will enhance your beauty,[18] encircling you with our golden reins of love. You will be marked with our redeeming grace.[19]

12 As the king surrounded me at his table,[20] the sweet fragrance of my praise perfume[21] awakened the night.

13 A sachet of myrrh is my lover, like a tied-up bundle of myrrh[22] resting over my heart.

14 He is like a bouquet of henna blossoms — henna plucked near the vines at the fountain of the Lamb.[23] I will hold him and never let him part.

15 Look at you, my dearest darling, you are so lovely! You are beauty itself to me.[24] Your passionate eyes are like gentle doves.[25]

16 My beloved one,[26] both handsome and winsome, you are pleasing beyond words. Our resting place[27] is anointed and flourishing, like a green forest meadow bathed in light.

17 Rafters of cedar branches are over our heads and balconies of pleasant-smelling pines.[28]