The young lady describes her lover. As a fruit tree is desired over other forest trees, so her king is desired over other young men (3).
Such a tree is a cool refuge from the piercing hot sunlight. She rests in peace and comfort. Such a tree has sweet fruit to satisfy the body and soul. Eating its apples tingles the tongue. Its juice is sweet textured sugar. The taste inhales a pleasured sigh. So pleasing is the taste of her king.
When her master takes her to the banquet hall all can see his love for her (4). His love is displayed as if a banner over her says love. He treats her like the lady she is.
The thought and presence of her lord weaken her. She is faint. She asks for raisins and apples to strengthen her. The beloved is dizzy with love (5).
The maiden is alone with her lover. Their only company are gazelles and does of the field (7). She is laying with her king on a bed of nature’s delight. Her overlord’s left arm supports and upholds her head. His right arm is embracing her, firmly against her lower back (6). Their eyes are locked in love’s gaze. They swim in each other’s souls.
The maiden lives in the moment of romantic blending. She is not aware of the world around her; only her lover exists. She is one with her master. Now she experiences love; emotion, passion, romance, bonding, and blending of souls (7). She encourages her friends, the daughters of Jerusalem, “Do not arouse or awaken love until it desires.” (7)
Romantic love is not to be commanded or induced. Love comes from above. Love is a small seed; nourishing and caring for it will allow it to take shape, grow, and produce fruit in and out of season. Love is a seed in Jesus’ parable of four souls. “A farmer went out to sow his seed (Matt 13:1; Mark 4:13) “And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the vegetables, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade.” (Mark 4:32) “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth… you are God’s field…” (1 Cor. 3:7,9)
