Passages and books of the Bible often have at least 3 layers of meaning and application. The first is the surface meaning; that is the theme apparent. The second is personal and/or social practical and constructive corporeal application. The third is a spiritual meaning. The spiritual is the revelation of truths about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, God’s interactions with mankind, and spiritual truths about mankind.
The Song of Songs is a magnificent, ingenious, and artful construction of the three layers.
The first layer, the surface and theme apparent layer is a poetic masterpiece that presents a romantic and sexual matinee between a man and woman in love.
The second layer, the corporeal application is life lessons about the best ways a man and woman should interact together when they first meet, get to know one another, court, and become engaged.
The third layer, the spiritual has been stated to be either the relationship between Jesus and those who have fallen in love with him (his congregation, his church). Jesus often referred to himself as the bridegroom in parables and his second coming as a wedding ceremony.
Verse 9 first layer are two questions from the daughters of Jerusalem directed at the Beloved, the maiden. They ask how is her beloved better than others? Then they ask it a second time. The first time they clearly state that she is the most beautiful of women. The second time they ask for a reason why she is giving them commands, especially since she is a foreigner. The friends’ question provides an opportunity for the beloved to describe the beauty of her lover – which she does only here in the following verses.
The second layer, the corporeal application is how a woman should talk publically about the one they love (whether a boyfriend, a fiancee, or a husband) and why they are in a romantic relationship with him. They should be ready to give positive and supportive reasons why they are in a relationship with a man and how to describe their man for such questions will come.
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)
