We go on to Song of songs 1:7-11

v7: (The Shulamite) Tell me…where: A woman can often feel insecure in a relationship (especially if she does not know where her man is or what he is doing) as she bases things on how she feels rather than on the reality itself (in a relationship, men tend to be driven by sight). Sometimes these feelings cause them to perceive reality differently. Males and females are not the same. There are significant differences between us. 

Note: In verse 8 the Shepherd is going to address her insecurity in a very significant way for us. 

• Where you feed: The implication is that she is asking him where he grazes his flock of sheep. She wants to know where he will be. She wants to be with him there – she does not want to be in the king’s chambers. 
• Where you make it rest at noon: She wants to know the little details about his life so that she can feel like she is a part of it. 
• Why should I be as one who veils herself: The Shulamite does not want to feel like she is wondering around blindly searching for him. 
• By the flocks of your companions: Nor does she want to have to find out from his friends where he is and what he is doing. 

v8: (The Shepherd) Fairest among women: The first way the shepherd allays her insecurity is to uphold and affirm her. He reassures her by saying that, in his mind, she is the most beautiful of women.

• Follow in the footsteps of the flock… beside the shepherds tents: The implication of this is that he is reassuring her that he will be exactly where he should be, doing what he should be doing. He was not angry with her because of her insecurities and doubt, and nor did he forbid her from checking up on him. G-dly men do not exploit insecurity, but they try to bring comfort in the midst of it. 

v9: My love: Darling. By using this word, he is upholding the relationship that he has with her. 

• My filly among Pharaoh’s chariots: Pharaoh had the best horses for his chariots. The Shepherd likens the Shulamite to one of those mares. 

v10: Lovely: Suitable, fitting, or appropriate. 

Note 1: He describes this woman in many different ways that are hard for us to comprehend. This teaches us another very important principle that is foundational in the way that we should view this song – it does not matter what someone else thinks about our spouse. Love is subjective and it is a private matter. 

Note 2: Another important principle to note is that he does not describe his spouse erotically or in a sexual manner. Usually when he describes her body and anatomy he does so in a way that diverts the reader’s attention from that part of her body to, generally, a picture of something beautiful and wholesome from nature. When we understand what those images of nature are conveying to us, we realise that what is being taught is holy, G-dly, and highly moralistic. 

v11: Gold…with studs of silver: Beautiful and costly jewels.