O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you:
This phrase addresses the "daughters of Jerusalem," a recurring group in the Song of Solomon, often seen as a chorus or audience within the narrative. They represent the women of the city, possibly symbolizing the collective community of Israel. The term "adjure" indicates a solemn charge or oath, suggesting the seriousness of the speaker's request. This reflects the cultural importance of oaths in ancient Israel, where words held significant power and were binding. The speaker, likely the Shulammite woman, emphasizes the gravity of her message, underscoring the importance of restraint and wisdom in matters of love.

Do not arouse or awaken love
This part of the verse serves as a caution against prematurely stirring up romantic or sexual desires. In the context of the Song of Solomon, which celebrates marital love, this warning highlights the need for patience and timing in relationships. The imagery of "arousing" or "awakening" love suggests that love has a natural course and should not be forced. This aligns with biblical teachings on purity and the sanctity of marriage, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which emphasize honoring God with one's body. The advice here is to allow love to develop naturally, in its own time, rather than rushing into it.

until the time is right.
The phrase "until the time is right" underscores the importance of timing in love and relationships. It suggests that there is an appropriate season for love to flourish, echoing the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks of a time for every purpose under heaven. This concept of divine timing is crucial in understanding God's plan for relationships, where patience and discernment are valued. Theologically, it can be seen as a call to trust in God's timing and provision, waiting for His perfect will to unfold in one's life. This principle is also reflected in the life of Jesus Christ, who often spoke of His "hour" or "time" in the Gospels, indicating a divine schedule for His earthly ministry and sacrifice.

1. Daughters of Jerusalem
These are likely young women or maidens of Jerusalem, representing the community or society that observes the love between the bride and the bridegroom. They serve as a chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon, often addressed by the bride.

2. The Bride
The speaker in this verse, traditionally understood to be the Shulammite woman, who is expressing her deep love and desire for her beloved, Solomon. She offers wisdom about the timing of love.

3. The Bridegroom
Traditionally identified as King Solomon, representing the beloved in the Song of Solomon. His relationship with the bride is central to the themes of love and desire in the book.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, often symbolizing the heart of the nation and a place of significant spiritual and cultural importance.

5. Love
The central theme of the Song of Solomon, representing both romantic and divine love. In this context, it is a powerful force that should be approached with wisdom and patience.The Importance of Timing in Love
Love is a powerful and beautiful gift from God, but it must be approached with patience and discernment. Rushing into love can lead to heartache and complications.

Guarding the Heart
Just as we are advised to guard our hearts in Proverbs, we must be cautious about when and how we allow love to develop. This involves wisdom and self-control.

Community and Accountability
The daughters of Jerusalem represent the role of community in relationships. Seeking counsel and accountability from trusted believers can help ensure that love is pursued in a God-honoring way.

Spiritual Parallels
The relationship between the bride and bridegroom can be seen as a reflection of Christ's love for the Church. Understanding this parallel can deepen our appreciation for divine love and its perfect timing.

Patience as a Virtue
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and is essential in waiting for the right time for love. Cultivating patience can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.(4) I charge you.--See Note, Song of Solomon 2:6-7.

Verse 4. - I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awaken love, until it please. This, of course, as the refrain of the song, must be taken as a general sentiment. Love is its own lord. Let it have free course. Let it perfect itself in its own best way. The form of the adjuration is abbreviated in this case. The omission of the words, "By the roes and by the hinds of the field," is not without its significance. Is it not intended to intimate that the natural love, to which reference was made by the introduction of the beautiful wild creatures of the field, is now no more in the thoughts of the bride, because it has been sublimated into the higher sisterly love of which she has been speaking? She is not merely the lovely woman on whom the king dotes because of her personal beauty; she is his companion and dearest friend. He opens his heart to her. He teaches her. He lifts her up to his own level. She participates in his royal dignity and majesty. The ἔρως of her first estate of love is now exalted into the ἀγάπη, which is the grace never to be without its sphere, abiding forever. We must not press too closely the poetic form of the song. Something must be allowed for the framework in which the main ideas are set before us. It may not be possible to answer the question - Who are intended to be symbolized by the daughters of Jerusalem? There is no necessity to seek further into the meaning of the whole poem than its widest and most general application. But the daughters of Jerusalem are in a lower position, a less favoured relation to the bridegroom, than the bride herself. We may, therefore, without hesitation, accept the view that by the adjuration is intended the appeal of the higher spiritual life against all that is below it; the ideal love calling upon all that is around it and all that is related to it to rise with it to perfection. The individual soul is thus represented claiming the full realization of its spiritual possibilities. The Church of God thus remonstrates against all that hinders her advancement, restrains her life, and interrupts her blessedness. Jerusalem has many daughters. They are not all in perfect sympathy with the bride. When they listen to the adjurations of the most spiritual, the most devoted, the most heavenly and Christ-like of those who are named by the Name of the Lord, they will themselves be lifted up into the bridal joy of "the marriage supper of the Lamb."

Parallel Commentaries ...


O daughters
בְּנ֣וֹת (bə·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

of Jerusalem,
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

I adjure you:
הִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי (hiš·ba‘·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

Do not arouse
תָּעִ֧ירוּ ׀ (tā·‘î·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

or awaken
תְּעֹֽרְר֛וּ (tə·‘ō·rə·rū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

love
הָאַהֲבָ֖ה (hā·’a·hă·ḇāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 160: Love (noun)

until
עַ֥ד (‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the time is right.
שֶׁתֶּחְפָּֽץ׃ (šet·teḥ·pāṣ)
Verb
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire


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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 8:4 I adjure you daughters of Jerusalem that (Song Songs SS So Can)