Song of Solomon 1:7

Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions?

Study Bible

Tell me, O one I love,
This phrase reflects the intimate and personal relationship between the speaker and the beloved. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this is often interpreted as an allegory of the love between Christ and the Church. The expression of love and desire for closeness can be seen as a reflection of the believer's longing for communion with Christ. The use of "O one I love" indicates a deep affection and personal connection, which is central to the theme of divine love throughout Scripture.

where do you pasture your sheep?
The imagery of shepherding is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing guidance, provision, and care. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as a shepherd (e.g., Psalm 23), and in the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). This phrase suggests a desire to be near the beloved, to be under his care and guidance, much like sheep are dependent on their shepherd for sustenance and protection.

Where do you rest them at midday?
Midday was a time of rest and reprieve from the harsh sun in the ancient Near East. This request for knowledge of the resting place indicates a desire for peace and refreshment in the presence of the beloved. Spiritually, it can be seen as a longing for the rest and peace found in Christ, who invites the weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). The mention of "midday" also highlights the urgency and intensity of the speaker's desire to be with the beloved.

Why should I be like a veiled woman
In ancient cultures, a veiled woman could signify modesty, but it could also imply being an outsider or someone of questionable reputation. The speaker's concern about being "like a veiled woman" suggests a fear of being misunderstood or marginalized. In a spiritual sense, this can reflect the believer's desire to be recognized and accepted by Christ, not wanting to be seen as distant or unworthy.

beside the flocks of your companions?
This phrase indicates a concern about being separated from the beloved and being among others who are not the primary object of affection. The "flocks of your companions" could symbolize other groups or communities, highlighting the speaker's desire for a unique and personal relationship with the beloved. In a broader biblical context, it can reflect the Church's desire to be distinct and set apart for Christ, not merely one among many. This longing for exclusivity in relationship mirrors the call for the Church to be holy and devoted to Christ alone (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse, often interpreted as the Shulammite woman, expressing her deep love and desire for the shepherd, who is her beloved.

2. The Shepherd
The one whom the Shulammite loves, representing her beloved. In a spiritual allegory, he is often seen as a type of Christ.

3. The Flocks
Symbolic of the people or followers of the shepherd, representing the community or congregation.

4. Veiled Woman
A reference to a woman who might be seen as an outsider or someone not fully belonging to the group, possibly indicating shame or separation.

5. Noon
A time of rest and refreshment, symbolizing a moment of intimacy and closeness with the beloved.

Teaching Points

Desire for Intimacy with Christ
Just as the Shulammite seeks the presence of her beloved, believers are encouraged to seek closeness with Christ, our Good Shepherd.

Identity and Belonging
The concern of being like a "veiled woman" highlights the importance of finding our identity and belonging in Christ, not feeling like outsiders in our spiritual journey.

Rest in Christ
The mention of resting at noon invites believers to find their rest and refreshment in Christ, especially during the heat and trials of life.

Pursuit of God’s Presence
The active seeking of the beloved's location encourages believers to pursue God's presence actively and intentionally in their daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the shepherd and flock in Song of Solomon 1:7 enhance your understanding of your relationship with Christ?

2. In what ways can you actively seek intimacy with Christ in your daily life, similar to the Shulammite's pursuit of her beloved?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt like an outsider in your faith journey. How can this verse encourage you to find your identity and belonging in Christ?

4. What practical steps can you take to find rest and refreshment in Christ during the "noon" or challenging times of your life?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Psalm 23 and John 10, deepen your understanding of Christ as the Good Shepherd?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 23
The imagery of the shepherd and the flock connects to the Lord as our Shepherd, guiding and providing for His people.

John 10:14-15
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, knowing His sheep and laying down His life for them, paralleling the intimate relationship depicted in Song of Solomon.

Isaiah 40:11
The tender care of the shepherd for his flock is echoed, showing God's gentle and nurturing nature towards His people.