v1: The Beloved's response; he has come to his garden to enjoy its fruit.

The advice to those in love, "Drink your fill", or 'drink deeply.' God had given them each other, and there must be deep joy in being together, and sharing love, in all its facets. The imagery of food and drink speaks of physical love together, something precious shared.

v2: The Beloved has expressed his delight in his bride (in chapter 4), and now comes to her house, again inviting her out to be together. The invitation here is 'be intoxicated with love-making.'

v3-5: The Shulamite, the bride, had taken off her robe, and washed her feet, ready for sleep. Here is her lethargy; even though her heart yearned, she sought rest. (This section may simply be the bride dreaming of separation, rather than actual separation.)

Her Beloved put his hand to the latch of the door, giving her an extra opportunity to respond (Jonah 3.1).

v6: By the time she had opened the door, he had gone; she was too late. We do need a discipline to meet with, and enjoy, our Saviour. We must meet Him on His terms, and make sure we do develop a relationship with Him; our commitment and obedience will be richly rewarded.

v7: The bride was on her own in the city. The watchmen mistreated her.

Apart from Christ, an individual Christian, even a church, is vulnerable to attack and defeat. Discouragement can lead to sin, as there may be less desire to resist temptation.

v8: The bride shares her desires with the Daughters of Jerusalem, her acquaintances. They picture unbelievers amongst believers; they do not share her desires, and they are not likely to find the Beloved.

v9: The Daughters of Jerusalem, the 'friends' are not impressed by the Beloved. In the same way, unbelievers do not share our love for Christ's beauty and uniqueness.

Can we answer the question; why is He special to us?

v10: The Shulamite responds, declaring his glories. Here is character without fault and imperfection, excellent in every way. There is no spot or blemish in Him; and He makes His church like Himself.

Although the Shulamite has said these things, she has still not made sufficient effort to really get to know him.

v11: His head; the finest gold, the deity of Christ, Col 2.9; the first quality mentioned, indicating its overall priority.

His hair, wavy, black; everlasting vigour and strength.

v12: His eyes are not covered, there is no veil (contrast 4.1), for His glory is not to be hidden.

v13: His cheeks, see Lam 3.30.

His lips, like lilies; speaking words of grace.

v14: His hands and arms; strong, active, welcoming.

His body, or torso; the seat of affection.

v15: His legs; stable unchanging.

His countenance; excellent appearance, quite taking her breath away.

v16: His mouth, sweetness itself; His words, Eccl 8.4.

Her conclusion, He is altogether lovely; every aspect of Him is wonderful. Here is "my lover...my friend."There is personal love and devotion; in contrast to those who remain unmoved at this description.