←Song of Solomon 3→BSB

• The poem partly describes a lover's determination to overcome all obstacles to be with their beloved.

• Since the women of Jerusalem are mentioned often (Song of Solomon 3:5), the city is likely Jerusalem. Searching all its streets and squares was a bold effort.

• The king of Israel would probably not be outside in the city at night. If he had his sixty-man entourage with him (Song of Solomon 3:7–8), she would find him easily. Instead, the woman seems to be looking for an ordinary man in everyday places.

• The watchmen in ancient towns or cities were like police. They enforced social customs and laws. Positioned on city walls, they watched for attacks and ensured that any traffic entering or leaving the city was safe.

• The woman may have been stopped because she was not a city resident and was unfamiliar. It was not appropriate for a woman to be out alone at night. This scene highlights the woman's strong desire for the man, as she ignored social rules and safety concerns.

This is the only clear mention of a wedding in the Song. The text calls the woman a "bride" in Song of Solomon 4:8–12 and 5:1.