Song of Solomon, Day 2 Readings

A Woman's Joy in the Presence of Her Love  

Today's reading continues the poetic conversation between a man and a woman who are attracted to each other, mostly in the words and expectations of the woman.  After identifying herself as a particular flower -- a lovely flower, the man adds -- she gushes over how exciting it is to see the man she loves, to touch him, and to hear him invite her to be with him.

Here love for the man is so deep that when they are separated, she thinks of him, lying awake at night and going out to look for him.  And, having found him, she imagines a grand wedding day for them both, when their love will be recognized and celebrated by many.

Note: The Hebrew text does not identify the speakers, but some Biblical translations suggest speakers in the Song of Solomon.  The Common English Bible (CEB) translation presents Song of Solomon as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with occasional group comments, and it identifies the speakers.  The New International Version (NIV) believes that the man and woman are more frequently interrupted by group comments, and it identifies all of the speakers.  The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) does not identify the speakers.

Read Song of Solomon 2:1-3:11  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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