Song of Solomon 1:8
Song of Solomon 1:8
If thou know not (O thou fairest among women!) go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherdstents.
Some think[3370] that these are the words of the chorus of virgins or daughters of Jerusalem, by whom she is called "the fairest among women," in chapters 5:9 and 6:1 who here instruct and direct her where she might find and come at the sight of her beloved; but the note of R. Solomon Jarchi is much preferable, which is, that "this is the answer of the shepherd;" for it was to him, and not to the virgins, that she made her application; nor were they capable of giving her any directions in this case, but rather stood in need of some from her, as is manifest from chapters 5:9 and 6:1. In this answer of Christ's unto the church, are these three things:
I. The commendation he gives her; "O thou fairest among women!"
II. A supposition of her ignorance: "if thou know not."