1 Where has your beloved gone, you fairest among women? Where has your beloved turned, that we may seek him with you? Beloved
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
The question put by the chorus, and the answer it receives from the bride, show that the loss and seeking are not to be taken too seriously.
Whither is thy beloved gone - These words are supposed to be addressed to the bride by her own companions, and are joined to the preceding chapter by the Hebrew and all the versions.
Where is thy beloved gone, (k) O thou fairest among women? where is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.
(k) Hearing of the excellency of Christ, the faithful desire to know how to find him.
Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women?.... The title is the same used by them, and by Christ before them, Song 1:8; and here repeated, to assure her that they were serious in asking this question, and that it was in great respect to her they put it; and which, to the same sense, in other words, is expressed,
whither is thy beloved turned aside? which way did he take? on what hand did he turn, to the right or left, when he went from thy door? They ask no longer who or what he was, being satisfied with the church's description of him; by which they had gained some knowledge of him, and had their affections drawn out unto him; and were desirous of knowing more of him and of being better acquainted with him, and to enjoy his company and presence; though as yet they had but little faith in him, and therefore could not call him "their" beloved, only "her" beloved: and this question is put and repeated in this manner, to show that they were serious and in earnest; yea, were in haste, and impatient to know which way he went; say they,
that we may seek him with thee; it was not mere speculation or curiosity that led them to put the above questions; they were desirous to go into practice, to join with the church in the search of Christ, to seek him with her in the word and ordinances; upon which they were determined, could they get any hint from her whither he was gone, and where it was most likely to find him: for so the words may be rendered, "and we will seek him with thee" (p); this they had resolved on among themselves, and only wanted directions which way to steer their course, or a grant to go along with the church in quest of her beloved.
(p) Sept. "quaeremus", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Marckius, &c.
Those made acquainted with the excellences of Christ, and the comfort of an interest in him, desire to know where they may meet him. Those who would find Christ, must seek him early and diligently.
Historically, at Jesus Christ's crucifixion and burial, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, and others, joined with His professed disciples. By speaking of Jesus Christ, the bride does good not only to her own soul, but to others (see on Song 1:4; Malachi 3:16; Matthew 5:14-16). Compare the hypocritical use of similar words (Matthew 2:8).
The daughters of Jerusalem now offer to seek along with Shulamith for her beloved, who had turned away and was gone.
1 Whither has thy beloved gone,
Thou fairest of women?
Whither has thy beloved turned,
That we may seek him with thee?
The longing remains with her even after she has wakened, as the after effect of her dream. In the morning she goes forth and meets with the daughters of Jerusalem. They cause Shulamith to describe her friend, and they ask whither he has gone. They wish to know the direction in which he disappeared from her, the way which he had probably taken (פנה, R. פן .R, to drive, to urge forward, to turn from one to another), that with her they might go to seek him (Vav of the consequence or the object, as at Psalm 83:17). The answer she gives proceeds on a conclusion which she draws from the inclination of her beloved.
Gone - From thee.
*More commentary available at chapter level.