1 The most amazing song of all, by King Solomon.
The Shulamite[a] 2 Let him[b] smother me with kisses—his Spirit-kiss divine.[c] So kind are your caresses,[d] I drink them in like the sweetest wine![e] 3 Your presence releases a fragrance so pleasing-- over and over poured out. For your lovely name is “Flowing Oil.”[f] No wonder the brides-to-be adore you.[g] 4 Draw me into your heart. We will run away together into the king’s cloud-filled chamber.[h] The Chorus of FriendsWe will remember your love, rejoicing and delighting in you,[i] celebrating your every kiss as better than wine. No wonder righteousness adores you! The Shulamite5 Jerusalem maidens, in this twilight darkness[j] I know I am so unworthy—so in need. The Shepherd-KingYet you are so lovely! The ShulamiteI feel as dark and dry as the desert tents of the wandering nomads.[k] The Shepherd-KingYet you are so lovely-- like the fine linen tapestry hanging in the Holy Place. The Shulamite to Her Friends6 Please don’t stare in scorn because of my dark and sinful ways.[l] My angry brothers quarreled with me and appointed me guardian of their ministry vineyards, yet I’ve not tended my vineyard within. 7 Won’t you tell me, lover of my soul, where do you feed your flock? Where do you lead your beloved ones[m] to rest in the heat of the day? For I wish to be wrapped all around you as I wander among the flocks of your shepherds. It is you I long for, with no veil between us![n] The Shepherd-King8 Listen, my radiant one-- if you ever lose sight of me, just follow in my footsteps where I lead my lovers. Come with your burdens and cares. Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds.[o] 9 My dearest one,[p] let me tell you how I see you-- you are so thrilling to me. To gaze upon you is like looking at one of Pharaoh’s finest horses-- a strong, regal steed pulling his royal chariot.[q] 10 Your tender cheeks are aglow-- your earrings and gem-laden necklaces set them ablaze. 11 We will enhance your beauty,[r] encircling you with our golden reins of love. You will be marked with our redeeming grace.[s] The Shulamite12 As the king surrounded me at his table,[t] the sweet fragrance of my praise perfume[u] awakened the night. 13 A sachet of myrrh is my lover, like a tied-up bundle of myrrh[v] resting over my heart. 14 He is like a bouquet of henna blossoms-- henna plucked near the vines at the fountain of the Lamb.[w] I will hold him and never let him part. The Shepherd-King15 Look at you, my dearest darling, you are so lovely! You are beauty itself to me.[x] Your passionate eyes are like gentle doves.[y] The Shulamite16 My beloved one,[z] both handsome and winsome, you are pleasing beyond words. Our resting place[aa] is anointed and flourishing, like a green forest meadow bathed in light. 17 Rafters of cedar branches are over our heads and balconies of pleasant-smelling pines.[ab]
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