The word translated “love” in verse 9 is the word raʾeyah, which means a close personal friend. Shulamit responds next in 1:12–14: (12) While the king was at his banquet table, My nard gave off its fragrance; (13) A bundle of myrrh is my love to me Which lies between my breasts, (14) A cluster of copher is my love to me In the vineyards of Ein Gedi. Whereas Solomon compared Shulamit to the loveliest of mares and to jewels, she compares him to the finest spices. In verse 12 Shulamit speaks of her
Page 17