romantic love could also blossom even in the more restricted social intercourse of Israelite society (see later, on 8:5). So it is not inappropriate to view the Song as the joyous, tentative explorations of love of the betrothed couple, culminating in their marriage and full sexual union in 5:1. In our very different western cultures, society places far fewer limits on the opportunities which young lovers may have for growing in their relationships. They have much more freedom for social interaction;