best of the best (cf. 2:2; 4:7; 5:2). 6:8 queens … concubines … virgins. Are these Solomon’s other women? There is no language of ownership or relationship. The numerical progression from 60 to 80 to “without number” points to the use of various categories for effect only. Solomon tells his beloved that she stands above all women. 6:10 This is better understood as being said by the daughters of Jerusalem as the third question in a series of 3 (cf. 5:9; 6:1). This time they exalt the Shulamite as