The Daughters of Jerusalem's question is a notable element within the poetic and allegorical text of the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs. This question is found in Song of Solomon 5:9, where the daughters inquire of the Shulammite woman about her beloved. The passage reads: "How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than another, that you adjure us so?" (Song of Solomon 5:9).

Context and Setting

The Song of Solomon is a unique book within the biblical canon, celebrated for its rich imagery and exploration of love and desire. The narrative unfolds as a dialogue between the Shulammite woman and her beloved, with interjections from the "daughters of Jerusalem," who serve as a chorus or audience within the text. The setting is often interpreted as a pastoral or royal court, reflecting the grandeur and intimacy of the love being described.

The Role of the Daughters of Jerusalem

The daughters of Jerusalem function as a literary device that enhances the dramatic and communal aspects of the Song. They represent the societal perspective on the unfolding romance and provide a contrast to the intimate exchanges between the lovers. Their questions and comments often prompt deeper reflections on love and beauty, serving to highlight the uniqueness and intensity of the Shulammite's affection for her beloved.

Interpretation of the Question

The question posed by the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon 5:9 is pivotal. It challenges the Shulammite to articulate the distinctiveness of her beloved, prompting a detailed and passionate description of his attributes in the verses that follow. This inquiry underscores the theme of exclusivity and devotion that permeates the Song. The Shulammite's response, which extols the physical and personal qualities of her beloved, serves to affirm the depth and sincerity of her love.

Theological and Symbolic Significance

From a theological perspective, the Song of Solomon has been interpreted allegorically by many Christian scholars, who see the love between the Shulammite and her beloved as a representation of the relationship between Christ and the Church. In this view, the daughters of Jerusalem's question can be seen as an invitation to believers to reflect on the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ's love. The Shulammite's ensuing description of her beloved parallels the Church's adoration and proclamation of Christ's attributes.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, the question of the daughters of Jerusalem reflects the communal nature of relationships and the importance of public affirmation of love. The Song of Solomon, with its vivid and sometimes sensual imagery, celebrates the beauty of marital love, which was highly valued in Hebrew society. The daughters' inquiry and the Shulammite's response highlight the communal acknowledgment and celebration of this love.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, the question serves as a catalyst for one of the most eloquent and vivid descriptions in the Song. The Shulammite's response is a masterful piece of Hebrew poetry, rich in metaphor and simile, that elevates her beloved above all others. This passage exemplifies the Song's use of parallelism and imagery, drawing readers into the emotional and aesthetic experience of the text.

In summary, the daughters of Jerusalem's question in Song of Solomon 5:9 is a key moment that invites reflection on the nature of love, the qualities that make it unique, and its expression within the community of faith. Through this inquiry, the text explores themes of devotion, beauty, and the transcendent nature of true love.