The "Friends" or "Daughters of Jerusalem" are a group mentioned in the Song of Solomon, a poetic book in the Old Testament. They serve as a chorus or audience to the romantic dialogue between the Shulammite woman and her beloved, often providing commentary or asking questions that enhance the narrative's depth and meaning.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon 1:5 · The Shulammite addresses them directly: "I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." Here, the Daughters of Jerusalem are portrayed as witnesses to the Shulammite's beauty and her self-awareness.

2. Song of Solomon 2:7 · The Shulammite charges them: "O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, by the gazelles and the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right." This verse suggests that the Daughters of Jerusalem are entrusted with understanding the sanctity and timing of love.

3. Song of Solomon 3:5 · Reiterating the charge, the Shulammite again adjures them not to awaken love prematurely, emphasizing the importance of patience and divine timing in romantic relationships.

4. Song of Solomon 5:8 · The Shulammite seeks their help: "O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, tell him I am lovesick." This plea indicates their role as confidantes and intermediaries in the Shulammite's quest for her beloved.

5. Song of Solomon 5:9 · They respond with curiosity: "How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than others, that you adjure us so?" Their questions prompt the Shulammite to express her deep admiration and love for her beloved.

6. Song of Solomon 6:1 · They inquire about the beloved's whereabouts: "Where has your beloved gone, O most beautiful among women? Which way has your beloved turned, that we may seek him with you?" This shows their willingness to assist in the search for the beloved.

7. Song of Solomon 8:4 · The Shulammite repeats her earlier charge, underscoring the theme of love's timing: "O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right."

Role and Symbolism:

The Daughters of Jerusalem function as a literary device that enriches the narrative of the Song of Solomon. They represent the societal and communal context in which the love account unfolds. Their presence highlights the communal nature of love and relationships in ancient Israelite society, where personal relationships were often intertwined with community life.

From a theological perspective, the Daughters of Jerusalem can be seen as symbolizing the collective voice of the faithful, observing and participating in the unfolding of divine love. Their repeated adjuration to respect the timing of love reflects a broader biblical principle that emphasizes waiting on God's perfect timing in all aspects of life.

Interpretation:

In conservative Christian thought, the Song of Solomon is often interpreted as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church. The Daughters of Jerusalem, in this context, can be seen as representing believers who witness and testify to the love between Christ and His bride, the Church. Their role as observers and participants in the love account underscores the communal aspect of faith and the importance of supporting one another in spiritual journeys.

The Daughters of Jerusalem remind readers of the importance of community in understanding and experiencing love, both human and divine. Their presence in the Song of Solomon invites believers to reflect on the nature of love, the significance of timing, and the role of community in nurturing and witnessing the love that God ordains.