Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
My soul loveth - more intense than "the virgins" and "the upright love thee" (Song of Solomon 1:3-4; Matthew 22:37). To carry out the design of the allegory, the royal encampment is here represented as moving from place to place, in search of green pastures, under the Shepherd King, (Psalms 23:1-6.) The bride, having first enjoyed communion with Him in the pavilion, is willing to follow Him into labours and dangers; arising from all-absorbing love (Luke 14:26); this distinguishes her from the formalist (John 10:27).
Feedest - tendest thy flock (Isaiah 40:11; Revelation 7:17). No single type expresses all the office of Jesus Christ; hence, arises the variety of diverse images used to portray the manifold aspects of Him; these would be quite incongruous if the song referred to the earthly Solomon. Her contact with Him is special. She hears His voice, and addresses none but Himself. Yet it is through a veil; she sees Him not (Job 23:8-9). If we would be fed, we must follow the Shepherd through the whole breadth of His Word, and not stay on one spot alone.
Makest ... to rest - distinct from "feedest:" periods of rest are vouchsafed after labour (Isaiah 4:6). Communion in private must go along with public following of Him.
As one that turneth aside, х kª`oTªyaah (H5844)] - rather, one veiled - i:e., as a harlot-not His true bride (Genesis 38:15-16) (Gesenius); or as a mourner with covered head (2 Samuel 15:30) (Weiss); or as one unknown (Maurer). All imply estrangement from the Bridegroom.
Thy companions. She feels estranged even among Christ's true servants - "thy companions (Luke 22:28) - so long as she has not Himself present. The opposite spirit to 1 Corinthians 3:4.