If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.
If thou know not. She ought to have known (John 14:8-9). The confession of her ignorance and blackness leads Him to call her "fairest." Her jealousy of letting even "His companions" take the place of Himself (Song of Solomon 1:7) led her too far. He directs her to follow them, as they follow Him (Hebrews 6:12); to use ordinances and the ministry: where they are He is (Jeremiah 6:16). Indulging in isolation is not the way to find Him. It was thus, literally, that Zipporah found her bridegroom (Exodus 2:16). The bride unhesitatingly asks the watchmen afterward (Song of Solomon 3:3).
Feed thy kids - (John 21:15.) Christ is to be found in active ministrations as well as in prayer (Proverbs 11:15).
Shepherds' tents. "The shepherds" are ministers in the sanctuary (Psalms 84:1).