I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now - wholly, awake for God (Luke 15:18-20; Ephesians 5:14). 'An honest resolution is often to (the doing of) duty like a needle that draws the thread after it' (Durham). Not a mere wish, that counts not the cost-to leave her easy bed, and wander in the dark night seeking Him (Proverbs 13:4; Matthew 21:30; Luke 14:27-33).
The city - Jerusalem, literally, (Matthew 3:5; John 1:19), and spiritually, the Church here (Hebrews 12:22), in glory (Revelation 21:2).
Broad ways - open spaces at the gates of Eastern cities, where the public assembled for business So the assemblies of worshippers (Proverbs 8:2-3; Hebrews 10:25). She had in her first awakening shrunk from them, seeking Jesus Christ alone; but she was desired to seek the footsteps of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8); so now in her second trial she goes forth to them of herself. 'The more the soul grows in grace, and the less it leans on ordinances, the more it prizes and profits by them' (Moody Stuart).
Found him not - nothing short of Jesus Christ can satisfy her (Job 23:8-10; Psalms 63:1-2).