The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
Watchmen. Historically, the Jewish priests, etc. (see the note at Song of Solomon 5:2); spiritually, ministers (Isaiah 62:6; Hebrews 13:17), faithful in 'smiting' (Psalms 141:5), but (as she leaves them, Song of Solomon 5:8) too harsh; or perhaps, unfaithful; disliking her zeal wherewith she sought Jesus Christ, first, with spiritual prayer, 'opening' her heart to Him, and then in charitable works "about the city;" miscalling it fanaticism (Isaiah 66:5), and taking away her veil (the greatest indignity to an Eastern lady), as though she were positively immodest. She had before sought Him by night in the streets, under strong affection, and so, without rebuff from "the watchmen," found Him immediately; but now, after sinful neglect, she encounters pain and delay. God forgives believers, but it is a serious thing to drew on His forgiveness; so the growing reserve of God toward Israel observable in Judges, as His people repeat their demands on His grace.