3. The pain of separation 3:1-5

Another incident unfolds in this pericope (vv. 1-4) and concludes with the repetition of Solomon's refrain (v. 5).

 The Shulammite's nightmare 3:1-4

The Shulammite narrated an experience she had had "on her bed,"namely, a dream (v. 1). She dreamed she could not find Solomon even though she searched everywhere for him. After much distress, she did find him and then took him to the most secure place she knew, her mother's bedroom. Her strong love for her beloved comes through in the recurring phrase "whom my soul loves"in each one of the four verses. Such fears are common during the courtship. Will the marriage finally take place? She dreams of consummation, but she wants the consummation to be proper.

 The refrain repeated 3:5

Here the refrain marks the end of the section on the courtship (1:2-3:5) as well as the Shulammite's nightmare (3:1-4). Solomon and the Shulammite's patience were about to receive the desired reward. Their marriage was now at hand.