Commentary on the Song of Songs

Preface

And I have thus undertaken this structure, which must be guarded, to place a crown upon the head of every man, every king, and the matter of the "Secret of the Rows" original: "סוד הטורים" (Sod HaTurim); this likely refers to a specific mystical method of interpreting rows of text or a reference to a kabbalistic work, etc.

Behold it is clear to us, according to the plain law of all the things included in the sections of this scroll the Megillah, specifically the Song of Songs, and according to these words, a strong connection exists within the collective of all the matters mentioned in the "Secret of the Holy Chapters," may their memory be for a blessing. Some of these are arranged within its specific parts and details, and some are proven within their internal progression for the needs of specific scholarly investigations investigations (Derushim): homiletic or legal inquiries into the deeper meaning of scripture, as the eyes of the observer will see the uprightness of the path through careful scrutiny. For the Lord desired it in some small measure, and not a single word shall fall; nothing shall be missing or excluded from this scroll in the order of its progression.

My own speech lacks the strength to sustain me, for I have followed the words of the mouth of the wise one who speaks—Solomon—only slightly. He opened his words and the knowledge of his lips spoke clearly concerning that which came before, and concerning the goodness of his own time and the perfection of his dwelling referring to the era of the First Temple. For their days were like his days following the building of the Holy Temple, reaching the height of spiritual and physical degrees and perfection. He sought to take what is spiritual and elevate it to the seat of perfection, just as it was on the day of the standing at Mount Sinai, when "their filth ceased" a Talmudic reference to the Israelites becoming spiritually purified and immortal at the revelation of the Torah, so that the essential attachment with the Blessed Name might be increased. We shall write of this further in the section "In the Lord he chose well," as it is told by his Holy Spirit Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh): Divine inspiration or a level of prophecy, may its memory be for a blessing.

The order of the investigations of its parts, which were explained above, moves from time to time and from matter to matter. According to the order of the ages, all these things have turned toward this point—from that ancient time until the era that includes the Resurrection of the Dead and until the "Day that is entirely Sabbath" original Aramaic: "יומא דכוליה שבת" (Yoma de-kulei Shabbat); a mystical reference to the Messianic age or the World to Come for the Lord. All other matters will come one by one within the text, as will be explained previously. And after these things: