In some of the most beautiful poetry in the Song, the young woman quotes her beloved’s words as he tries to use the wonders of spring to entice her to come out.
Winter is passing, the rains have gone, the sun is shining, and warmth has come. Flowers are blooming everywhere, the time of singing has come, either the singing of birds or the singing of people filled with the joys of spring. The doves are singing, a sure sign that spring, the season of breeding, has arrived. Figs are ripening, vineyards are full of blossoms promising the fruit that is to come. The smell of spring is in the air.
This is about more than just a change of season. Spring is a time when people can go outdoors, remove excessive clothing, and enjoy the beautiful sights, pleasant sounds, and sweet smells of the earth.
1 Springtime, the time for love, has arrived. Every sensation cries out that the time is now right for finding a partner and producing fruit.2 Both these lovers are bursting with the anticipation of being together.
11 for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.