The scene in the woman’s poem shifts from the country (Song of Solomon 7:11–13) to the city (Song of Solomon 8:1–4), uniting these two locations, with the sections linked together by the common Hebrew word to give
(Song of Solomon 7:12; Song of Solomon 8:2). The difficulties in the Song in celebrating love in the cities are overcome in this poem.1
The man has previously, and on several occasions, referred to his beloved as sister
(Song of Solomon 4:9–10, Song of Solomon 4:12; Song of Solomon 5:1–2), which speaks of intimacy and closeness of relationship. She has never referred to him as brother,
however.2 In the ancient world, the freedom for a woman to kiss a man in public did not apply to her husband, but only to a close relative such as a brother or father. The woman is therefore expressing her wish to openly show affection to her husband, but not in a sexual way.3
1 Oh that you were like a brother to me who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I found you outside, I would kiss you, and none would despise me.