The young bride is seen leaning for support on her beloved man; a highly personal and intimate scene in which the chorus of young women describe the couple’s relationship.1 Her leaning upon him presents an attitude of trust and ease, which further suggests that the anxiety of Song of Solomon 5:2–9 has ended.2 The question asked by the chorus of young women does not receive an immediate answer but is rather an invitation to observe that the woman’s desire expressed in Song of Solomon 8:6 to be a seal on her lover’s heart and arm is already a reality: the couple proceed through life tenderly bonded together.3
5 Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother was in labor with you; there she who bore you was in labor.