“What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?” (Song of Solomon 5:9)

Their first question is, “What is thy beloved more than another beloved.” This question is loaded with revelation of the Daughters of Jerusalem’s lack of understanding of the Bride’s Beloved.

Notice the Daughters of Jerusalem used the word “what” and not “why.” The use of “why” would have indicated they wanted a reason that would set her Beloved apart from another beloved, according to the Bride’s viewpoint. But they used the word “what”; which indicates they wanted to know specific characteristics, or attributes, that would set the Bride’s Beloved apart from all others. This speaks of the attributes of the Bride’s Beloved.

This question reveals the veil over the faces of the Daughters of Jerusalem as to who the Bride’s Beloved really was; which means they had no perception of what set him apart from all others.

In the spiritual sense, those who have only revelation, and not regeneration, do not have the ability to discern the Nature and Position of Christ, the Beloved; which is that Christ is the Son of God; literally, God in the Flesh (John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16a). This fact sets Christ apart from all other men, husbands, or heads.

This is one of the major problems the Jews had in Jesus’ day. They had no problem with the Lamb Doctrine, but they had a problem with the King Doctrine. Christ said He was both.

On the Day of Pentecost, many Jews were revealed this fact of Christ (Acts 2:14-36); that Jesus was “…both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). And Peter quickly explained the how (Acts 2:37-39). First they were pricked, or convicted by the Spirit of God. (The same with Saul of Tarsus; see Acts 9:1-17.) Then, they were given the Gift of the Holy Spirit, or given the New Birth from above. This is the last step of the regeneration process; first quickening, then to Godly sorrow for their sins, then repentance is worked in them, and finally the New Birth, or confession of Christ as God in the Flesh as Substitute, Sacrifice, Savior, King of kings, and Lord (Master, Ruler, Authority ) of lords.

The second question asked by the Daughters of Jerusalem is, “that thou dost so charge us.” The first question was pointed to the Bride in reference to what (or the characteristics, or attributes) made her Beloved “more” than another. What does he possess that sets him apart from all others? Was it some physical trait of his body? Was it some internal personality trait? Was it some power he possesses? What exactly sets him apart from all other beloveds?

But this second question is directed not so much to the Bride’s Beloved, but to the Bride. The Daughters of Jerusalem ask the Bride, What is it about him to you, that you would so charge, or command, us?

This reveals that first, the Daughters of Jerusalem recognize the position of the Bride, “O thou fairest among women.” We know who you are and what position you hold among other women; for you are the fairest of all the women, there is none like you, for beauty, pleasantness, and purity.

Knowing who she was, gave even more weight to the command they received, to tell her Beloved that she was “sick of love.” Her Beloved must be the greatest of all beloveds to her; for she could have any man she wanted. But she is in love with this particular man and no other.

The charge carries great weight with the Daughters of Jerusalem, because of their view of the Bride. They know her personally, they respect her; they honor her; and they acknowledge that she is the “fairest among women.”

Their question also places upon the Bride the responsibility to be ready to give the Daughters of Jerusalem an answer.

In the spiritual sense, the Bride of Christ must be ready to give an answer of what makes Christ “more” than any other beloved, or any other husband. But as stated in the comments on verse 8, the Bride is ready to give an answer. She has been prepared by being found, smitten, and wounded, and stripped of her veil which had hidden her indifference and rebellion to Christ; all this being done by the Watchmen of the City.

The Bride is now on fire to find her Beloved (Christ). She has been awakened by the knocking of His Voice, by His Command to open up the door (or to get rid of the barrier that separates their fellowship; which we know is sin and rebellion to truth). Her desire for Him has been heightened by His sweet fragrance left upon the handles of the lock; and by His withdrawal into the shadows, withholding His Presence until she has been found, smitten, wounded, and her veil of hypocrisy taken away; by the ministry of the Watchmen, using the Word of God in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Now the Bride is prepared and ready to give an answer of the hope that lies with her:

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15)