“If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.”  (Song of Solomon 1:8)

In this verse, the man, her beloved (even Christ) answers the woman’s (the wife’s) plea to “Tell me…”

The man says, it is very simple:

First he says, “If thou know not,” or since you say you don’t know where I feed the flock. The man was saying: Is it true you really don’t know? Could this be possible, since you know me? How could you forget the experiences of the past? Now translate “if” as “since”: Since you know not.

Next, he reminds her of her position to him, “O thou fairest among women.” He is saying: Do you not know who you are? And who you are to me?

Then, he gives her the answer: “Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock.” That is, take note of the path that the flock takes. Follow in their footsteps (or walk the way they do). What are the footsteps, or footprints, of the flock? They are to walk in the Way of Truth. They are to walk as the Shepherd has instructed them (John 14:6; 1 John 2:4-6).

The Way of Truth is:

1. The way of Righteousness; or the way of Christ, the way of Perfection, the way of Holiness, the way of Peace (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-16).
2. The way of Liberty, or Freedom (John 8:32).
3. The way of Love (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 2:5; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:10-24; 4:7-21).
4. The way of Perfection (1 John 2:5; 4:12).
5. The way of Sanctification and Separation (1 Thessalonians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 10:3-5; Romans 12:1-2).
6. The way of Submission (Matthew 26:39; John 12:27).
7. And Endurance unto the end.

Wherefore, follow Christ, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The second part of the shepherd’s answer is, “and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.” Not only walk, or “go thy way forth,” in the footsteps of the flock (as they follow Christ); but also, feed thy kids by the shepherds’ tent. The shepherd is instructing the woman where the shepherd feeds the flock and the kids (or baby lambs). It is “beside the shepherds’ tents.”

The Shepherd’s tent is where the Shepherd dwells, and that is in His Body, the Church (Ephesians 3:21). This is the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:18). Christ is “The Truth.” The Truth flows from the Throne of God, or from His Holy Hill, Mt. Sion. There is no other place to feed upon Truth.

Therefore, it is here in Christ’s Body that the wife will be fed the Truth (2 Peter 1:1-4). It is here that The Wisdom (Christ) dwells. And it is here that He dispenses revelation of His Way, of His Will. It is here you come to know Him as Paul relates in Philippians 3:9-11; not your initial birth, but communion with Him. It is here you Behold His Glory (John 17:21-24; Ephesians 1:17-19). It is here you grow in grace and knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ. It is here you know that He is The Light and in Him is no darkness.

As you walk in the Love of God and in the Light of Revelation, you can know not only who, but where He feeds, and therein find rest. The rest in Truth is the assurance and confidence in Truth. It is when you are fully persuaded that what Christ says is truth; truth for you. It is the place of praise and worship (Hebrews 13:15). It is the place of thanksgiving.

The Shepherd’s Tent is the place of intimacy, or full communion, with Him.

People have mocked the Church; persecuted the Church; even denied the existence of the Church. But Christ said the gates of hell shall not prevail against Her. Paul said it is the habitation of God through the Sprit (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16). Matthew recorded the words of Christ, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).

Therefore, it is in The Light (Christ) that we see and understand.

Reader, if you are saved, regenerated, born of the Spirit of God, then find the Shepherd’s Tent; for this is where you will be fed and you shall find rest.

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1)

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalms 23:2)

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalms 23:3)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (Psalms 23:5)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalms 23:6)