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The Shulammite woman, or Shulammite maiden, is the bride of Solomon who features in the Song of Songs. She is only mentioned once by the title "Shulammite," in Song of Solomon 6:13. Her exact ident...

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Who was the Shulammite woman?

The Shulammite woman is the unnamed heroine of the biblical Song of Solomon, a beautiful, loyal country girl who resists King Solomon's advances and prefers her shepherd lover. Her title likely comes from a place called Shulem, possibly meaning "peaceful," or it may be a feminine form of Solomon's name. She's depicted as substantial, modest, and unswayed by wealth, representing pure, mutual love, though some interpretations see her as symbolising Israel or the Congregation. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SONG OF SOLOMON

The unswerving love of a Shulammite maiden for a shepherd boy, despite King Solomon's attempts to win her for himself.

Written by Solomon, evidently quite early in his reign.

The Shulammite maiden in Solomon's camp (1:1–3:5).

She longs for the love of her dear one, a shepherd, and wants him to take her away from the royal surroundings.

To the women of the court, she explains that her dark complexion is due to exposure to the sun while working in her brothers' vineyards.

Solomon promises her gold and silver ornaments, but she insists that she will keep loving her dear one.

Her shepherd appears and praises the Shulammite girl's beauty, likening her to a lily among weeds.

The Shulammite tells the women of the court that her shepherd is like an apple tree whose shade she passionately desires; she puts them under oath not to arouse in her a love for Solomon; she remembers when her lover invited her to accompany him; however, her brothers told her that the vineyards must be protected from the little foxes.

At night, she dreams about looking for her lover and finding him.

Tested in the city of Jerusalem (3:6–8:4).

Solomon's magnificent entourage begins its return to Jerusalem.

The shepherd again comes into contact with the Shulammite (now veiled) and speaks of her beauty, likening her to a walled garden filled with aromatic plants.

She invites him to enter this garden and enjoy its fruits.

To the women of the court, the Shulammite relates her bad dream: Her lover arrived while she was in bed; he departed before she could open the door; she searched for him in vain throughout the city and was mistreated by the city guards.

The daughters of Jerusalem ask about her dear one, and she replies by giving a glowing description of him.

Solomon now expresses his love for the Shulammite, saying she is more beautiful than his 60 queens and 80 concubines.

The Shulammite is unmoved, pointing out that she is only here because an errand of service brought her near his camp.

Solomon vividly describes her beauty, but the Shulammite resists his skilful speech, insisting that she belongs to her dear one.

The Shulammite returns, her loyalty proved (8:5–14).

The Shulammite returns home, leaning upon her dear one.

Earlier, her brothers wondered whether she would be constant like a wall, or fickle like a swinging door that admits anyone.

The Shulammite has turned down all that Solomon could offer, proving her exclusive devotion to her dear one; her love is as strong as death, and its blazings as the flame of Jah.

The text depicts her as exceptionally beautiful, assertive, and fiercely loyal. She is noted for her self-control and for guarding her purity until marriage. 

Her Story in the Song of Solomon

1: Loyal Love: She remains devoted to her shepherd lover, even when King Solomon tries to win her.

2: Assertive & Confident: She initiates kisses, commands her lover, and speaks powerfully about her body and love.

3: Symbolism: While a literal love story, the Shulammite symbolises God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the Congregation in Jewish and Christian traditions.

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