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 called Rashbam, the grandson of Rashi, who was born about 1085, and died about 1155.

Rashbam too affirms that this book "represents captive Israel as a virgin sighing and mourning for her beloved, who left her and went afar off, as describing his everlasting love to her, declaring in a Song, 'Such an ardent love did my beloved manifest when with me,' and telling her friends and companions in a colloquial manner, 'So did my beloved speak to me, and so did I answer him.'" In the explanations of the principal persons Rashbam generally agrees with Rashi.

The following is a specimen of his commentary:—

1. The Song of Songs—That is, a song celebrated above all songs, like [HE:'lhy 'lhym/=] the great and awful God, above all gods, and [HE:'=dvny 'dnym/=] the great Lord above all lords. Which is Solomon's. That is, King Solomon composed it by inspiration. Foreseeing the Israelites in their captivity sighing after the Holy One who went away from them, as a bridegroom separates himself from his beloved, Solomon sings this song in the name of the congregation of Israel, who is like a bride to Him (God). [HE:'Sr lSlmh] describes Solomon as the author, compare [HE:tplh lmSh], [HE:thlh ldvd].

2. Would that, &c.—Would that my Beloved came, and kissed me kisses of His mouth on my mouth in his great love as in the days of old; for the expressions of His love are better, pleasanter, and sweeter than any delicious banquet. Thy caresses. The loved one sometimes addresses herself to her beloved as if he were present, and at other times she speaks of him to her companions, as if he were absent. More than wine, i. e. more than sweet beverages called [HE:yayin/]. According to the allegorical meaning, this refers to the law delivered to Israel mouth to mouth.

3. Thy perfumes, &c.—Because of Thy good ointment of balsam, the odour of which extended to the end of the earth, and was poured out from vessel to vessel, therefore is Thy name called ointment. Comp. Eccl. vii. 1. "A good name is better than precious ointment." By the extension of youthful love is meant the wonders which the Holy One performed for the congregation of Israel in Egypt, on account of which His name and power became known among the nations, as it is written, "The priest of Midian heard, &c." Exod. xviii. 1: and again, what is said by Rahab the harlot, "For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water, &c." Josh. ii. 10. And again, "The people shall hear and be afraid," Exod. xv. 14.

4. Draw me, &c.—Draw me to Thee, and I and my congregation will run after Thee, as in the days of old, when the King, my beloved, brought me into His chambers; and, while running after Thee, we will rejoice and who constantly enriches the Hebrew literature by bringing before the public some ancient writings.