Like a locked garden, the heart safeguards its mysteries, waiting for the true key to unveil its blossoms. There, secrets bloom and whispers grow, only to be revealed to those who truly know. * Inspired by the rich spiritual symbolism of the commentary of Malbim.
by Rabbi Boruch Merkur
In the aftermath of her journey through guarded chambers and celestial realms, the woman finds herself in a new space—a place that feels like an intimate sanctuary. Here, her Beloved gazes at her with awe and admiration, as though seeing her for the first time yet knowing her for an eternity.
Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.
Her eyes, the windows to her intellectual soul, are compared to doves. They are like two kinds of perception: one which gazes upon the divine truths in the expansive cosmos, and the other which contemplates the godliness immanent in her innermost world. These eyes are veiled, restricted by the limitations of corporeal existence. Yet, even behind this veil, they manage to discern the divine, to recognize and seek her Beloved.
And what of her hair? Those numerous strands symbolize her countless insights and intellectual attainments. They are likened to goats cascading down a mountain—each unique yet part of a whole, each contributing to the sum total of her wisdom. These strands of insight draw from her inner intellectual essence and manifest externally, just like hair grows from within the body to the outside. Here, the mountain of Gilead is not just a geographical location but signifies higher realms of understanding, the foundational elements of the cosmos. Her thoughts and insights tumble from these celestial heights, rich and variegated like a flock of goats, each distinct but all part of the magnificent whole.
The image of her hair and eyes not only praises her beauty but reveals the depths of her intellectual and spiritual faculties. Her Beloved recognizes these qualities; he appreciates the layers of her existence, both the physical and the metaphysical. This is not mere flattery or hollow admiration but a profound understanding of who she is and what she represents.
In this intimate setting, they are not just lovers but also divine complements, mirroring each other’s complexities and potentials. He beholds her, and in that gaze, there is the epitome of divine love, a love steeped in respect, understanding, and a sense of shared destiny.
Here, their love story is not just of two individuals but also of two worlds, the human and the divine, the immanent and the transcendent. Their unity echoes the harmony that exists within the universe, reflecting a cosmic love story written before time itself began.
In the luminous chamber where wisdom and love reside, her teeth become the focal point of admiration. "Your teeth," he begins, "are like a flock of cleanly shorn sheep, emerging pure from their bath. Each one is perfectly matched, not one is out of place."
Her teeth here are not merely a feature of physical beauty; they are a gateway to something far more profound. Imagine teeth as the corporeal expression that encases and reveals the soul. In this world of the flesh and bone, teeth symbolize the nuanced manifestation of intellect, meticulously aligned in precise judgments and interconnections. The thirty-two pathways of wisdom are like the teeth that grow—sixteen on the upper jaw, and sixteen on the lower—each ascending over the other in a deliberate order.
Picture a flock of sheep that has been washed, their wool free from any blemish, just as these pathways of wisdom are untouched by material impurities. Their uniform whiteness suggests that they are not stained by experiences or earthly desires. Instead, the distinction between them comes from the intellect itself, partitioned into these pathways by its inherent nature.
All these pathways are like twin sisters, with no barren among them. In other words, every thought and intellectual conception will bear fruit according to its own inherent laws, flawless and vivacious. These are not merely teeth or even pathways of wisdom but the foundational principles that give rise to living ideas. Their purity and uniformity are akin to the flock of cleanly shorn sheep—each unique yet perfectly formed, each contributing to a greater, divine purpose.
In this singular moment, the wisdom she embodies and the love he emanates harmonize into a melody, each note resonating on a pathway of its own, yet all contributing to an ethereal symphony. This is a place where intellect and love, soul and flesh, become a seamless, impenetrable union. It's a union that transcends earthly limitations, much like the divine wisdom that inspires these pathways.
And so, they stand in awe of each other, and of the wondrous cosmos mirrored in their union, recognizing that they are but reflections of far vaster, purer realms. Yet, it is precisely in this world, amid its complexity and imperfection, that their love and wisdom find their truest expression. Each glance they share, each word they utter, is a testament to the ineffable wisdom that guides them—wisdom incarnate in human form, yet touching upon the divine.
Amidst the palace of wisdom and prophecy, where the air vibrates with concealed knowledge, She continues her dialogues with Her Beloved. Her words are as fine as a scarlet thread, through which beads of individual ideas and insights are strung. Her utterances stitch together scattered pearls of thought, creating an unbroken strand of eloquence. There is no mere chatter here; Her discourse soars in sanctity, steeped in the divine intellect of Torah, prophecy, and sacred spirit.
Your speech, My Love, is as elegant as that scarlet thread that connects isolated gems into a unified masterpiece, He praises her. "Just as one speaks and reveals the Torah and the whisperings of prophecy, so too do your words construct a transcendent harmony."
In response, She considers Her own essence and its expression through the language of ideas. In Her introspection, She discerns Her innate complexity. Her core being is likened to the inner chamber of a pomegranate, brimming with 613 seeds—each a divine, intellectual illumination. This ungraspable essence within Her, which holds ineffable divinities of wisdom, is called "your inner sanctum." Though it occupies no physical space, it is as replete as the seeds within the pomegranate.
Inside you, My Love, is an inscrutable domain, She contemplates silently. "It seems empty, like a vessel yet to be filled, but in reality, it is teeming with spiritual and intellectual energies. It is like a pomegranate bursting with countless seeds of wisdom and enlightenment."
However, this inmost essence, brimming with latent spiritual intensity, is "concealed behind your veil," for the nature of the soul in its deepest quintessence is inaccessible to human understanding. We only recognize it through its manifest connection to the body—through speech, deed, and its intricate interplay with corporeal existence.
As they delve further into this reciprocal revelation, both understand that the veils of obscurity are being lifted one by one, not just to divulge hidden aspects of their love but to reveal the inexhaustible layers of wisdom and prophecy that their union symbolizes. Their words, their silences, and their very being become an unfolding prophecy of divine love.
The corridors of her mind, the epicenter of her soul, have been carefully described, and now we shift our gaze lower, descending to the area where her vitality emanates. The neck acts as a curtain, a dividing line between the cranium and the body. Here, her soul finds its voice, a commanding sound that orchestrates the symphony of her life force and its faculties.
Imagine her neck as the Tower of David, fortified with ramparts. This is no ordinary tower; it is built to house warriors, guardians equipped with the sharpest of arrows, ever prepared for battle at the gate. This is where the shields hang—each one a testament to valor, a thousand of them, each etched with the stories of heroes. It is through this strategic stronghold, symbolized by the neck, that she governs, that she quells her inner foes.
Through this narrow pass, she steers the energies of her being, keeping them aligned under the command of her higher intellect, residing in the cranium above. If you could see this internal realm, you'd note that the neck stands as the ultimate commander, shouting decrees that ripple through her vitality, urging submission to the wisdom that is her true north. Alongside this tower are an array of shields, representing various faculties—those that set her on the right path and those that perfect and complete her. Together they forge a formidable defense, maintaining the laws of her inner world, reflecting the harmonious balance of power.
In this way, she exercises dominion over her life force and its faculties, commanding them with the authority of wisdom, like a wise yet impoverished man who saved a city with his intellect. Through her neck, the seat of this wisdom, she summons the forces that can rise against the base instincts seeking to overthrow her inner city. The shields are her strategies, her knowledge, and her understanding, collectively assembled to guide her through the intricacies of life’s challenges and prophecies yet to unfold. Thus, each part of her—both in form and function—emulates a realm rich with meaning, grounded in a reality far more profound than the eye can see.
Here, the Tower of David, her neck, becomes not just a bodily feature but a fortress of wisdom, an amphitheater for her inner dialogue, and a governing body that manifests her destiny.
In a meadow serene, filled with the fragrance of shoshanim—lilies—they find themselves. Here, thoughts are reflective, unmarred by the complexities of life. The air, redolent with the scent of tender petals, subtly announces the spiritual essence of their unity.
Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, he remarks, his gaze meeting hers.
In his words, she perceives deep, multi-layered wisdom. He is not merely speaking of her physical form; he alludes to the faculties of desire and anger, those powerful but contrasting elements within her soul. These faculties are likened to siblings—different, yet inseparable, born from the same source. They are primal forces that have the power to either sustain or break her, shaping her impulses and intentions.
They graze among the lilies, he continues.
His words unveil a new spiritual horizon. In this sacred space, her faculties of desire and anger are redirected towards loftier aims. No longer tangled in the transient cravings and resistances of the material world, they find nourishment in the eternal. They are like fawns grazing among lilies, fed by what is good and true. Through this spiritual nourishment, her faculties become aligned with her soul's deepest yearnings for Divine service and mitzvot.
He recognizes this inner harmony, her faculties unified and elevated in their pursuit of the spiritual. The meadow around them, adorned with lilies and rich with fragrance, becomes an embodiment of their transcendent unity. Her very soul, in its deepest recesses, finds its truest expression here.
Here among the lilies, she murmurs, "we encounter the essence of our souls."
In this harmonious instant, eyes locked, they grasp the whispered prophecies that fill the air. The future, a masterpiece of Divine intent, is woven into their very beings. They understand the heavenly force steering their lives, channeling even their basest instincts towards a celestial destination.
United, they stand in the meadow—her faculties harmonized and elevated, his devotion enveloping her like a mist. The scene is painted with the most exquisite strokes of the Creator's brush, each realizing that this spiritual unity foretells a life dedicated to the soul's elevation. A life that will unfold in the sweetest pastures among the eternal lilies.
In the tranquil meadow, where their faculties had been harmonized and elevated, he turns to her and says, "Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense."
His words suggest more than just a shift in physical location; they contain layers of allegorical wisdom. The day that is to "break" symbolizes the time when material pursuits once again demand attention. The fleeing shadows represent the transient nature of spiritual highs, moments when all seems in perfect harmony but cannot last in the face of worldly challenges. Even so, he assures her, their connection will not wane during these demanding times.
I will go to the mountain of myrrh, he declares.
The mountain of myrrh symbolizes the most refined elements of the soul, represented by the scent of myrrh—an aromatic resin that comes from the lifeblood of the tree. Unlike previous moments, where their unity was maintained through abstract contemplation and prophetic insight, he now seeks to sustain their connection through tangible means.
And to the hill of frankincense, he adds.
The hill, smaller than the mountain, signifies the subtle fragrances that come from the plant world. This denotes the material actions—rituals, sacrifices, offerings—that may seem less significant but are essential to sustaining their spiritual connection. Just as a mountain rests upon a hill, the soul's loftier elements are supported by the foundational, material aspects of life.
Their eyes meet, as if peering into the future. She senses the weight of his words, understanding that they will continue to pursue their lofty spiritual goals even amid the earthliness of day-to-day existence. He, in turn, understands that their connection will remain steadfast, guided by the subtle prophetic undercurrents that have always woven their fates together.
In this way, he assures her that even when "the day breaks and the shadows flee"—when worldly concerns threaten to distract them from their spiritual journey—he will still be tethered to her, drawing nourishment from both the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense. And she, in her own silent acknowledgment, knows that the mountain and the hill will serve as the backdrop against which their souls will continue to strive for unity, never losing sight of their celestial destination.
The garden bursts with life; a sanctuary where all elements have united in holiness. The Divine Presence itself seems to dwell here, suffused in every leaf, vine, and being. Her Beloved looks at her, the soul incarnate in this realm, his eyes filled with an infinite tenderness.
Every part of you is beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you, he declares.
His words are not mere flattery; they are a recognition of a momentous shift. For a long time, her spiritual essence had been entangled with the animal and plant souls, a complex weave that cast a certain imperfection upon her. These disparate elements had created a barrier, separating her from attaining her rightful role, from serving the Ultimate in pure devotion and asceticism.
But now, as if by some divine alchemy, these very elements—the animate and the vegetative—have themselves been sanctified. They no longer mark her as flawed; instead, they contribute to her beauty, aligning themselves in service to the Divine. Her being resonates as a priestess serving in the most sacred of sanctuaries.
The animalistic and vegetative souls within her are not just assimilated; they are transformed. They no longer stand as obstacles but have become constituents of her beauty and purity. It is as though a veil has been lifted, and she now stands in her entirety—each facet reflecting sanctity, each element in harmonious unity.
Thus, her Beloved’s words are not just an expression of love but a testament to a higher reality. "Every part of you is beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you," he reiterates, emphasizing that all is now holy. His words resonate with a prophetic undertone, heralding an era where divisions fade, and unity reigns—each soul a microcosm of the divine sanctuary.
She looks back at him, her eyes meeting his. And in that gaze, they both understand: she has emerged into a fuller version of herself, embracing the multiplicity within her as part of her newfound sanctity. Her love for him and her commitment to the Divine are inseparable, just as every part of her now contributes to a unified, flawless whole.
With gentle strides, the atmosphere shifted. A change was palpable. The words echoed between the mountains, a call tender and commanding. “Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; come with me from Lebanon.” It wasn’t just an invitation but a plea, an urging to journey together.
The majestic peaks of Amana, Senir, and Hermon stood tall, their grandeur known throughout the lands. They were places of reverence, where the roars of lions echoed and where leopards prowled in the heights. These mountains had tales to tell, stories of bravery, stories where the ferocity of lions was revered and the stealth of leopards was both feared and admired.
In this backdrop, he looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of passion and prophetic foresight. “Come,” he beckoned, no longer referring to her as a mere companion, but as his ‘bride’. The commitment was evident. Their destinies intertwined. He offered her not just love but an eternal bond, one that was forged with faith and trust. His call was a promise to elevate her from the chambers she might have been confined to, bringing her into the vast open, where the spirit roamed free, where they could be truly united.
Her journey wasn't just physical but spiritual. It was about transcending barriers, about reaching a place of purity, a sanctuary, symbolized by Lebanon, known for its white, snowy peaks – a place that purifies the darkest of souls. The Temple, a spiritual epicenter, beckoned her. There, the soul would be free, unhindered, where it would resonate with divine revelations.
He reminded her of the lessons of faith she’d learned at the pinnacle of Amana and of the wonders they'd witnessed together in the heights of Senir and Hermon. In these sacred places, divine manifestations were more than mere tales. They were experiences, palpable and profound, defying the ordinary. The continuous miracles in the Temple, the divine presence, were all manifesting not just as routine blessings but as wondrous marvels, independent of mere merit.
And from the lairs of lions, she would journey, a place where courage ruled, where the lion's might was a symbol of power and strength. It was a call to rise, to ascend spiritually, to embrace her destiny, and to join him in a union that transcended the mundane, reaching into the realms of the divine.
In the lush surroundings of a sacred grove, where time seemed to stand still, the male protagonist, reflecting the voice of the people of Israel, paused to address the Divine Presence, the Shechinah.
Your gaze, he began with a fervent intensity, "even if it is but a fleeting glance from just one of your eyes, pulls me close to you. Even when you direct the attention of your other eye towards the chambers of Solomon and the daughters of Zion who stand vigilant, I remain hopelessly enchanted by that singular glance."
He continued, expressing the depth of their connection, "Until now, our bond was formed through intellectual comprehension, a union of the mind. Now, our connection has evolved, transforming into an emotional bond, an awakening of the soul through heartfelt devotion."
The protagonist described the previous stages of their relationship, "Our understanding required two perspectives, two eyes. One was an intellectual vision of the divine presence in the grand scheme of things, the universal reality. The other was a deeper understanding of the divine within the soul, our individual experiences."
But now, he said with growing passion, "your single glance suffices. No longer do I need to delve into the complexities of the universe and its governance. A simple look into the soul's essence, to understand its unique world, to harmonize its energies and offer it up as a tribute to the King of Glory, is enough."
And it's enough, he concluded, "to adhere to the basic teachings of practical wisdom, focusing on reverence and service, without delving deep into theoretical knowledge."
In the embrace of a lush and tranquil garden, the woman, feeling the profound connection she's forged with her Beloved, marvels at the beauty and depth of her own feelings towards Him. With eyes shimmering with a mix of wonder and realization, she softly says, "How delightful is your love, my brother, my groom! More intoxicating than wine, and the scent of your fragrances surpasses all spices."
It's clear that her bond with her Beloved has undergone a transformation. Previously, her relationship was anchored by a prophetic understanding, where the Divine's love flowed downwards to her. But now, through her dedication and service in the sacred space of the Temple, her soul's ardor originates from within her, climbing upwards. This love, powered by the very depths of her being, isn't just about receiving; it's an active, passionate yearning that she offers. It's this profound change that prompts her to address her Divine counterpart as "brother," symbolizing an equal footing in love and devotion.
She further elaborates on the incomparable nature of her love. If one were to consider wine - the intoxicating and spirited substance known to humans - her love for the Divine far surpasses any earthly thrill it might provide. In essence, her passionate affection for her Beloved, driven by the spiritual essence within, is far more powerful and uplifting than any temporal elation brought about by wine.
She then delves deeper, comparing her newly realized feelings to fragrances. While scents often allude to intellectual insights, she claims that the fragrance or understanding she achieves through her passionate love and dedication to the Divine surpasses any intellectual attainment. The essence she extracts, through her love for the Divine, is the knowledge of the Divine spirit itself, sticking to those who are immersed in His love. This understanding, drawn from the depths of her passionate love, is far superior to any intellectual revelations.
In this verdant sanctuary, she's bared her soul, revealing the transformation of her relationship with her Divine partner, emphasizing that genuine love, rooted in understanding and spiritual devotion, has an unparalleled depth and purity.
In a serene meadow surrounded by the majestic peaks of Lebanon, the air is thick with anticipation. The lovers, whose affection for each other is evident, inch closer. Their love, a mirror of their souls, is a palpable force between them. She marvels at the beauty of his words, which fall from his lips like droplets of the purest honey.
Your lips, she whispers, drawing him nearer, "they drip with sweetness, like honey. The words you speak are as nourishing as milk, a testament to the purity of your thoughts."
He understands the depth of her words. Their bond isn't just physical but deeply spiritual. Their union signifies the meeting of the soul with the Divine, a connection forged in thought, speech, and deed. Just as honey is made from the essence of flowers and milk from the purest blood of living beings, their relationship is a transformation of their individual souls into something pure and harmonious.
The profundity of their bond isn't merely a tale of two souls intertwining. It's the story of the human soul's yearning to connect with the Divine. The sweetness of his speech, the honey, represents the Torah's teachings, while the milk under his tongue symbolizes the depth of prayer. These are the sustenance for the speaking soul, elevating the physical and the living to a higher realm.
But beyond words and thoughts, their actions carry a fragrance, reminiscent of the sacrifices offered in the temple of old, a scent that seeks to bridge the physical with the divine, linking the earthly with the heavenly.
Their love story, though intimate, is an allegory. A dance of souls, where every gesture and every word is an act of devotion, an offering, elevating them closer to the Divine.
In a pristine garden, untouched and unclaimed, the blossoms bloom in innocent splendor. This garden, virginal in its purity, stands as a testament to the maiden's unblemished soul. She is likened to such an untouched realm, her spirituality and heart never swayed or tainted by foreign allurements. Her Beloved, recognizing this purity, sees her as this secluded garden, a sanctuary where no other has ventured. The streams within it approach a sealed spring, the very heart of her innocence. This core, the very source of her being, remains preserved, indicating her unwavering commitment and dedication to her divine path.
Observing her purity, her Beloved sees her as this enclosed garden, a place where no outsider has ever set foot. The streams within it approach a sealed spring, indicating the depths of her innermost feelings and connection to the divine. This spring, the very source of her soul, remains sealed, implying that no foreign thoughts or actions have ever come close to it. Her essence is sealed with the mark of divinity and holiness, reminiscent of her sanctified origins. In this ethereal setting, the profound connection and mutual understanding between the maiden and her Beloved grows, each finding solace and meaning in the other's presence.
In the tranquil garden, sheltered by towering walls, the vivid imagery of a verdant orchard unveils. Amidst the foliage, clusters of pomegranates thrive, their ruby-red seeds hidden within. They stand as silent symbols of the myriad of commandments, each seed representing one of the 613 mitzvot, a divine sustenance nourishing the soul. Alongside these treasured fruits, other delightful produce grows, each with its unique allure and significance.
Yet, it's not just the visual beauty or the taste that captivates; the aromatic allure is equally enchanting. Among the trees and bushes, fragrant spices burst forth, their scents mingling in the gentle breezes. Saffron and spikenard, their aromatic notes wafting, are reminiscent of the ten spiritual ingredients that once made up the sacred incense in the temple. These scents serve not merely to delight but to elevate, each aroma a conduit to a higher realm, drawing the soul closer to the Divine.
Within this lush garden, both taste and scent coalesce. The nourishment provided by the pomegranates and other fruits represents the physical act of devotion, while the fragrant spices symbolize the sublime understanding of the Divine. Here, in this enclosed space, the harmony of the physical and spiritual, the tangible and intangible, come together, creating an environment where prophecy might bloom and where the bond between the Divine and the mortal soul is nurtured.
As she walks amidst this splendor, she feels an overwhelming sense of connection, not only to the wonders around her but to her Beloved, the force behind all creation. Each step, each breath, is a testament to the intricate dance of life and faith, where every element, from the humblest seed to the most fragrant spice, tells a tale of love, commitment, and divine providence.
In a lush garden, drenched with the morning dew, the aroma of nard and saffron wafted gently. The fragrant canes and cinnamon mixed harmoniously with all the trees exuding frankincense. Myrrh and aloes were embedded amongst the harmony of fragrances, alongside every chief spice.
This garden was not just an ordinary garden; it was a metaphorical sanctuary of soul and spirit. Its beauty and aroma represented a collection of virtues and qualities that one would yearn for. The garden's elements spoke not just of nature's beauty, but of divine attributes and virtues.
The trees bearing frankincense were tall and majestic, their barks rich and their leaves shimmering in the golden sunlight. They were more than just trees; they were symbols of righteousness, purity, and spiritual elevation.
As she walked through this enchanting sanctuary, the fragrances acted as guides, leading her deeper into a realm of contemplation. The myrrh, with its resinous scent, hinted at the sacrifices one makes in the pursuit of divine wisdom, while the aloes provided a soothing, healing touch to the soul, reminding her of the rewards of spiritual resilience.
Every spice and fragrance in this garden held a message, a lesson, a guiding principle. They spoke of the virtues she had cultivated within herself, and the path she had treaded to reach this place of inner tranquility and divine connection.
This place, it seemed, was a reflection of her inner world, a mirror of her soul's journey. The spices and fragrances, with their multifaceted scents, told tales of her experiences, challenges, and victories. They were her memories, her lessons, her guiding lights.
And as she continued her journey, the garden around her seemed to evolve, reflecting her ever-deepening connection to the divine, her ever-growing understanding of her own soul and the mysteries of the universe.
In a verdant garden, where every imaginable fruit bloomed in splendor, there lay a spring. This wasn't just any spring, but a wellspring of living waters. The crystal-clear waters flowed directly from Lebanon, bringing with them an essence of purity and rejuvenation.
Reflecting upon the grandeur of this garden, the allegory emerges, signifying the Torah and the commandments granted by the garden's owner to its guardians. Beyond the tangible beauty of the garden itself, the spring that quenches its thirst holds a profound significance. The spring embodies the very soul's essence and its inherent sanctity. It is like a garden's fountain, with waters that emerge spontaneously, providing life and sustenance to all that it touches.
Yet, it's not merely a fountain. The spring is also a well from which living waters are drawn. These waters trickle down from the heights of Lebanon, representing a divine, intellectual spirit imbued with wisdom, knowledge, and the breath of the Divine. Through contemplation, devotion, and purification, one can draw from these eternal waters of understanding, granting bodies a taste of everlasting life sourced from the sacred wellspring that never deceives in its flow.
And from where do these waters originate? They cascade from the lofty Lebanon, for their source is the sanctuary, the dwelling of spirits and souls. The garden, in all its lushness and beauty, is but a reflection of the profound spiritual truths and wisdom that nourish it, with the spring at its heart, channeling divine energies into the world.
In a serene garden, the air stands still, waiting. The maiden calls out, yearning for the winds to stir and breathe life into the garden. "Awaken, O northern wind," she implores, "and come, O southern wind." She seeks the balance between the cold and calculated thoughts of the north and the warmth and passion of the south. In this garden of devotion, the balance between reason and love, both winds must blow to ensure a harmonious environment.
As the maiden's plea fills the atmosphere, the garden begins to respond. With the breezes, its fragrances start to waft around, a scent so intoxicating, a testament to the depth of the maiden's affections and the commitment of her soul. She hopes that these scents, a blend of her deepest thoughts and purest emotions, would draw her Beloved to the garden. The Beloved, a representation of the Divine, is what her soul truly seeks.
She anticipates his arrival, where he would partake in the fruits of the garden – the result of her efforts, her thoughts, her actions. Every fruit, a reflection of her devotion, symbolizing her offerings to the Divine. The concept isn't just of mere sustenance, but of a deeper spiritual nourishment. Each offering, like the sacrifices made by the righteous, is a way for her soul to connect and merge with her Beloved, aiming for a union that transcends the physical realm.