I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
I'm asking you seriously, daughters of Jerusalem—I swear by the graceful deer and gazelles in the fields—please don't disturb or wake up my love until he's ready to come on his own.
The bride is asking her friends to let love develop naturally in its own time, without forcing or rushing it.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of an ancient Hebrew love song that celebrates romantic love and marriage. The 'daughters of Jerusalem' likely refers to the bride's female companions or friends who might be tempted to interfere in the relationship. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, gazelles and deer were symbols of grace and beauty, making them appropriate creatures to swear by when speaking of matters of love.
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