Song of Songs 7:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is it that embellishes your footsteps, O women of Nadavl? Simmachus interpreted this as the grace of the Leader, which refers to the Holy Spirit. “What beautifies your feet?” He extols the feet that are straight, those that traverse the righteous path, and that radiate in their sandals. Isaiah, recognizing the splendor of these feet, proclaimed: "Thy two teats are as two young twins of the chamois" (Song of Songs 7:4); "Thy eyes are as an elephant's pillar; thy eyes are like lakes in Heshbon, at the gates of the daughters of many" (Song of Songs 7:5); "Thy nose is like a pillar of Lebanon, looking toward the face of Damascus" (Song of Songs 7:5); "Thy head is upon thee as Carmel, and the braiding of thy hair is as scarlet; the king is enthroned" (Song of Songs 7:6). All this slightly varies from what is described of the Bride in the next passage (Song 4), and therefore no further explanation is needed.

In the background, Sulamita appears in a remarkably lovely way, unaware of her companions, and proclaims that she has come to visit the vineyard. Her friends urge her to speak to them, but the bridegroom suddenly arrives, interrupting their curiosity. He resumes his song of admiration for his beloved, ending with a yearning to savor the delightful fruits of the date and grape, which he likens to his bride.