Albert Barnes Commentary Song Of Solomon 2:1

"I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys." — Song Of Solomon 2:1 (ASV)

The chapter division at this point is unfortunate. Song of Solomon 2 should have begun at Song of Solomon 1:15, or chapter 1 should have continued through Song of Solomon 2:7.

In this verse, the bride replies, saying in effect, “I am like a lovely wildflower springing up at the root of the stately forest trees.” While Hebrew commentators generally assign this verse to the bride, the majority of the Church Fathers attributed it to the King (Christ).

It is uncertain what flower is meant by the word rendered as “rose” here and in Isaiah 35:1. The word’s etymology suggests it was a bulbous plant, such as the white narcissus.

Sharon is usually identified as the famous plain stretching from Joppa to Caesarea, between the hill country and the sea. Travelers have noted that this plain is still carpeted with an abundance of flowers in the spring. However, in the time of Eusebius and Jerome, there was a smaller plain also called Sharon (or Saron) located between Mount Tabor and the Sea of Tiberias. This location would be very near the bride’s native home if she was from Shunem.