Albert Barnes Commentary Song Of Solomon 5:2

"I was asleep, but my heart waked: It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night." — Song Of Solomon 5:2 (ASV)

Some time has likely passed since the bride’s solemn betrothal to the king (Song of Solomon 4:5–7:1). A transient cloud of doubt or estrangement is now passing over her soul, which she reveals to her friends by relating this dream. Ancient allegorical interpreters see this as a symbol of the condition and feelings of Israel during the Babylonian captivity, when the glories and privileges of Solomon’s Temple were gone and the manifested presence of the Holy One had been withdrawn. Israel in exile seeks the Lord (Song of Solomon 5:8) and will find Him again in the second temple (Song of Solomon 6:3–9).

I sleep, but my heart waketh — This is a poetic way of saying, “I am dreaming.” Compare this to the ancient saying: “Dreams are the vigils of those who slumber; hopes are waking dreams.”

The voice — Or, “sound.” Compare this to the note on Song of Solomon 2:8. She hears him knocking before he speaks.

My undefiled — Literally, “my perfect one.” The Vulgate reads, “immaculata mea” (compare to Song of Solomon 4:7).