Song of Solomon 3:6

Who is this? The pronoun “this” and the accompanying verb “cometh” represent feminine forms in the Hebrew. Either the bride is referred to or the “bed” of v. 7, which is a feminine form in the Hebrew. In the latter case the words should be translated “what is this?” The speaker cannot be definitely identified.

A new section begins. A royal procession is described. A description of the journey of the procession depends upon the interpretation of “who is this.” If this refers to the Shulamite, the procession may be the one in which Solomon went to fetch his country maiden. If “who is this” or “what is this” refers to the “litter of Solomon,” the bride may be the one watching the approach of the procession, and giving an eyewitness description of the impressive display.

Wilderness. Heb. midbar, which may mean merely a pastureland or a wide, open space.

Like pillars of smoke. This probably refers to the custom of heading a procession with burning incense which pervades the route of the procession with fragrant odors. This is an ancient and common custom in the East.