“Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun. My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; my own vineyard I had to neglect.”

The dark skin is as a result of hard and harsh labour. Instead of being sheltered from work and the beating rays of the midday sun, the Woman has had to labour hard for the sake of other family members.

The men have put her to work and she has no time to looks after herself or what is rightly hers. She makes sacrifices for the sake of others and it means she has little reward for herself. He skin is dark because of the long hours of toil under the hot sun. Her hair is short to make it easy to manage.

The Beloved sees and knows. He knows her situation and all her strength of character that drives her to serve the unworthy.

The Woman has endured anger not deserved and bitterness not asked for. She has fulfilled all her vows to the detriment of herself but she has gained the Prize…

The true love of the Beloved.

She will never loose out and will be adored forever.

“I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Psalm 30:1-5