“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine” (Song of Songs 1:2). “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth,” where was it stated? Rabbi Ḥinena bar Pappa said: It was stated at the sea, as it is stated: “To a mare in Pharaoh’s chariots [I have likened you my love]” (Song of Songs 1:9). Rabbi Yuda ben Rabbi Simon said: It was stated at Sinai, as it is stated: “The song of songs” [hashirim]; the song that was recited by the singers [hashorerim], as it is stated: “First the singers [hasharim] and then the musicians” (Psalms 68:26).63This psalm is understood as referring to the giving of the Torah, and therefore the fact that the verse “let him kiss me” is introduced as a song indicates that it was stated at the giving of the Torah.
It was taught in the name of Rabbi Natan: The Holy One blessed be He in the glory of His greatness recited it, as it is stated: “The song of songs that is Solomon’s [lishlomo]”—the King [of Whom it may be stated that] peace [shalom] is His.” Rabban Gamliel says: The ministering angels recited it;64At the giving of the Torah. “the song of songs,” the song that was recited by the supernal singers [sharim].
Rabbi Yoḥanan said: It was stated in Sinai, as it is stated: “Let him kiss me from the kisses of his mouth.”65This is where the Holy One blessed be He spoke to the Israelites with His mouth. Rabbi Meir says: It was stated in the Tent of Meeting, and he derives it from this verse: “Awake, north, and come, south, [blow upon my garden, that its spices will spread. Let my beloved come to his garden and eat his delicious fruits]” (Song of Songs 4:16).
“Awake, north,” this is the burnt offering that is slaughtered in the north [side of the Temple Courtyard]; “and come, south,” this is the peace offering that is slaughtered in the south. “Blow upon my garden,” this is the Tent of Meeting; “its spices will spread,” this is the incense of the spices. “Let my beloved come to his garden,” this is the Divine Presence; “and eat his delicious fruits,” these are the offerings.
The Rabbis say: [It was stated] in the Permanent House [the Temple]. The Rabbis, too, derive it from this verse. “Awake, north,” this is the burnt offering that is slaughtered in the north; “and come, south,” this is the peace offering that is slaughtered in the south. “Blow upon my garden,” this is the Permanent House; “its spices will spread,” this is the incense of the spices.
“Let my beloved come to his garden,” this is the Divine Presence; “and eat his delicious fruits,” these are the offerings. The Rabbis say that all the others, too, all of it was stated regarding the Eternal House.66The verses preceding Song of Songs 4:16 also refer to the Temple. Rabbi Aḥa said: The verse of “a canopy bed” (Song of Songs 3:9) and those that follow it. The Rabbis67Those who interpret Song of Songs 3:9–4:16 as referring to the Tabernacle rather than the Temple. render it an introduction to: “It was on the day that Moses concluded [setting up the Tabernacle]” (Numbers 7:1).68See Bemidbar Rabba 12:4 and Shir HaShirim Rabba 3:9.
In the opinion of Rabbi Ḥinena bar Pappa, who said that it was stated at the sea, [Israel said:] Let Him rest the Divine Spirit upon us and we will recite many songs.69This is the meaning of the verse “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.” In the opinion of Rabban Gamliel, who said the ministering angels stated it, [they were saying:] Let Him give us of the kisses that He kissed his children.70May God show us the affection He has shown Israel through the giving of the Torah.
In the opinion of Rabbi Meir, who said it was stated at the Tent of Meeting, [the meaning is:] Let Him send down fire and receive His offerings. In the opinion of Rabbi Yoḥanan, who said it was stated at Sinai, [the meaning is:] Let Him give us kisses from inside His mouth.71Let Him give us more mitzvot and share deep insights into the Torah. That is what is written: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.”