Godrules.NET Bible Commentary Verse 6. "Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me" - Showing an atmosphere of either racism or classism, because she looks different than others around her. It could also be a combination of both race and class, seeing she was a keeper of vineyards (where likely she met Solomon, based on chapter 8). It appears Solomon was not of this prejudice, but rather chose her specifically because of her unique beauty.
"because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me" - It is possible she is Asian, African or even Indian and the sun turned her skin from brown to black in color. She has the confidence to tell others not to judge her based on her class as a vineyard keeper or her skin color. This passage shows God's thoughts on those who consider race or class when judging others, particularly in courtship.
"my mother's children were angry with me" - because of her beauty and being foreign, as in the classical story of Cinderella, she was treated badly by her sisters or step sisters. Their jealousy was like the jealousy of Joseph's brothers and brought these sisters to do evil to her and make her a keeper of the vineyards, to humble her. But as with Joseph being exalted from his bonds, she also was exalted when Solomon took note of her beauty and uniqueness and chose her.
"but mine own vineyard have I not kept" - Because of her position of working in the fields, she had no time or resources to beautify herself, as was the custom of women of higher status.
Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 6. Because the sun hath looked upon me - The bride gives here certain reasons why she was dark complexioned. "The sun hath looked upon me." I am sunburnt, tanned by the sun; being obliged, perhaps, through some domestic jealously or uneasiness, to keep much without: "My mother's children were angry; they made me keeper of the vineyards." Here the brown complexion of the Egyptians is attributed to the influence of the sun or climate.
My mother's children were angry with me - Acted severely. The bringing of a foreigner to the throne would no doubt excite jealousy among the Jewish females; who, from their own superior complexion, national and religious advantages, might well suppose that Solomon should not have gone to Egypt for a wife and queen, while Judea could have furnished him with every kind of superior excellence.
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Original Hebrew אל408 תראוני7200 שׁאני589 שׁחרחרת7840 שׁשׁזפתני7805 השׁמשׁ8121 בני1121 אמי517 נחרו2787 בי שׂמני7760 נטרה5201 את853 הכרמים3754 כרמי3754 שׁלי לא3808 נטרתי׃5201
