Song of Solomon 1:8
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents. If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
The verse comes from one of the one thousand and five songs or poems written by Solomon. The book is an Oriental love poem formed as a dialogue between various parties and filled with vivid, warm, Oriental imagery. It is a poetical picture of Christ as the heavenly Bridegroom and the church as His bride, with the beloved and her companions to be read as pictures of Christ and the church. It also portrays the spiritual experience of a believing, loving soul through the bride's love for the king. It shows His wonderful love and hers in response, though hers is often wanting in faithfulness and constancy. It is to be read alone with God while keeping its picture of Christ and His church in mind.
The verse is Christ's answer to the church, directing her to go forth by the footsteps of the flock and feed her young beside the shepherds' tents. The footsteps of the flock present a path to follow, where walking in the steps of faithful people gives practical examples of meekness and shows its comfort when tested. Following the flock's footsteps means staying on the path followed by God's people, which is the historic observance of the seventh-day Sabbath followed by the saints from the beginning and interrupted only by human presumption and neglect.