משלי, פרק ז׳, פסוק י״ז

The seductive woman continues her direct and open invitation, attempting to draw the young man in by detailing the rich sensory experiences waiting for him [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. She uses various types of spices, such as myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], which are scattered as a powder to make the environment deeply pleasant [רלב״ג]. More than simply smelling good, these are warming spices with a particularly strong scent, intentionally chosen to arouse and stimulate the heart and mind [אמרי דעת].

The method used to apply these fragrances is understood in a few different ways. The primary approach suggests a flowing action, similar to dripping honey, where the spices are poured or melted directly onto the bed [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אמרי דעת], completely saturating and soaking the area with their scent [עמנואל הרומי]. Alternatively, the action involves waving and scattering the fragrance through the air so that it gently settles onto the bed below [רש״י]. A different view proposes that the spices are burned to create a thick, fragrant smoke and steam [רש י בשם דונש].

This stage of her invitation reveals a clear escalation in her boldness. Earlier, she described her sleeping area in general terms, leaving room for the assumption that he might sleep in one place while she rests in another. Now, however, she points precisely to the specific spot where she herself lies. By doing so, she makes a highly direct suggestion: if the scent appeals to him, he is invited to come and lie right next to her [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].