The poem continues with the family's reflection, declaring that if she is a wall, they will build a silver battlement on her, and if she is a door, they will enclose her with boards of cedar, establishing that the family will protect the younger sister's virginity through either fortification or closure. The metaphor of wall and door suggests different possible responses to the sister's sexuality—either strengthening her existing barriers or adding additional enclosure. The specific references to silver battlements and cedar boards establish that the family will invest significant effort and fine materials in protecting her sexuality. This verse theologically suggests that families take responsibility for protecting younger women's sexuality and that virginity is understood as requiring active protection and fortification.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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