Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Song of Solomon 3:2

2. Wholly awake for God (Lu 14:18-20; Ep 5:14). "An honest resolution is often to (the doing of) duty, like a needle that draws the thread after it" [Durham]. Not a mere wish, that counts not the cost--to leave her easy bed, and wander in the dark night seeking Him (Pr 13:4; Mt 21:30; Lu 14:27-33).

the city--Jerusalem, literally (Mt 3:5; Joh 1:19), and spiritually the Church here (He 12:22), in glory (Re 21:2).

broad ways--open spaces at the gates of Eastern cities, where the public assembled for business. So, the assemblies of worshippers (So 8:2, 3; Pr 1:20-23; He 10:25). She had in her first awakening shrunk from them, seeking Jesus Christ alone; but she was desired to seek the footsteps of the flock (So 1:8), so now in her second trial she goes forth to them of herself. "The more the soul grows in grace, and the less it leans on ordinances, the more it prizes and profits by them" [Moody Stuart] (Psa 73:16, 17).

found him not--Nothing short of Jesus Christ can satisfy her (Job 23:8-10; Psa 63:1, 2).