The young woman has spoken of her beloved as a shepherd (Song of Solomon 1:7) probably because he is one. The man now speaks of the woman as a shepherd as well, caring for a flock of goats. This does not necessarily mean that she too is a shepherd; it may just be a way of expressing their compatibility. By inviting her to pasture her young goats besides the shepherds' tents he is not only expressing his pleasure at her request to meet, but also assuring her that she will be welcome and safe with him and amongst his friends. She has already expressed some anxiety of having to wonder amongst shepherds looking for him and being mistaken for a prostitute (Song of Solomon 1:7), and so he is reassuring her that she will be welcomed and well-treated.
8 If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.