Song of Solomon 2

Song of Solomon 2:1

I am the rose, &c.] Christs speech, in the two first verses; characterizing both himself, and his Church; who, and what they are.

Sharon] A fertile and pleasant region, lying in the Tribe of Gad, beneath Mount Lebanon, not farre from Bashan, 1 Chron. V. 16. There had David his heards of cattel fed, 1 Chron. XXVII. 29. It is coupled for excellencie with Carmel, Esay XXXV. 2. it is supposed to be the same with Lesharon mentioned, Josh. XII. 18.

Lillie] Christ here both Rose and Lillie, ch. V. 10. Mat. IX. 29. And in that Christ here doth so commend himself, it is for our sakes; that we might take notice of his excellencies, and fall in love with him.

Song of Solomon 2:2

thorns] These thorns Christ makes useful to his Church; to prick and let out her ill humours; to hedge her in and keep her within compasse. See Judg. VIII. 16.

As the apple-tree, &c.] The Churches speech, continued to the end of this chapter. And in all the next chapter, uttered sometimes of Christ, and somtimes to Christ. Declaring his praise and preciousnesse in himself, his loving dealings with her may ways; his speech to her, so sweet¦ly and affectionately inviting her unto him. And withal expressing her delight in him, and that she is sick of love towards him: charging others not to distrub him: and joying in her interest in him, & petitioning him for his speedy approach and presence. And all this in this second chap.

Song of Solomon 2:3

trees of the wood] Wild, fruitlesse trees, or trees of hedg-fruit. But in Christ is alsufficiencie for us, Col. I. 19. John I. 16. Col. III. 11.

Song of Solomon 2:4

banquetting house] Of inward consolations through peace, and joy in Beleeving, and the comforts and graces of the Spirit: and that by the meanes of his Word and Ordinances.

Song of Solomon 2:5

Flagons] Large measures of that wine in Christs banquetting house, or wine-seller, ver. 4.

apples] Such as fall from Christs apple-tree, ver. 3.

sick] Ever & sinking swooning with a love-qualme, through excess of love, & exuberancie of spiritual joy in Christ, such as she could hardly stand under, but that the raptures and ravishments thereof, the extasies thereby, do even overwhelme her spirit, Ephes. I. 18. and III. 19.

Song of Solomon 2:6

His left hand, &c.] Christ himself relieves my sicknesse, supplies my desires, fulfils my joy, prevents your help and comfort, or at least, works with it effectualy. Christ circleth his Church with all healing, all comforting embracements.

Song of Solomon 2:7

by the Roes, &c.] By the things most dear and precious to you: as these are to Shepherds. As ever ye love any thing, and desire it may not perish, disquiet him not. Or rather then disturb him, abide ye from him, abide without doors, with the Roes and Hinds of the fields; as some make the meaning to be.

until he please] until he waken of his own accord. Be not overhasty with him, to disease or displease him; but hold out in faith and patience; Let him take his own time, who is a God that waiteth to be gracious, Esay XXX. 18.

Song of Solomon 2:8

The voice, &c.] She being sick with pangs of love, lay lingring and listning, hankering, and hearkning after her beloved; and behold here she hears his voice, John X. 3, 4. And sees him coming; so as neither mountains, nor hills; her enormities, or infirmities; or the worlds oppositions and emnities shall hinder his coming.

Song of Solomon 2:9

behinde our wall] He is come so near.

looketh forth] Or, looketh in. Thus he returnes, and comes by degrees. Never farre off, or staying long absent, upon her seeking and longing after him. Yet the full enjoyment and fruition of him is reserved for the life to come, 1 Cor. XIII. 12.

Song of Solomon 2:14

in the clefts of the rock] Jer. XLVIII. 28.

in the secret places of the staires] for secrecy and security; or for conscience of infirmity and modesty.

Song of Solomon 2:16

my Beloved is mine, &c.] She is sure, and speaks it boldly, 1 John IV. 16. 1 Cor. VI. 17.

he feedeth] Though before, and at such a time, she knew not, Ch. I. 7. yet now she knows, and can tell it to others.

In this Chapter the Church implying Christs departure from her, occasioned by her own negligence and security; sets forth her diligent scrutiny, and search for him; her finding of him; her dutiful care, and behaviour towards him, and holy gloriation in his Majesty, and beauty; which she inciteth others to minde and magnifie.