Song of Solomon 1

VIII. 13, 14. hath brought me into his &§ chambers: we Chap. I. Ver. 1—17. The mutual love between Christ and his Church.—The scene before us is evidently the Harem, or the apartments devoted to the women in one of the royal palaces, probably the House of the Forest of Lebanon: and there appears to us somewhat peculiarly beautiful in the abrupt manner in which the bride, here newly introduced speaks of the bridegroom, before he enters the apartments, without an reference either to his name or rank. “Let Aim kiss me!” It intimates that he was the chief subject of her thoughts; and, applying this to the church, it implies a spiritual state of mind, similar to that of Mary Magdalen, in addressing the supposed gardener, ‘Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me,”

((John 20:15).) as not thinking it necessary to name the object of her inquiry.. But before we proceed, let us here write, as the heathen upon their temples, “‘ Far hence be the profane!’ God forbid that any of us should make a jest of that love that astonishes Delo. and absorbs the affections of saints in glory!::: This is “Tet him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth !” not a mere pleonasm. ‘ Subjects and servants might, on some occasions, kiss the Chap. I. Ver. 1. Which is Solomon’s.—That is, composed by Solomon. See note on (Psalms 21)title —Solomon wrote many songs, all of which were doubtless finished in the most poetical manner; but this sacred allegory has been preserved, and inserted in holy writ; while most of the others have been lost.

The preposition, which here assigns this Song to Solomon, is the same used in the Psalm referred to, and in many others, as showing who composed them. Ver. 2. Thy love is.—Heb. “ Thy loves (are.)” In this language the plural is often used for singular, as implying excellence.:.: Ver. 3. Ointments.—That is, perfumes; so throughout this hook in every instance. See (Ecclesiastes 7:1)—The glorious excellences of the Redeemer’s person and character; the unction of the Holy Spirit without measure; the condescension and love of his undertaking in behalf of sinners; the switableness and precicusness of his righteousness, atonement, and mediation, and of all the offices which he sustains for our benefit: render his name more pleasant to the believer’s heart, than the most costly unguent or perfume could be to his senses.—Scott.: Ver.

4. We will remember.— We will cause thy loves to be remembered re. Vv. 2.—VI. 9. — 6 ch IV. 8—Vel. 7. ch. VIII. 8—12. aah RELA tee own vineyard have I not kept. feet, or even the hands of their sovereign, but to receive the “kisses of his mouth,” was the prerogative of the bride, and implied a complete reconciliation, whatever previous offence might be supposed. Growing bolder in her affection, she now tn Soca her beloved Lord as if present: “Thy love is better than wine!” that is, more delightful and exhilarating. So the apostle prays for those to whom he wrote, that the might know “the love of Christ that passeth knowledge !” ((Ephesians 3:19).) ’ In the next verse, the odour of this love, the report of its labours and effects, is desgribed as most attractive.

Yes! He who died for sinners. panied. that when he arose again, and ascended up on high, he would ‘‘draw all men unto him.” ((John 12:32).) Thousands have been drawn in every successive age, and thousands shall still be drawn in évery future age, until the number of his elect shall be accomplished, and gathered around his throne in glory. It is universally agreed that this poem isin dialogue, but we have not, in all cases, a certain criterion to guide us in marking the speakers, and therefore have not presumed to attempt it In our text: in the exposition, however, we shall endeavour more than wine;” by attending on the memorials of thy love; by our profession woul: and instructing our children; we will do what we can to cause thy love to be remembered by others, both while we live and after our decease.—Scott.——The upright love thee.—See margin.

Boothroyd, “‘justly;” i. e. thou art every way lovely. See ch. v. 16. Ver. 5. Daughters of Jerusalem.—* The daughters of Jerusalem,” may here mean such persons as associate with believers, and favour the cause of the gospel, but are not yet established or experienced in the faith: though some consider them as part of the professed church of Israel; and others as * foreign congregations,” which is not at all probable, The spouse, however, aims to prevent them from being stumbled by what they witnessed of her circumstances or appearance. In some respects, she was blackish, as the weather-beaten tents of the Arabian shepherds: but in others, shew as comely as the magnificent curtains in the palaces of Solomon.

The original word for * black ” signifies dark as the early daton.—Scott. Ver. 6. Look not.—Gaze not, stare not.—Because I am black.—The Hebrew word here is more emphatic than in the preceding verse —— Angry.– Boothroyd, “ Severe.”’ Ver. 7, As one that turneth aside.—See margin. But we prefer the textual rendering, as agreeing better with the pastoral ie Ver. 8. If thou know not.—It is evidently absurd, to suppose this verse to be the language of the attendant virgins, or unestablished converts; for how should they be able to instruct the spouse in her perplexity, and even to answer the request which she had addressed er Beloved. No doubt the Bridegroom is here introduced, as counselling his faithful spouse, with an en-