Song of Solomon 1

In the Chapter is first described unto us the great, and earnest longing of the church after the grace and favour of Christ, vers.1, &c. Her outward contemptible countenance, but inward beauty, 5. Together with her danger among false brethren, 6. And her longing after Christ, 7. A consolation and instruction of Christ unto his church, 8. The great joy of the spouse because of the love of Christ unto her, 12. Christs delight in his church, 15. And the churchs love unto her bridegroom, 16.

1. The High song, [Heb. The song of songs: that is, a very fair, and exceeding excellent song. See the annotate. Genesis 9:25.] which is Salomons. [Oth. Which concerneth Salomon. Understanding by Salomon Jesus Christ, of whom Salomon was a type, in his Royal dignity and glory, as also in his wisdom, and in his teaching and instruction of the people.]

2. Let him [To wit, my bridegroom Jesus Christ. They are the words of the Spouse; that is, of the church of Jesus Christ] kiss me [That is, let him shew or manifest his love unto me. Oth. Oh that my bridegroom would kiss me! To kiss me one another was at all times held to be a token of love, friendship, and courtesy: in token whereof, men were also used to kiss one another, Exod.4.27. and 18.7. Rom.16.16. & Thes.5.16. Christ kisseth his spouse, that is, his Church, or chosen ones, when he manifesteth unto them, and causeth them to feel that great and wonderful love which he beareth unto them: We kiss Christ, when with an upright faith, hearty love, and child-like fear and reverence, we acknowledge him to be our Lord and Saviour, and do wholly submit our selves unto him, and obey him, Psal.2.12.] with the kisses [In the plural number, whereby is exprest the riches of the manifold graces and mercies, which Christ sheweth to his elect, Ephes.1.7,8,9, etc.] of his mouth, [Our Lord Jesus Christ revealeth unto believers the love with the beareth unto them, by his word. Therefore it is said, Psal.45.3. that his lips are very pleasant, or gracious. See below 5.15. and Isa.50.4. Peter saith likewise, Lord, thou hast the words of eternal life, Joh.6.68.] for thy excelling love [That is, kindness, loveliness. Heb. Loves. Now the spouse (that is, the church of God) speaketh here unto Christ her bridegroom. Understand here by the word loves, the transcedant love and affection, as also the benefits and favours which Christ sheweth unto his elect] is better then wine. [By the word wine, here is to be understood all earthly comforts and delights, Compare Jud.9.13. Psal.104.15. So below chap 4.10.]

3. Thine oils are good for smell, [Understand by oils here, sweet-smelling oils, precious oitments, or balmes. Hereunto spiritual gifts or gives are often resembled, as Psal.45.8. Isai.61.1. and 1 Job 2.27.] thy Name [Understand the name, person, and the soul-saving office of Christ, as the same are revealed unto us in the Gospel] is an oil, that is poured forth: [Salomon seemeth here to have looked at the name Messias; that is, Christ, Anointed, who was anointed with the Holy Ghost, not onely for himself; but that holy Balsam flowed down from him, who is our head, upon us his members. See Psal.133.2. and Joh.1.16. This name after Christs ascension into heaven, is spread far abroad; for all Christians have their name from Christ] therefore do the virgins love thee. [That is, (as it is said, vers.4.) The upright love thee. The elect are more then once in Scripture compared unto Virgins, Matth.25.1. 2 Cor.11.2. Revel.14.1,4,5. And that in this respect, because the children of God must so narrowly heed and watch their consciences, left they be defiled with the sins of the world, as an honest maiden or virgin ought to look to her own honesty and chastity.]

4. Draw me, we will run after thee: [Draw me; That is, incline mine heart and mind, that it may adhere-unto thee by faith and love. For this drawing is not done with outward strength and violence. But by the word of preaching outwardly, and inwardly by the powerful working of the Spirit of Christ, whereby the understanding of the children of God is so enlightened, and our will so reformed and amended, as that we willingly and joyfully follow; yea run after our blessed Lord and Bridegroom Jesus Chirst. See Isai.40.31. Jer.31.3. John 6:44,45. And 12.32. Phil.2.13. Heb.12.1,2.] the King [Understand by the King, Christ the King of righteousness, and of peace, Heb.7.2. of whom Melchizedek and Salomon were types] brought me into his inner chambers, [By these inner chambers are meant the mysteries of the Kingdom of Christ, which in the Old Testament were vailed and covered under the shadows of the Ceremonial Law: but now in the New Testament we behold the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, 2 Cor.3.18. See also Rom.16.25. and 1 Cor.2. vers.9.19,16. And 2 Cor.1.20. Heb.8.10,11. Or, understand by the inner chambers the Kingdom of Heaven, wherein are many mansions, Joh.14.2. which we already possess and enjoy by faith, Eph.2.6.] we [To wit, I and my maidens, or, companions, that is, all the faithful, or all believers] will rejoice, and he glad in thee; [O King: and in thee; that is, because of thee. As if she should say, the more we increase in the knowledge of thee, and in the taste of thy grace and mercy, the more we shall be confirmed and strengthened in spiritual joy. Compare 1 Pet.1.8.] we will mention thy excelling love, [that is, we will extoll and publish the grace of Christ, who hath called us out of darkness unto his marvelous light, 1 Pet.1.9. See also Psal.25.18. and 71.16. Jsa.12.3,4. And 63.7.] more then wine: [s if she should say, Lord, we will magnify and praise thy grace and favour with more joy and delight, then wordlings take in earthly things. For the peace of God passeth all understanding. See Psal.4.8.] the upright [Heb. The rightnesses, or, uprightnesse; that is, those that are endued with uprightness, who v.3. are called Virgins, namely those, in whom there is found no guile, Psal.32.2. Joh.1.47.] love thee.

5. I am black, [Understand here by blackness, the outward deformity of the state and condition of the church, occasioned both by tyrannies and persecutions, also by reason of the heresies, schisms, and offences that do befall the same. See Psal.119.83. Lament.4.8. and 5.10.] but lovely, [the church of Christ is lovely, because she is cleansed and purified by the blood and spirit of Christ, 1 Cor.6.12. So that in that respect she shineth and is fair, as the doves, Psal.68.14. see likewise Psal.45.14,15, &c.] (the Daughters of Jerusalem) [That is, the faithful children of God. Jerusalem that is above, is the mother of us all, Gal.4.26. Thus are also particular Churchs, and Christians called here daughters of Jerusalem, and virgins, 2 Cor.11.2. Revel.14.4. and Psal.45.vers.13.14. the church is called the Kings Daughter. Such are here comforted and strengthened against the scandals of the cross, and the infirmities that do accompany the cross in this world] as the tents of Kedar, [Understand here by the tents of Kedar, the posterity of Kedar, the second son of Ismael, Genes.25.13. who dwelt in tents, having no settled habitation or dwelling-place; but they swerved to and fro throw-out Arabia, from one place to another. See the annotate. Psal.120. vers.5,6. The children of God are likewise according to the world and outward appearance, not beautiful, not comely, they likewise have here no abiding City, but look for the heavenly Jerusalem] as the curtains of Salomon. [As if she had said, I am (it is true) as the tents of Kedar, but likewise as beautiful as the curtains of Salomon: (of the beauty whereof see Josephus in antiq.lib.8.cap 2.) for the children of God are inwardly beautified and adorned with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, as are Godliness, the love of God, and of our neighbor. Oth. As the pavilions of Salomon, which outwardly (by reason of rain, wind, and the scorching of the Sun) were not very beautiful, but inwardly were exceeding fair and beautiful.]

6. Look not upon me, that I am blackish, [The meaning is, look not upon mine outward baseness and deformity, despise me not for it, but look upon mine inward beauty] because the Sun hath shined upon me. [Heb. The Sun hath looked upon me. Understand here by the Sun, (which maketh them black, upon whom it shineth) persecutions and afflictions, as Matth.13.6,21.] My mothers children Isa.48.1,2. Acts 20:30. who indeed boast that the Church is their mother, but in vain, seeing they have not God for their Father. See Deut.32.5. Joh.8.44.] were incensed, [To wit, with anger] against me: [That is, they grieved and vexed me. The enmity and persecution of false brethren is (2 Cor. Chap.11.26.) counted among the most grievious afflictions and crosses, that do befall Christians. See Galat.2.4.] they have set me to be a keeper of the Vineyards: [By Vineyards in Scripture are oftentimes meant, the assemblies of men, both good and evil. Of the first, to wit, of the assembly of good men, see Psal.80. Isai.5.2,7. Matth.chap.20. Of the second, to wit, of the assembly of evil or wicked men, see examples, Deut.32.32. Revel.14.18. Some do understand here by the Vineyards, false Churchs in general, and hypocritical members in particular, whereunto her Mothers sons or children sought to bring her, willing that she should give heed to the traditions and commandments of men. See Mark 7:13. Acts 15:1,10. Galat.6.12,13. Coloss.2. vers.20,21,22,23. However the Church complaineth there, that she is oftentimes so far overpowered by false brethren, as that her own Rulers and Overseers do rather defend and protect the goats, then the true sheep: the heretics and schismatic rather then the Orthodox. Whence nothing, but great calamity and destruction of the Church can arise] my Vineyard which I have, have I not kept. [That is, I have not minded it, as I ought to have done, being hindered and kept back, either by reason of mine own infirmity, or by reason of tyranny, and persecution. Others take those words thus, as if the spouse, or (the Teachers of the primitive church) should say, I was appointed to have the oversight of other churches, I have left the primitive church which I had planted; and other churchs have been planted by me throughout all the World: The primitive Church that was planted at Jerusalem, I could not keep there, nor tarry with it, by reason of the persecution of Jews and other tyrants.]

7. Tell me [Or, make me acquainted] (thou) whom my soul loveth, [So below, chap.3.1,2,3.] where thou feedest , where thou lodgest (thy flock) at noon: [Here the spouse speaketh again unto her Bridgegroom, and she requireth of him the Spirit of discerning, that she may not be deceaved or seduced by false Teachers, as followeth in the text. For there shall come false Prophets, who shall say, here is Christ, (or) there is Christ, Mark chap.13.vers.21. and sometimes God hideth his face, Deut.32.20. and saith, I will not feed thee, Zach.11.9. Christ is the supreme or chief shepherd of the sheep, Psal.23.1. that is promised, Ezech.34.vers.23,24. The Prophets, and Apostles; and all true Teachers or Ministers of the Word, are his Ambassadors and Messengers, whom he sendeth forth, to feed in his Name his sheep in the pastures of life, Joh.21.vers.15,16,17. The Church enquireth here most earnestly, where she may find rest and pasture at noon, that is, in the hottest time of persecution, of heresies, and schisms, when the sheep are ready to faint by reason of the heat of the cross. Compare Isa.49.10. Joh.16.33.] for why should I be as one that covereth herself among the flocks of thy companions? [That is, why shouldest thou suffer me to be as a woman, that is covered by reason of grief and heaviness, when I wander up and down in a sad and sorrowful way, for not being able to find thee? The covering of the face is a token, either of grief, or of shame. Therefore the spouse here desireth to know, where her bridegroom feedeth his sheep, that she might forthwith join herself unto them, or unto him, left wandering up and down, she might either be despised, or go astray. Oth. As one that turneth aside to the flocks of thy companions? As if she had said, If I should do this, (through want of thy gracious presence) I might come to be deceived, because there are many that bear the name of thy companions, ministers, or friends (Matth.24.5,24. And 2 Pet.21.2.) whereas indeed they are thine enemies, and seducers from thee, 2 Cor.11.3. This happened to the Galatians, Galat.1.6,7. All those that have not their abode in the inheritance of the Lord, they are in danger of falling to the worship and service of other Gods, 1 Sam.26.19.]

8. If thou know it not, [Oth. Seeing thou knewest it not; to wit, where I do feed my sheep. This is an answer of our Saviour Christ, unto the fore-going question of his spouse, vers.7. reproving in a friendly and loving way her ignorance in this needful and weighty matter. Oth. If thou knowest it not for thee, or for thy self; as if he should say, Seeing thou art ignorant of thy self, therefore I will instruct thee] O thou fairest among women: [Heb. Thou fair among women; that is, thou that art the fairest. Thus the Angels speaketh unto the blessed Virgin Mary. Thou art blessed among women; that is, the most blessed of women, or, more blessed then other women, Luke chap.1.28,42. Thus the Lion is said to be strong among the beasts; that is, the strongest, Prov.30.38. See the annotat. There. The Church of God is called the fairest, because by the blood and spirit of Christ, she is washed and cleansed from all her sins, Eph.5.26,27. And endued with all manner of excellent spiritual virtues, although she be in her own self by nature deformed and contemptible, Ezech.16.3,4. See in this chapter vers.5,15,16. So also below chap.5.9. and 6.1. the same title is given to the Church] then go forth in the footsteps of the sheep, and feed thy kids by the shepherds dwellings. [As if he said, Give heed to the examples of the Holy Patriarchs, and others of mine elect, that are graced with honourable testimonies in Holy Scripture, Heb. Chap.11. Imitate their faith and their works. Follow them who from the beginning of the world have known and followed me, considering the issue of their walking and conversation, Heb.13.7. and 11.1,2, etc. and 12.2. See also Jerem.6.16. and 1 Cor.11.1. Understand by sheep, and kids, those Christians, that join themselves to the church of God, Jos.21.15,16. 1 Pet.2.2. These the Bridegroom will have the spouse (that is, the Church) to receive, and to take care, that they be fed and nourished with spiritual food. Feed thy kids by the shepherds dwellings. That is, bring thy flocks into the pasture and fold, which the Prophets and Apostles followed and shewed, and which they left unto the Church in their writings. See Psal.77.21. and Psal.78.vers.70 71,72. And 1 Pet.1.19. and 3.2.]

9. My love, [See below chap.2. vers.2,10,13. And 4.1,7. And 5.2. and 6.4. Joh.15.vers.14.15.] I compare thee to the Horses in Pharaohs charets. [In divers places of Holy Scripture there is mention made of the goodly Horses, and the strength of the charets of Egypt, as Exod.14.17. 2 Chron.9.28. Isai.31. Ezech.17.15. The Church of Christ is compared unto these, both in respect of her beauty, and also in respect of her strength and power, which she hath received from Christ, to vanquish and subdue her enemies, 1 Cor.10.4. Among this Calvary, do shine forth by name the Holy Prophets and Apostles: Whence Elias is called the charets and Horsemen of Israel, 2 Kings 2:12. and likewise Elisa, 2 Kings 13:14. Because they were able to effect more by their prayers, then a great strength or power of charets and Horsemen. See Revel.19.vers.14,15.]

10. Thy cheeks are lovely in the spangles, [The Hebrew word, which is found here, and vers.11. and by us rendered spangles, signifieth properly Turtle-doves, as Lev.chap.12. and elsewhere. But here it signifiethy a certain ornament belonging to women, being like unto Turtledoves, that are adorned about the neck with a kind of collar. So fair are the cheeks of the spouse of Christ, in as much as he hath washed and cleansed them with his blood, and adorned them with precious Pearls of spiritual gifts, especially with humility and meekness, which are precious in the sight of God, 1 Pet.3.4.] thy neck in here unto strings or chains of Pearl, because all the fruits of regeneration are fastened and linked together as with a string or chain: Prov.1.9. and 20.15.]

11. We will make thee golden spangles, [This is spoken in the Name of the Holy Trinity; for they that keep the commandments of Christ, they are beloved of the Father and of the Son, Joh.14.21,23. And the Holy Ghost shall likewise abide with them for-ever, John 14.on vers.16.] with silver studs, [Or, knobs, or pimples, or small buttons. Understand hereby all manner of Christian vertues, whereof many are recited, Galat.5.22,23. And Coloss.3.12.]

12. While the King is at his round table, [Or, as long as, &c. Here the spouse speaketh again to her maidens or virgins, commending her Bridegroom before them. By the King here is meant the LORD Christ, the King of all Kings, as above, vers.4. Round table. See 1 Sam.16.on vers.11. By the table here is meant the Heavenly glory, where into Christ entered by his suffering. See Matth.8.11. and 26.29. Luke 24:26. Rev.3.20.] my spikenard giveth its smell. [As if the spouse should say, while Jesus Christ is in Heavenly glory, compassed about by those that sit round about with him at his table, in his Kingdom: my spikenard is a very precious herb, the oil whereof they were wont to pour upon Princes and Great men, or excellent persons, as they sat at table. See Mark 14:3,8. Joh.12.3,7. Hereunto the Holy Ghost is compared, by reason of his sweet-smelling gifts, which were more abundantly poured 7.39. giveth its smell. That is, the Holy Ghost, whom he sendeth unto me from the father, comforteth me in all tribulation. Others take those words in this sense, as if the spouse said, I diligently apply my self to the doing of good works, which may be pleasing and acceptable unto the King: I employ the gifts, which I received of him, well; I hide them not, but let them give their smell, that is, bring forth goods works, that are acceptable unto God, and wherein the King taketh pleasure and delight.]

13. My most-beloved is a bundle of myrrhe unto me, [That is, the memorial of Christs love, which he manifesteth unto me, in and by his bitter suffering, is unto me as a sweet and pleasant nosegay or posy of myrrhe, to cheer and comfort mine heart. Myrrhe is a very good and pleasant spice, drug, or gum, which was heretofore used to perfume the garments, or apparel of Princes, and other ways. See the annotate. Exod.30.on vers.23. and Psal.45.9. Being mingled with wine, it maketh a very pleasant drink, to comfort and strengthen the heart, and to purge the blood, as Pliny testifieth. It was also used in a mixture with other spices for the enblaming of dead bodies, Joh.19.39. In brief, it is a precious herbs, which deserveth to be presented unto Kings as a special gift, or present. See Genesis 37:25. and 43.11. and Matth.2.vers.11. Therefore no wonder, that the love of Christ is compared unto it] (which) overnighteth betwixt my breasts. [Hereby is intimated, that the church of God will continually keep and preserve the memorial or remembrance of her Bridegroom, especially as long as the dark night of persecutions & tribulations lasteth, comforting & strengthen strengthening her self therewith, Ephes.3.17.]

14. My most beloved is unto me a cluster of Cyprus, [Cyprus is a certain plant which bringeth forth a sweet smelling fruit or gum, like unto a flourishing Vine-branch, as Hierome witnesseth. Some conceive that hereby is meant a natural cluster of grapes, called by the name of Cyprus, which herb grew in great abundance thereabouts, see the Herbals. However it be, thereby is understood an exceeding pleasant fruit, whereunto our Saviour Christ is compared, by reason of his sweet-smelling merits and soul-saving gifts. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins, 1 Joh.1.7. He is the propitiation for our sins, 1 Joh.2.2.] in the vineyards of Engedi. [see of this city the Annot.1 Sam.chap.24.on v.1.]

15. Behold, thou art fair, my love, [The beauty, which the church of God hath, is of free grace, being obtained and purchased by the blood of Christ, and by his righteousness. See below, ch.4.1.] behold, thou art fair, [the iterating or doubling of the words serveth to strengthen and incourage the church of God the more against the persecutions of her enemies] thine eyes are doves (eyes.) [that is, single and chaste. See below, ch.4.1. hereby is signified, the spiritual purity, simplicity, and chastity of the church of Christ, whose eyes are onely fixed on him, and in him alone look for salvation and eternal life. See Psal.123.v.1,2. Matth.10.16. But some do understand here by eyes, the ministers and Elders, or Over-seers of the Church, and the instructors of those that are ignorant, who ought to have the most quick-sighted eyes in the Congregation. See also Job 29:15. Psal.32.8. Numb.10.on vers.31. below, Cant.4.1.]

16. Behold, thou art fair, my most beloved, [Christ is fair or beautiful by nature, for he is the Lamb without spot or blemish, Exod.12. But the spouse is fair or beautiful by grace, by means of the merits and satisfaction of Christ, Joh.1.16.] yea, lovely, [that is, not surely, nor proud. He inviteth us in a most friendly and loving way, saying. Come unto me ye that are burthened and heavy laden, I will refresh you, Matth.11.28.] also our bed-stead is green. [that is, there are daily many spiritual children born in thy church, of the immortal or incorruptible seed of thy word, 1 Pet.1.23. Therefore the Church is called, the Mother of all believers, Galat.4.v.25.]

17. The beams of our houses are Cedars, [The Church commendeth her habitation or dwelling, to invite and bring others to it. She calleth the assembly of Believers houses, in the plural number, because there are many particular Churches. By the beams is understood, the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles, for thereby the Church is tied together, in Christ, as the foundation, Eph.2.20. These beams are of Cedars; that is, strong and incorruptible, for the word of God abideth forever, Isa.40.8. 1 Pet.1.25. Of the durableness or lastingness of Cedar-wood, see Judg.9.on v.15. Christ speaking of the durableness and continuance of his church, saith. The gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Matth.16.18.] our gallaries [or walking places, or tilings, as Gen.30.38,41.] are Cypresses. [This word is very pleasant, therefore Christ is rightly compared thereunto. Oth. Of Boritan, called in Latine, Bruta, which is a tree like unto the Cypress-tree, of a very pleasant smell, Plin.nat.Hist.lib.12.cap.17. The Hebrew word used here in the text, is found no where in Scripture, save onely here.]