Song of Solomon 5

Here the Bridegroom maketh answer to the spouses invitation, ch.4.16. and sheweth, that he hath a singular delight in the fruits of the spouse, vers.1. she acknowledgeth, that she once neglected to let her bridegroom in, 2. But that afterward she rising to let him in, 5. He was gone away, which troubled her much, 6. To what inconvenience she came, when she sought him, 7. She acquainteth her companions with her exceeding great love toward him, 8. With a description of his beautifulness, 10.

1. I am come into my garden; that is, into my church. Here the bridegroom answereth to the request & petition of the Spouse, chap.4.16. he is ready to fulfill the desire of those that fear him, Psal.145.19. see likewise , Exod.20.24.] O my sister, O spouse, [see above, chap.4.v.8,9.] I have pluckt my myrrhe with my spice, [that is, I have enjoyed the prayers and thanksgivings of believers, as also the good and pleasant fruits of good works, which I wrought in thee by the powerful working of the Holy Ghost. Of the preciousness of Myrrhe, see above ch.1.on v.13. Observe here, that Christ calleth all these portions here mentioned, his portions; he saith, My myrrhe, my spice, my honey-comb, etc. for without him we can do nothing, Joh.15.5. and ch.1.v.16. and 1 Cor.4,7. Rev.3.18.] I have eat my honey-comb with my honey, I have drunk my wine together with my milk. [That is, I take delight in thy good fruits and good works. On the contrary, the evil fruits of sinners are called poisonous or venomous grapes, which have bitter berries, Deut.ch.32.v.32,33. The word of God, and the doctrine of the Gospel, together with the obedience unto the same, the use of the holy Sacraments, are compared to meat, honey and honey-comb, wine and milk, Psal.19.11. and 119.103. Isa.55.1. John 4 34. And 1 Pet.2.2. Because, as honey, wine, and milk are pleasant and convenient to cheer and nourish the body: so are also the aforesaid things pleasant and convenient to refresh and comfort the soul] Eat (O) friends, [here, and in the following words of the verse, Christ, the Bridegroom of his church inviteth the holy Angels and all the faithful to rejoice with him, because of the fair and pleasant fruits (that is, the obedience) of his church upon the earth, see Luke 2.v.13,14. And ch.15.v.7,10. (friends) They are the friends of Christ, that do the will of his heavenly Father, Joh.15.14. compare Isa.41.8. Jam.2.23.] drink and be drunken, O best-beloved. [see the annotate. Gen.43.34. Be drunken, is to say here, be ye filled with love towards me, and toward one another; or be abundantly satisfied with spiritual joy, which abideth unto life everlasting, see Prov.9.v.5. Isa.25.6. and ch.55.v.1.2.]

2. I slept, [Here is shewed, that the Spouse, or some members of the church, after they have eaten and drunk well, that is, have abundantly injoyned the mercies of Christ, do sometimes fall into sleep or slumbering; that is, wax flow and slack in zeal & good works, and fall into carnal ease and security, see Matth.25.4. Rom.13.11. 1 Thes.5.v.6,7.] but mine heart waked; [that is, notwithstanding I forgot not my Bridegroom, but kept him still in mine heart. Understand here by the heart, the inward man, or the regenerate man, who is opposed to the flesh, or the outward man, Rom.2.v.28.29. see likewise, Matth.26.41. Gal.5.17.] (it) was the voice of my most beloved that knocked, [the spouse relateth here the love and care of the bridegroom, that would not suffer her to rest quietly in the bed of worldly ease. Christ knocketh at the door of our heart by his word by his Spirit, and by cross, or chastisement, Rev. 3. Vers. 20] (saying) Open to me, [To wit, the door of thine heart: Rise up out of the sleep of sin, let me dwell in thine heartby faith, awakening it] my Sister; my Love, my Dove, my Perfect (one). [These loving or pleasant names and titles, which Christ here giveth to his spouse (she being yet in her infirmity) signify his transcendent love and affection unto her, loving her, and delighting in her, not withstanding that she yet liveth and converseth in this sinful flesh, not imputing unto her sins and imperfections] for mine head is filled with dew, and locks of mine hair with the drops of the night. [That is, I have endured much hardship and trouble. Hereby is intimidated, that Christ was to suffer much, and to undergo sore and heavy crosses and afflictions, to deliver his Spouse, and to cleanse and purify her from her sins. For to be wet, with the dew of heaven, is a great inconvenience, or discommodity, Genesis 31:40. and it signifieth here to suffer misery or affliction, as Daniel 4:25. As also rain, when a man is not covered or sheltered. So likewise drops, signify leaking or soaking in of rain, that is, great troubles, or adversities, Amos 6:11. Others take these words thus. As the dew and rain do make the ground or earth fruitful. So the Doctrine of Christ causeth his Church to bring forth abundance of fruit. See Deuteronomy 32:2. Psal. 72. 6. Hosea 14:5.]

3. I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on again? [As if she had said, I cannot put it on without trouble. The spouse maketh this answer to her Bridegroom, refusing to rise for to let him in when he knocked at the door. By the putting off of the coat, and the lying down in the bed, may be here understood the ease and security of this world, which do sometimes hinder and obstruct the true believing children of God themselves, that they do not readily and openly, freely profess Christ and his word, as soon as he knocketh, and offereth his grace unto them, fearing the trouble & persecution that doth usually a tend it] I have washed my feet, how shall I defile them again? [This is yet another argument, proving, that the spouse had given up herself to rest ad ease: for in those hot countries, where they commonly went bare-foot, they were wont in the evening, when they went to take rest, she was loath (as she here affirmeth) to rise from off her bed, to let her Bridegroom in, fearing to soil her feet. Of such frivolous ad idle excuses, see Luke 14:18, etc.]

4. My best beloved drew (away0 his hand from the hole (of the door, ) [His hand, that had been at the hole of the door, he drew away, to depart, as followeth, vers. 6. Oth. Put his hand through the hole of the door; to wit, for to open the door; and so here should be spoken of the door of the heart, and be intimated, that Christ still continueth preaching unto, and exhorting his elect, when they do not forthwith obey and follow him, so moving and touching their hearts by the power, and up to a servent love ad longing after him, as followeth in the next words] and my bowels are moved for his sake. [Or, because of him: to wit, because of the Bridegroom. Hebr. Over him, or, for him. By these words the Spouse testifieth her disquietness, hearty sorrow, and grief, for putting of her beloved so uncivilly and discourteously, when he knocked at the door, vers. 3. See the like phrase, Jerem. 4. 19. And 31. 20.]

5. I rose up, to open to my best-beloved: and my hands dropped (of) myrrhe, and my fingers (of) flowing myrrhe, upon the handles of the lock. [Here and in the verse following, the Spouse manifesteth her grief by outward tokens of sorrow and amendment, (fruits that are worthy of repentance) in rising up out her bed, opening the door, seeking, and calling after her Bridegroom, that was gone away from her. Understand here by myrrhe, the oil of myrrhe, whereby is signified, that the call and operation of Christ by his Holy-Spirit in the hearts of believers hath exceeding great power; and that they being sensible thereof in their hearts by true faith ad repentance (as sweet-smelling spices) do prepare themselves to receive and entertain their Bridegroom. (with flowing myrrhe;) Or, running myrrhe. Hebr. Passing-by, or, proceeding myrrhe, or, excelling myrrhe: that is, which passeth all other in worth and value. (Upon the handles of the lock:) That is, which were at the handles of the lock. Hebr. Hands, or, palms; that is, handles, whereon a man layeth his hand. Oth. Bars, or, bolts; and understand here the Christ without doors, and hindering him from coming in; which now being oiled with the oil of grace, and so all locks and bolts, that is, all impediments and hinderances being removed, the Bridegroom might come in unto her without molestation, to enjoy the fruits of his grace, which she had received of him]

6. I opened to my Most beloved, [This goeth yet one step degree further, to wit, that she being risen, openeth the door her own self, that the King of glory might come in unto her, laying aside all evasions and excuses, that might hinder her from enjoying his gracious presence] but my best-beloved was departed , he was gone away: [By the iteration or doubling of this sentence, wherein the Spouse complaineth of the departure of her Bridegroom, is signified her hearty sorrow, because she could not enjoy his presence, as she had done in times past] my soul went out [That is, I was like a dead body; to wit, through fear and terror. See Genes. 35. 18. And 42. 28. And the annotate. There. As likewise 1 Kings 10:5. Or, my soul went out; to wit, by reason of the great love and hearty longing, which I had after him] because of his speaking: [That is, because he had spoken so comfortably unto me, vers. 2. Which before I did not much heed or regard; but now I am heartily moved and sorry for it] I sought him, but now I am heartily moved and sorry for it] I sought him, but I found him not ; I called him, but he answered me not. [This is one of the sorest and greatest troubles that do befall the children of God, when God seemeth not to hear their prayers, though they cry and call night and day unto him, Psal. 22. 3. Isai. 59. Vers. 1,2, 3. So above chapter 3. 1.]

7. The watchmen that went about in the City, found me, [See above chapter 3. Vers. 3. Hence we may gather, that the Spouse went not onely to the door to seek her Bridegroom, but also further, seeking him in everycorner of the City,] they smote me, they wounded me: [hereby is intimated, that God sometimes suffereth his Church to be persecuted and oppressed by Tyrants, and wicked Governours; yea also by false Teachers and Hereticks, to chastise her for her drowsiness and negligence, and to make her the more watchful ad zealous in time to come. Smiting is not onely down with the hand, or with sticks and swords, etc. But also with the tongue, as appeareth, Jerem. 18. 18. Yea smiting signifieth to vex and torment a man be it by what means soever, Psal. 69. 27. Isai. 53. 4.] the watchmen on the walls took (away) my scarf from me [or, my Tiffany, & c, The Hebrew word hath its original from spreading abroad, because women-kind are wont to spread abroad their scarfs or vails over their heads, partly for ornament, Isai 3. 23. And partly for modesties sake, Genes. 20. 16. And 24. 65. Jerem. 2. 32. Likewise for a token of subjection, 1 Cor. 11. Vers. 6 7, 10. Now to take such a covering from off a Woman’s head, tendeth to her great shame and disgrace . So that the Spouse hath cause here to complain of it, as if she had been counted a dishonest, light, unchaste Woman. See Ezech. 23. 26. Some understand herely the scarf or vail, the bold profession of faith, and of true Religion. Of this vail or scarf the unfaithful Shepherds, or false Teachers, and Tyrants seek to rob the Church and members thereof.]

8. I adjure you, ye Daughter of Jerusalem, [That is, I charge you upon your oath. The spouse speaketh this, after she had escaped the watchmens hands, seeking for help and comfort among the true members of the Church of Christ. Of the phrase Daughters of Jerusalem, see the annotate. Above chapter 1. 5. And 2. 7.] if ye find my best beloved, what will ye tell him? [Oth. Ye shall tell him this] That I am sick of love. [As if she had said, when ye come before him in prayer, tell him (I pray) of the sad condition that his Spouse is in; to wit, that I do so heartily long after his mercy and compassion, that he would be pleased to heal the wounds of my sins, that I may not faint through longing, if I must needs want yet a long while the tokens of his love and favour.]

9. What is thy best beloved more than (another) best beloved, [That is, then the other friends which are also loved and are accounted dear. See above vers. 1. as the Patriachs Prophets, and Godly Teachers or Ministers, who have not the Bride, but are friends of the Bridegroom, who rejoice in his voice, John 3:29.] O thou fairest among women. See Hebrews 11:26.] what is thy best beloved more than (another) best beloved, that thou hast so adjured us? [The words of this verse, they are the words of such members of the Church, that as yet were not fully acquainted with Christ. In that they put forth this question the second time, it intimateth the great affection and desire which they had, for to know Christ alright.]

10. My best beloved is white and red, [these and the following words to the end of the Chapter, are the words of the spouse to those that had asked her concerning her Bridegroom, vers. 9. These two colours (to wit, white and red) being found alike proportion in one man, do much adorn and beautify him. The white colour signifieth pureness and triumphant glory. Wherefore it is said, that the Angels appeared in white raiment, Matth. 28. 3. Acts 1:10. Yea also Christ himself, Matth. 17. See also Rev. C. 6. 2. And 19. 14. By the Red or Ruddy colour is meant Christs Priest-hood, or Priestly office: because he washed us in the his blood, Revelation 1:5. See likewise Re. 19. V. 13, etc and Isaiah 63:1, 2, 3, & c.] he beareth the banner above ten thousand. [Heb. He is bannered, or, he bannereth, 7 c. It is a similitude borrowed from an ensigne-bearer, and his ensigne or standard, which may be seen above all others. The meaning is, that Christ excellent far above all the Angels, and all other creatures, because he beareth in his hand, and upholdeth alone, by his Divine power, and banner in his Holy Gospel, Isai. 11. 12. And 49. 22. Oth. He is adorned with a banner of ten thousand. (Above ten thousand) That is, over or above many thousand: a certain number for an uncertain. The meaning is, that although Christ hath an innumerable number of elect under him, (Revel. 7. 9. And 19. 14.) yet he exceedeth and surmounteth them all as their Head, Prince, Standard-bearer]

11. His head is of the finest gold, and of the massiest gold: [Here two words stand together, whereby the Hebrew express two sorts of the best and choicest gold, Cbe-them, and Phaz. And hereby intimidated, that the head; that is, the Divine Kingdom of the Bridegroom is exceeding fair and excellent, yea also perpetual and everlasting, Daniel 7:14.] his hair-locks are curled, [Or, crisped, frizzled] black, as a Raven. [Hereby is signified the beauty of youth; for in these times black hair was held to be an excellent grace and ornament in youth: it being a token of a hot and strong constitution.]

12. His eyes are as the (eyes) of doves [Above c. 1. 15. And 4. 1. It is said, that the Spouse hath doves eyes, and here it is said that the Bridegroom hath doves eyes. In Daniel 10:6. There are attributed or ascribed unto Christ eyes like lamps of fire: and Revel. 1. 14. Like flames of fire: all of them signifying that he seeth and beholdeth the ways of all men, and bringeth the secret actions of men, yea even their very secret thought to light, 2 Chron. 16. 9. Psal 11. 5. Ad 90. 8. And 94. 9. Jerem. 16. 17. Hebrews 4:13.] by the water-streams: [that is, that have their abiding place by the water-brooks,] washed with milk, [that is, looking as white, as if they were washed with milk] standing (as) in small ouches of rings. [Hebr. Sitting in the filling; that is, as precious stones stand or sit in the small ouches of gold-rings; that is, they are neatly sitted and joined in, and stand like precious stone sitted and joined in, and stand like precious stone sitted and fastened I a fair gold-ring: Such are the pure and comely eyes of Christ the Bridegroom of his Church]

13. His cheeks are as a bed of spice, [The Bridegrooms cheeks are likened to a garden-bed of spices, not of spices, not of such as are dry and withered, but of such as have flowers and leaves, giving a sweet and pleasant smell: whereby is signified the pleasant and acceptable graces of the Lord Christ, whereof all those that receive him by a true and lively faith, are made partakers. See below chapter 6.2.] (as) fragrant turrets, [Or, little Spice-turrets; meaning such kind of Apothecaries boxes, as are spiring like little turrets or towers, wherein spices, drugs, or powders or perfumes are kept] his lips are (like) lilies, dropping of flowing myrrhe. [that is, his lips send forth sweet ad comfortable Doctrines. (Dropping of flowing myrrhe:) That is, of oil made of sweet-smelling lilies and myrrhe, mixt among one another, asa above v. 5. This signifieth the gifts and graces (or, words of grace, Luke 4:22.) poured out into the lips of Christ, Psal.45. 3.]

14. His hands are (as) gold rings, filled (or set0 with the turquoise, [In Hebrew Tarsis, as Exodus 28:20. Oth. On his hands are gold rings, & c. Understand here by the hands, adorned by gold rings, wherein precious stones are set; the precious, pure, and glorious works of the Bridegroom. Thus the word hands is taken for working or power, 1 Chronicles 29:12. And 2 Chron. 20. 6.] his belly [Hebr. His bowels. But here by bowels must be understood the belly and the brest; wherein the bowels must be understood the belly and the brest; wherein the bowels lie shut up. Hereby is intimated the inward or hearty affections, and inclinations of the bridegroom; to wit, his love, grace, and compassion. See Luke 1:78. 2 Cor. 7. 15. Philippians 2:1.] is (as) standing Ivory; [Heb. The splendour of the tooth: to wit, of the tooth of an elephant. Understand this of the fairest, most polished, brightest and cleerest ivory that is] overlaid with Sphirs. [That is, beautified, or adorned with Saphirs. Some Saphirs are white, and glitter like a Diamond: Others are blew. Understand here white Saphirs, whereby the cleanness and pureness of the Bridegroom is set forth. Of the Saphir, see likewise Job 28:6.]

15. His shanks are as marble-pillars, grounded upon feet of the thickest gold: [Under the name of shanks, or legs, are the thighs also understood, yea the whole inferior part of the body unto the feet, they being the instruments or parts, that carry, support, and move the body from one place to another. This similitude is likewise used, Revel. 1. 15. See Psal. 147. Vers. 10. The strength and power of Christ, or the mighty and constant help which he affordeth unto his Church, are compared unto pillars of marble, which stand beautiful & firm, being set or grounded upon pure, or thick solid gold, signifying, that the promises, and works of god, are pure, firm and constant, yea even prevailing against the gates of Hell. In this respect Christ is called the 1 pet. 2. 6.] his countenance is as the Libanon, [That is, glorious, strong, and pleasant, like the fair, great, and high trees, which grew in great abundance upon mount Libanon, whereof see the annotate. Above chapter 4. Vers. 8.] choice as the Cedars. Things that do exceed others in beauty and greatness, are commonly chosen and picked out by men]

16. The roof of his mouth [That is, his words, speech, sayings, (as Proverbs 5:3. And 8.7.) likewise his Doctrines, comforts, promises] is meer sweetness, [See Romans 15:4. And Colossians 3:16.] and whatsoever is in him, is altogether desirable: [Heb. He is altogether desires; that is, all that is in him, is exceeding lovely, and worthy that we should desire and covet to enjoy it. Such a one is Christ unto his Church, and to all his Elect, but to the wicked and reprobate he is a stumbling-block, and foolishness, 1 Cor. 1. 23. See also Psal. 22. 7. Isai. 52. 14. And 53. 2.] Such a one is my best beloved, such a one is my Friend, ye Daughters of Jerusalem. [With these words the spouse intendeth to conclude the excellency and dignity of the Lord Christ, above all others]