Song of Solomon 7

The Spouse is commended because of her beauty and comeliness, vers. 1, & c. She rejoiceth because of her communion and fellowship with her Bridegroom, 10. She inviteth him, and requesteth to go along with him to visit the Churches, 11, & c.

1. How beautiful are thy goings in the shoes, [Understand hereby, her conversation in the faith in Jesus Christ, to wit so, as that her feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, manifesting thereby, that she is born of God, Ephes. 6. 15. See also Isai. 2. 7.] thou Princes Daughter; [Compare herewith John 1:13. And James 1:18. This Spouse, or the Church, is also called a Kings Daughter, Psal. 45. 14. For god is a great King] the joints of thy thighs, are like precious chains, [Or, like neck-chains, or, bracelets, or such like ornaments. See Prov. 25. On vers. 12. The Hebrew word rendered here joints (which is onely found in this place) cometh from a word that signifieth turning, or turning about, and it signifieth the hollowness wherein the hip or thigh bone is moved or turned about. These joints (or turning about) are compared to precious chains, or jewels, signifying the sure, upright, and fair feature, dealing, and conversation of his Princely, or Noble Daughter, well becoming the Gospel, whereof she maketh profession. Others render the Hebrew here girdles, and understand thereby the girdle of truth, which the chiefest workman of all good and perfect gifts, as is intimidated in the words following. This girdle is compared to chains of gold, that are fastened and joined together with many links; for truth hath many parts, but they all suit with one another, like the links of a chain] being the work of the hands of an Artificer, [Understand by this skilful workman, the Holy Ghost. See 1 Cor. 12. 4. It is said, James 1:17. That every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights. It seemeth that the friends of the vers. 5. And vers. 9. Is spoken of Salomon or Christ, as of a third person: Notwithstanding some hold them to be the words of the Bridegroom]

2. Thy navel is (like) a round goblet, [The navel is the instrument, whereby the child is fed and nourished, while it is shut up in its mother’s womb. Understand here by navel, the navel of regeneration, whereby we are made partakers of spiritual life, when we are conceived in the womb of the Church, by the seed of the word of God. This gift is compared to a round goblet or bowl; which wanteth no drink or liquor, as followeth in the next words of the text; that is, which is never emptied or dried up, because by regeneration we receive the Spirit of adoption, which never departeth from the elect, John 14:16. But he becometh in them a well of water, springing up into everlasting life, Joh. 4. Vers. 14.] which wanteth no drink (or liquor:) [Heb. Which wanteth no mixture. Drink or liquor is often by the Hebrews called mixture, because they did not always drink the wine as pure as it came from the grape or wine-press, but they mingled it with water; or also with spices. See above chapter 5. 1. And Proverbs 9:2. And below chapter 8. 2. Mention is made of wine mingled with spices] thy belly is like an heap of wheat, [The spiritual gifts of the Spouse or Church of Christ are also fruitful, converting others, in such abundance and plenty, as wheat that beareth and bringeth forth much fruit, Psal. 72. 16.] set round about with lilies. [Heb. Fenced, etc. Hereby is shewed, that the fruitfulness of the Church is crowned with the blessing of God and Spiritual Joy. It seemeth to have respect to the new fruits, which they were used to crown or adorn with flowers, or green garlands. See Hosea 14:6.]

3. Thy two breasts, are like two whelps, twins of a roe. [See the interpretation of this verse, above chapter 4. 5.]

4. Thy neck [By the neck is meant the power and glory of the Church of Christ. Others understand by the neck, hope and patience] is a tower of Ivory, [that is, beautiful, strong, and right. See above chapter 4. 4. And the annotate. There] thine eyes are (like) the fish-pools at Hesbon (To wit, the eyes of thine understanding, and of thy faith, they are full of clear and pure water, being clear to see and discern the truth, and to consider her own ways and goings, and the ways and going of others. See above chapter 4. Vers. 1. (at Hesbon) In the City of Hesbon King of Sihon formerly kept his Court, Numb. 21. 26. It lay in a goodly fat soil or region, which fell by lot unto the Reubinites, Numb. Cha. 32. Vers. 3, 4, 5, to 37. It seemeth that there were in this city very fair fish-pools, that beautified and adorned it, as the eyes do the body. Oth. Like fish-pools with consideration, or, with thought; that is, curiosly, or artificially made] by the gate of Bath-rabbim: [That is, by the gate, where many go out and in, or, by the gate where many men meet together. Some conceive that there was fair fish pools. Some take it for the sheep gate, Nehem. 3. 1. Or, the fountain-gate,, Nehem. 3. 15. Others take it to be a gate of the city of Hesbon] Thy nose is as the tower of Libanon, [Here by way of similitude or comparison is described the beauty of the nose, and consequently of the whole face. Some take the words thus, Because the nose is the instrument of smell, whereby we can discern the virtue of many things; therefore they understand by it, the judgement, and the spirit of discerning, whereby we are able to discern things that differ, Philippians 1:10. See also Isai. 11. 3. (as the tower of Libanon) This may be understood of the tower of the house, which Salomon built in the forest of Libanon, or, of the trees of Libanon, 1 Kings 7:2. And 10. 17.] which looketh toward Damascus. [Damascus was in those times the most famous city of Syria, Isai.7.8. lying Northward of mount Libanon: A very fair city, Jerem.49.24,25. This city was commonly enemy to, and made war often with the people of God: See 1 Chron.18.vers.5,6. 1 Kings 11:24,25. Isai.7.5,8. Amos 1:3. So that the tower of Libanon looking toward Damascus, may here signify the vigilant and watchful care of the spouse for the rest both of her self, and of her children against her and their enemies. For, which looketh toward Damascus, others have, seeing with the face toward Damascus. In Hebrew it is called Dammesek: and 1 Chron.18 5, and 6. Its called Damascus: but 2 Kings 16:10. and Acts 9:2. Damascus.]

5. Thine head upon thee, is like Carmel, [See of mount Carmel, 1 Sam.25.2,5. And 1 Kings 18.vers.19,20, to 42. And elsewhere besides. Now these words, thine head upon thee, is like Carmel, may signify, that the spouse is excellently endued with wisdom and understanding, as mount Carmel being very fruitful, brought forth many good fruits. Others do render here the word Carmel, by Crimson, as a like word, to wit, Carmil, is so rendered, 2 Chron.3.14.] and the hairlace of thine head. [understand here such hair-lace or binding, or philiting, wherewith they bind up the dressing or ornament of the head. The Hebrew word dallath signifieth properly thineness, tenderness, daintiness; so that it may also signify here thin, or smooth hair. See chap.4.1.] like purple: [This colour as also the crimson-colour did Kings and Princes wear in ancient times, and therefore the same did well befit this spouse, who is called a Princes Daughter, vers.1. And these colours are representations of the blood of Christ] the King is (as it were) tied in the galleries. [Understand here by the King, King Salomon, who was a type and figure of Christ. The meaning is; When the King intendeth to go over the galley from one chamber into other, and spieth thee in his going; he is fain to stand still to look upon thee; no otherwise then as if he were bound and tied fast to the gallery. Oth. The King is (thereby) tied to the goings. The Hebrew word Repatim, is Genes.30.38,41. And Exod.2.16. rendered gutters: but a like word, above chap.1.5,17,18. Rendered galleries, as it must likewise be so taken in this place. And understand by the word Galleries, Fabrics or buildings that go all along the Houses. And to be tied upon, or, in the Galleries; signifieth here, that Christ hath a sure and firm habitation or abode, in the house of his church, where this King is tied, and continueth tied with the bands and cords of love, which he beareth unto his beloved spouse the church, Rom.8.35. See also Psal.45.12. Isai.62.4. Ezech.37.25,20. And chap.48.vers.35. Hos.2.19. Joh.14.23. 2 Cor.6.16. Revel.22.3,5.]

6. How fair art thou, and how pleasant art thou, O Love, [Here the Bridegroom sheweth a reason why he is tied, and continued still tied with or by love unto his spouse, as he affirmeth vers.5. See above chap.1.vers.15,16. And chap.4.vers.9,10.] in delights! [That is, in all manner of recreation, so that all those that love this spouse, may rejoice with her, and be glad in the beauty of her glory, as Isai.66.10,11.]

7. This thy length [Or, stature, shape] is to be likened to a palm-tree, [this is a fair tall tree, growing straight up or bolt up-right, always green and flourishing, and bearing fair and excellent fruit. Therefore the condition of the godly is compared unto it, Psal.92.13. See also 1 Kings 6:29. and 7.39.] and thy brests to clusters (of grapes.) [To wit, to such clusters of grapes, as are full of sap and moistures, which the faithful may suck, receiving from thence heavenly comforts and consolations unto satiety, Isa.66.11. and above chap.4.vers.5.]

8. I said, [To wit, with my self; that is, I thought, I firmly resolved] I will climb up into the palm-tree, [to wit, to gather the fruits from off it. Take these words as being spoken by the Bridegroom, intimating that he greatly delighted in the spiritual fruits of his spouse. See above chap.5.vers.1.] I will take hold of the boughs thereof: [that is, I will take the boughs or branches of this palm-tree unto my self, and I will purge and keep them, that they may bring forth better fruit, Joh.15.7.] so then thy brests shall be as clusters of grapes on the vine, [this is a promise, which the bridegroom maketh unto his spouse, to wit, that he will bless her, filling her with the sap and moisture of his grace, so as that she shall not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ, 2 Pet.1.8. See also Isai.27.6. But others take the words of the text to be a wish or desire, in this sense: that thy breasts might be, etc. That is, that thou wearest no empty, or an unprofitable vine, as is written of Israel, Hos.10 1. But that thou were full of the Spirit, that the babes and sucklings might suck, and be filled with the breasts of consolation, Isa.66.11.] and the smell of thy nose [compare above vers.4. with the annotate.] like apples. [which have a pleasant smell among other fruits of trees, of what sort soever they may be. But some understand here pomanders or sweetapples, which the Apothecaries make of divers sweet-smelling spices.]

9. And the roof of thy mouth like good wine, which goeth straight to my beloved, causing the lips of the sleeping ones to speak. [That is, the Doctrine of the church is like good wine, to comfort and cheer the sad and heavy hearts, Prov.chap.31.v.6. See likewise this similitude taken from wine, Isa.55.1. and Prov.9.5. (which goeth straight to my beloved:) Hebr. According to the righteousnesses; that is, right on, straight forward, as we commonly use to say, so also Prov.23.31. Oth. Which goeth according to the righteousnesses to my beloved: That is, whose words tend thereunto, to bring others unto Christ, and consequently to righteousness; that is, to all good works, wherein he will have us to walk. (To my beloved:) That is, to every one of my members. (Causing the lips of the sleeping ones to speak:) The meaning is, As wine maketh men affable and fluent in words, Prov.23.29. So the spirit of God maketh those that have him dwelling richly in them, to speak of the mysteries of God, and to relate the great and wonderful works of the Lord, Acts 2:4,11,13. (of the sleepings ones:) that is, of those that are now raised or wakened out of the sleep of sin, by the preaching of the word of God, Ephes.5.14.]

10. I am my best-beloveds; [These are the words of the Spouse, being filled with the wine of grace and comfort, which she had received of her Bridegroom. She testifieth and confesseth and confesseth her assurance by faith, that she belongeth to Christ, see Gal.3.29. see also the annotate. Above, chap.2. on vers.16. and chap.6.on v.3.] and his affection is toward me. [or, his desire tendeth unto me.]

11. Come my best beloved, let us go forth into the field, let us overnight in the villages; [The Spouse requireth the company of Christ; for without him we can do nothing, Job 15:5. The Spouse petitioneth the Bridegroom for leave to go into the field, and into the villages; to wit, to visit her tillage, to see what success it had, and whether the trees brought forth good and plentiful fruit, as is said, v.12. This signifieth the love and care of Christ, and of his church, for the propagation of the Gospel, and the increase and augmentation of the church throughout the whole world, (for the field is the world, Matth.13.38.) as Christ himself in the days of his flesh, went into all the Cities and Towns, preaching the Gospel, Matth.9.35. Mark 6:6. so likewise the Apostles are sent forth to preach the Gospel to all the Nations of the world, Matth.28.19. see also Acts 15:36. The building up of the Church is also compared to husbandry, 1 Cor.3,9. And the faithful Pastors and Teachers are also called there Gods co-workers or fellow-labourers. (Let us overnight, etc.) hereby is shewed the vigilant care or carefulness of the church, which even by night watcheth and keepeth guard over her vineyard.]

12. Let us get up early to the vineyards, [This is again a token of diligent carefulness, see 2 Chron.36.15. and Jerem.25.3,4. (To the vineyards) That is, to the Churches or places where the Gospel is planted or preached. For the house of Israel is the Lords vineyard, Isa.5.7.] let us see whether the vine flourisheth, (whether) the young grapes [see of young grapes, above, ch.2 13,15.] do open, [or, have opened. Oth. Bud, or blossom, see above, ch.6.11.] (whether) the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my excelling love. [To wit, in the vineyards of the church, in the congregations of the Saints, there will I offer up unto thee my soul and my body for an acceptable and sweet-smelling sacrifice. (My excelling love:) That is, the injoinment of the fruits of my faith, profession, thankfulness, good works, etc. See Isa.27.vers.3,6. And 65.9. Ezech.20.vers.40,41.]

13. The Dudaim [The right signification of this word is unknown to us, see Gen.ch.30.on v.14. It cannot be the Mandrake, such as is known among us, as some conceive, because our Mandrake hath a stinking smell, which maketh the head heavy, and sleepy. The spouse doth intimate here, that there is already some good hope of repentance and conversion to be observed in her, as the sprouting out or blossoming of flowers is a good beginning and preparation of fruit to come, see above, ch.2.v,12.] give a smell; [to wit, a pleasant and acceptable smell. The meaning is, that the fume of the gifts and graces of God poured forth upon his people, is spread abroad into all places both far and neer] and at our doors [or, nigh our doors. Compare Matth.24.32,33.] are all manner of precious fruits, [see above, chap.4.v.13,16.] new and old: [this phrase signifieth variety and plenty of fruits, see Levit.26.on v.10. See also, Matth.13.52. By the old fruits, understand the first gifts, and works, which they formerly received, Rev.ch.2. v,5. By the new fruits, maybe understood the fresh graces, which they had but lately or newly received: for he that maketh a right use or improvement of the gifts of regeneration, shall by the grace and blessing of God, receive still more and more, Matth.25.29. Rev.2.19. Some do understand hereby double fruits upon trees; old, ripe, and decaying fruits, and new, green, and coming on; as may be seen in the Orange-trees, and in sundry other fruit-trees] O my best-beloved, I have laid them up for thee. [as the goodness, which the Lord hath laid up for them that fear him, is wondrous great, Psal.31.20. So likewise must all the good fruits, that flow from his people, be improved and employed to his praise and glory. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to him be glory forever. Amen. Rom.11.36. Prov.16.4.]