Song of Solomon 8

The spouse wisheth and desireth, that the bridegroom might appear in the flesh, and dwell with her, vers.1, &c. An admiration concerning the churches rising, 5. The spouses wish, that she might have assurance of her Bridegrooms love unto her, 6, &c. After that the spouse speaketh of her young sister; that is, of the church of the Gentiles, 8. The answer thereunto, 9. The Spouse resteth satisfied, and contended therewith, 10. The care which the Bridegroom himself taketh for his vineyard, 11, &c. But be will also be published and preached by others, 13. The spouse longeth after the speedy appearing of her Bridegroom, 14.

1. Oh that thou were unto me, as a Brother, [Heb. Who shall give thee unto me, as my brother! See the annotate. Deut.5.29. and Psal.14.7. This is a wish, and longing of the spouse, or of the godly, earnestly wishing and longing that they might live to see that day, wherein they might behold Christ, their Bridegroom (being become their brother, according to the flesh) manifested in the flesh. How greatly many of the people of God in the old Testament longed after this, see Matth.13.17. Joh.8.56. Heb.11.13.] sucking the breasts of my mother! [In a spiritual way here is to be understood by the mother, the universal church, the heavenly Jerusalem, which is the mother of us all, Galat,4.26. Christ sucked the same breasts, that we do or have sucked, when he did partake of the Sacraments of the Old and New Testament; as namely, of Circumcision, the Passover, Baptism, and the Lords Supper, so to fulfil all righteousness, Matth.3.15.] that I might find thee in the street, I would kiss thee, [kissing is a manifestation of love, sometimes also of honour, and obedience, see Psal.2.12.above, chap.1.2.] also they should not despise me. [those persons are despised, that either do, or at least are counted to do, something that is not honest, or not seemly and decent, Gen.38.23. 2 Sam.6.16. Isa.37.22. Therefore inasmuch as the spouse by kissing her bridegroom openly in the street; that is, by professing him publicly before men, and acknowledging him to be her Saviour, can do nothing unseemly or unbesitting, she cannot in that respect be justly despised or mocked by any godly or religious persons. Or these words (also they should not despise me) may be taken in this sence, as if the spouse had said, Mine enemies, that is, infidels or unbelievers would then no more deride mine hope and expectation, which I have concerning the Messia his coming in the flesh, as they were wont to do, when the promises of God tarried a while, and were not presently accomplished, as appeareth, Psal. 42. 11. And 2 Peter 3:4.]

2. I would lead thee, [To wit, with reverence and with joy; desiring to despise or spread abroad Christ, that is the knowledge of Christ in the universal Church both of Jews and Gentiles, as followeth in the next words] I would bring thee into my mothers house, [that is, into the Church, or assemblies of believers, which are Gods houses and Temples, Galatians 4:26. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Hebrews 3:6.] thou shouldest teach me; [the Church speaketh this unto Christ, see Deuteronomy 18:15. Isaiah 2:2, 3. Mich. 4. 1, 2. John 1:18. And 4. 15. And 15. 15. Hebrews 1:1.] I would give thee to drink of spiced wine, and of the juice of pomegranates. [that is, I would bring forth such good fruits to thy praise and glory, that should be as pleasing and acceptable unto thee, as wine mingled with spices, or hypocras, or the juice of pomegranates can be to any man. This pleasant drink is quite contrary to that cup, whereof mention is made, Revelation 17:2, 4.]

3. Let his left hand be under mine head, and let his right hand imbrace me. [The Spouse considering her own weakness, beseecheth the Bridegroom to comfort and support her, to the end that she may find rest for her soul, above, chapter 2. 6. Oth. His left hand is, or lieth, under mine head, that is, in the mean while he taketh care for me, manifesting his strength in my weakness; he suporteth me in my greatest necessity, as a faithful husband assisteth his wife in her necessity and distress.]

4. I adjure you, ye daughters of Jerusalem, [That is, I charge you by oath] that ye stir not up that love, nor waken (it) until it please (the same) [The spouse feeling now the gracious comforts and consolations of her Bridegroom, wisheth that she may be, and constantly continue partaker thereof, forbidding her friends to disquiet or molest the same. See above, chapter 2. 7. And 3. 5. To wit, by heresies, schisms, or scandal. Some are of opinion, that the Bridegroom speaketh in this vers. Oth. Why, or to what end should ye stir up that love, or awake (it) before it please her? This question signifieth as much as if it were said, Stir not up this love, it will neither benefit you nor us, to vex and grieve your mother, the Church. See the like phrase above, chapter 2. 7. And 3. 5.]

5. Who is she that cometh up out of the wilderness, and leaneth lovingly upon her best-beloved? [These are the words of Bridegroom, admiring at the rising of a new church in a place, where there had been no assembly or congregation of believers before. Or, if these be the words of the ancient Church of believers (as some are of opinion they are) then it is an admiration of the daughters of Jerusalem at the growth, strength, steadfast, and unmoveable faith and patience of this Church, leaning, trusting, and relying onely upon the gracious defence and protection of her Bridegroom. Compare above, chapter 3. 6. By the wilderness in this place may be understood the Nations of this world, out of which the people of God are chosen and called, Joh. 15. Vers. 19. Oth. Joining her self unto, or associating her self with her best beloved. The Hebrew word that is used in the text is found no where else, but only here. By this phrase of leaning upon her best-beloved, is shewed the weakness and infirminity which the Spouse feeleth in her self, her strength consisting alone in Christ, her Bridegroom, upon whom she leaning and relying by faith, is strengthened in all fears, doubtings, temptations and dangers, as being by union and communion with him, made partaker of his graces and benefits, for he that is joined unto the Lord, is one spirit with him, 1 Cor. 6. 17. Which maketh him perfect, stablisheth, strengtheneth, and setleth him, 1 Pet. 5. 10.] I raised thee up under the apple-tree, [These are the words of the Spouse awaketh out of sleep by her earnest and fervent prayer, as Psal. 44. 24. And 68. 1. And 78. 65. Understand hereby the Apple –tree the tree of grace, whose shadow and fruits are pleasing and delightful unto the Spouse] there [to wit, under the apple-tree] thy mother brought thee forth with sorrow, there she brought (thee) forth with sorrow, (that) bare thee, [or, thus; There was thy mother in labour of thee, there was she in labour that bare thee. Thy mother, that is, the primitive Church, or assembly of believers, in whom Christ in a manner may be said to be born, to wit, by the preaching, professing, and practising of his Word, and by suffering for it. To bring forth Christ into the World by the preaching of the Gospel, is here typified and represented unto us under the comparison of a woman, being in travel, or in pain of child bearing is accompanied with much pain and sorrow, so it likewise when Christ is conceived and born in the hearts and minds of men, that they should believe in him. This is not done without much travel, care, pain and grief. See 2 Cor. 6. 4, 5. And 4. 8, to 11.]

6. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm. [In these words the Spouse prayeth unto Christ for assurance and confirmation of his love unto her, that she might be set and abide as a seal, in and upon his heart, and continue so for ever. This hath respect to the breastplate of the High Priest, wherein were graven the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, in or upon twelve precious stones, Exodus 28:21, 29. At all times seals were made use of for confirmation of a thing that was written or promised; to the end, that the same might not be broken, see Nehem. 9. 38. Jerem. 22. 24. Haggai 2:23. Mal. 3. Vers. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 19. The High Priest bare the names of the twelve tribes, not only upon his heart, but also upon his shoulders, for a memorial or remembrance of the children of Israel, See Isaiah 49:16. Some conceive, that by the heart here is meant the inward and intimate love of the Bridegroom, and by the arm the outward manifestation of his love, as Psal. 77. 16. And 86. 11.] for love [to wit, the spiritual love of the Spouse unto Christ, and in like manner the love of Christ unto his Church and elect] is strong as death: [The meaning is, As death by its power overcometh and conquereth even the strongest man that is, Psal. 89. 49. So the mutual love between us both is exceeding strong, and cannot be quenched in us by any enemy or adversity, no not by death itself] zeal is hard as a Grave: [Zeal or jealousy. This signifieth a vehement burning fervent love. This love or zeal is said to be hard as the grave, because it devoureth, and overcometh all difficulties, Galatians 5:24. Colos. 3. 5. Even as death and grave do swallow up all things] the coals thereof are fiery coals, [here is spoken of the burning coals of love, that kindle and inflame the heart, and cannot be quenched] flames of the LORD. [that is, great mighty flames. Or flames that are kindled by the spirit of Christ, which may justly be called great, by reason of the strength of his love, and the powerful working of the Spirit in the hearts of the elect.]

7. Many waters would not be able to quench this love; yea the Rivers would not (be able to) drown [or overwhelm, overflow] it. [By waters and streams are oftentimes in scripture signified adversities, persecutions, temptations, which the Lord Christ sustained for our sakes, and whereby the faith, love, and patience of the children of God are exercised and tried, as Psal. 42. 8. And 69. 2. Isaiah 8:7, 8. And 59. 19. Daniel 9:26. And 11. 22. Matth. 7. 27. See the Annotat 2 Sam. 22. On ver. 17. Compare Romans 8:35. To 39.] though a man should give all the substance of his house for this love, he would be utterly contemned. [Hebr. Contemning they would contemn him: that is, he would not be able to get it for the same: or his wealth or substance would not be accepted of, to give him this love for it, it would be utterly despised. As the love rated, being tied and fastened together by the band of the Spirit: So neither can love, nor any other spiritual gift giveth it to whomsoever he pleaseth, Acts 8. Vers. 18. 19, 20. Romans 9:11, to 19.]

8. We have a little Sister, which yet hath no breasts: [The Church of the old Testament speaketh here unto and gathered from among the heathens or Gentiles, which was often promised of old, as Psal. 2. 8. And 72. 8. Isai. 11. 10. Which Heathen Church she calleth her Sister, in respect of the unity of faith. The Jewish Church is called the eldest Daughter, because she was first called to the fellowship of the covenant. See Romans 9:4, 5. (A little Sister:) Thus the Church which consisteth of heathens or Gentiles is called, not because she is little in respect of the number of believers; but because she was called later to the knowledge of God in Christ; to wit, in the fullness of time, Ephes. 1. 10. And 2. 6. For otherwise this least or youngest sister, who had been so long barren and unfruitful, bare many more children, then the eldest sister did. (Which yet hath no breasts:) That is, she is not yet married, or, of age to marry; the time is not yet come, that the Gentiles should be brought unto Christ, and married to him] what shall we do for our Sister in that day, when she shall be spoken of [That is, when the time of her conversion unto Christ shell be come: what shall we then do or contribute towards her assistance, growth, and establishment in the truth and in the faith. It intimateth and sheweth the duty and office of love that one particular Church oweth unto another in the communication of gifts, and in praying for one another. See Acts 11 vers. 19, 22, 23. Oth. When she shall be spoken against, as the Hebrew letter Beth is taken, Numb. 21. 5. Where it is said, The people spake against God, and against Moseh. So Psal. 119. 25. Princes spake against me. As soon as a people convert themselves unto God, straight way the wicked set themselves against them both in words and works]

9. If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will compass her about with boards of Cedar. [Some take these words to be the words of Christ: others, to be the words of Sister Churches, wishing and desiring her Prosperity. (If she) To wit, the Church of the Gentiles, (be a wall) that is, firm and strong in the faith, being well grounded upon the foundation of the Doctrine of the twelve tribes of Israel, and of the Apostles. See Rev. 21. Vers. 14. 19. (we, & c) By the word we may be understood the Sister Churches, or Jewish Churches; for by the members thereof the Lord called the Gentiles to the fellowship and communion of Saints, especially and by name by the Holy Apostles, who were all of them Jews born, who as wise builders laid the foundation of this silver-palace, 1 Cor. 3. 10. (will build upon her) That is, we will more and more strengthen and adorn her; to wit, by the word and the preaching of the Gospel. (a palace) Or, castle, or, strong tower, as they are wont to build in or at strong walls of Cities, (of Silver:) This signifieth the pureness, beauty, and lastingness of this palace, being adorned with the gift of Gods Word and Spirit, whereupon she was be to built, for an habitation of God, Ephesians 2:22. (and if she be a door,) That is, if her heart standeth open, to let in the preaching of the Word of God into her heart, and to receive it with joy, (we will compass her about) Or, strengthen, inclose, fence her. The Lord promiseth, Zach. 25. That he will be a wall of fire round about his Church. (with planks, or, boards of Cedar;) That is, with strong palisadores , or others fences. Cedar wood, and the boards or planks that are made of it, are fair, strong, lasting, and of a good smell. Of such kind of wood was Salomons Temple built, 1 Kings 6:15. By these boards or planks of Cedar may here be understood the word of truth, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail, Matth. 16. 18. And 2 Corinth. 13. 8.]

10. I am a wall: [That is, I am grown up, and become strong in faith, and in the love of Jesus Christ. In these words the little sister, doth (as in Prophetical and manner) shew her willingness and readiness to receive and entertain the Doctrine of the Gospel, and to grow and increase in it. Others take these words to be the Christ for his grace and mercy, in that she was become a City of God, or was received for the City of God: Or, because her faith was strong like a wall] and my breasts are like towers. [The meaning of these words is, My breasts are grown big, or fully grown, as Ezech. 16. 7, 8. That is, Church-government is settled in me, sufficiently to bring up children unto Christ, feeding them with the milk of the Word of God, 1 Pet. 2 vers. 2. The comparison of towers, signifieth also the strength, power, and glory of the administration of Gospel, and the public preaching and dispensing of it out of pulpits, or high places, to be heard by all. For the Hebrew word migdal is also taken for a pulpit of wood, Nehemiah 8:5.] Then was 1 [To wit, when I got or obtained that answer, whereof or mention is made, vers. 9.] in his eyes [To wit, in the eyes of Jesus Christ,] as one that findeth peace. [Hereby which she receiveth of her Bridegroom, that after long continued misery and affliction, she is comforted and relieved by him. See Isa. chapter 54. V. 7, 8. Etc. See also Eph. 2. Vers. 12, 13, etc. The Spouse speaketh this unto her companions (as one that findeth peace) We are all of us enemies of God, Romans 5:10. To wit, being considered in our corruption, or state of nature: but being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1. Isaiah 32:17. It is, as if the Spouse here had said, The Bridegroom hath accepted of my faith and diligence, and therefore he was well pleased with me. Others take the meaning of these last words to be this. I was satisfied with that answer, and was well pleased]

11. Salomon had a vineyard at Baal-Hamon: he gave this vineyard unto keepers, every one brought for the fruit thereof a thousand silverlings. [These words may be taken as spoken by Christ; or, by the Spouse. If they be the words of Christ, then it is a comparison between Salomon and his vineyard, and between Christ and his people. Salomon could not in his own person heed and attend his vineyards, (as neither David could do his, 1 Chronicles 27:27.) but he appointed officers to keep and attend the same, which paid a yearly rent for them, and themselves enjoyed some profit or benefit thereof for their labour: But Christ, who is always present with his Church, Matth. 28. 20. Revel. 2. Tendeth his own vineyard himself, and therefore all the fruits and profits thereof pertain to him alone. If these be the words of the Spouse, then they signify a greater care and diligence in her now, then in former time, when she confessed, that she had not sufficiently kept, or regarded the vineyard which she had, that is, which she entrusted with, above cha. 1. 6. Of Salomons vineyards, See Eccles. 2. 4. (at Baal Harmon:) Oth. In a fruitfulplace. Heb a master, or, Lord of the multitude, that is, a place that beareth many fruits; Understanding hereby either the World, among the multitude of whose nations Christ hath those that belong unto him, Or else the Church is so called, in respect of the manifold fruits which she yieldeth unto God, or ought to yield, being placed or planted in a fruitful soil, upon which God had poured forth his blessing; See Isai. 5. 1. (He gave this vineyard unto keepers) That is, he let out this vineyard, or put it to farm unto farmers or keepers, to dress and manure it, that it might bring forth much fruit. By the keepers, or dressers of the vineyard, are to be understood the Prophets of the Old, and The Apostles, with their succesors, in the New Testament. See Matth. 21. 33. 1 Cor. 3. 9. (Every one brought for the fruit thereof a thousand silverlings: Or, a thousand (sheckels) of silver;) Hereby signifying the great fruitfulness of his vineyard, which brought in, or yielded so much profit for the owner, besides the gain and profit of the farmer, or of him that had hired it. See also Isaiah 7:23. Of the rate or value of the Silvering, See Genes. 20. 16. And 23. Vers. 15.]

12. My vineyard, [That is, my Church, as above cha. 1. 6. Isai. 5. 1, 7. They are the words of the Bridegroom] which I have, [That is, which is committed to my care and custody; of which I have the oversight] is before my face: [I myself do continually heed and regard it; I myself take care, that it will be well dressed, & manured: not doing as Salomon, who left the whole care and business to the keepers, I myself in person do mind my vineyard, and my sheep, Ezech. 34. 11, 2 & c. John 10:14. Revel. 2. 1.] the thousand (silverlings) are for thee O Salomon, [As if he had said, Thou Salomon shalt have thy full rent or revenue, to wit, a thousand silverlings, vers. 11.] but two hundred are for the keepers of the fruit thereof. [That is, the labourers and keepers of the vineyard shall have also their due, every one according to his labour and pains. See Matth. 20. Vers. 1, etc. 1 Cor. 3. 8. Understand withal, But the fruits of the vineyard do wholly and solely belong unto me. This honour do all faithful Ministers of the Church, willingly ascribe and attribute unto their Lord Jesus Christ: we may plant, and water, but it is God alone giveth the increase, 1 Cor. 3. 6, 7. And 15. 10.]

13. O thou inhabitant of the gardens, [Here Christ speaketh unto his Spouse, who dwelleth in the gardens, that is, who abideth or keepeth in those places, where Churches are planted, in divers Countries and Cities,] the companions attend unto thy voice: [It seemeth that here by the companions must be understood, the other believing Christians, which have obtained like precious faith, 2 Pet. 1. 1. And hear the Doctrine of the Church, and follow it] cause me to hear (it) [To wit, thy voice]

14. Come quickly ; my best-beloved, [Come quickly Hebr. Flee. It seemeth not be taken so here in this signification. For the Church prayeth not the Christ would Flee, or depart from her, that is the request of the Gadarenes, Matth. 8. 34. But flee signifieth here, come to us as quickly, as a man fleeth, that is pursued. The Spouse prayeth and requesteth, that she may see the end of the Kingdom of Christ in this world, [where he is persecuted and afflicted in his members) and likewise her taking up into the high heavens. Now Christ reigneth in the midst of his enemies, Psalms 110:2. And that shall henceforth continue so, until he shall have delivered up the Kingdom unto God his Father, 1 Cor. 15. 24, 25. After this day doth the Spouse earnestly long; and wisheth that he may come quickly, and that the Bridegroom would assist her, while she is here below in the conflict or combat, above chapter 2. 17. And that he would hasten his last coming for her deliverance and redemption. Or if we will needs retain the word Barach in its own proper signification, then this must be the rendering and meaning of the words, Flee, my best beloved, .......to the mountains of spices; that is, to the heavens, which are called here the mountains of spices, in respect of the height, the fruit, and delight which shall be for ever at the right hand of God. Above chapter 4. 6. Heaven is called a mountain of myrrhe, and an hill of frankiscense. It is as much as if the Spouse here spake after this manner: Although it would be very pleasing and delightful unto me, to enjoy thy bodily presence continually with me, yet I confess that it is better for me, that thou be in heaven so send from thence the Comforter the Holy Ghost unto me, and to prepare a place for me in thy father’s house, that thou mayest at length receive me unto thyself into everlasting bliss, Job 14:2. And 16. 7.] and be thou like a roe, [Which runneth swiftly and speedily; That is, make haste to come to us. See above chapter 2. Vers. 8. 9, 17. As this high Song beginneth with an earnest longing of the Spouse after her Bridegroom, that would kiss with the kisses of his mouth: So it endeth and concludeth with an earnest and fervent longing after the second coming of Christ, when he shall receive and take up his Church into everlasting joy: The Spirit and Bride say, Come, and let him that heareth say, Come. Christ himself saith, I come quickly, Amen. Yea come Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Rev. C. 22. V. 17. 20, 21.]