Song of Solomon 3

Song of Solomon 3:1

Bed. The Church, finding Christ by his own revelation, and not by philosophy, holds him fast. (Worthington) — He had delayed coming at the usual hour, to give us to understand, that he is not found amid delights, nor in a crowd, but that we must seek him diligently, like Magdalene, John xx. (St. Ambrose, de Isaac.) — The apostles endeavoured to convert the synagogue, but their offers were rejected, and the guards, or princes, persecuted them. (Menochius) (Chap. v. 7.) (Haydock)

Song of Solomon 3:3

City. To prevent fires, &c. God will require the souls of the flock at the hands of his pastors.

Song of Solomon 3:4

Me. She was perhaps dead. Women had separate apartments, to which none but the husband could have access, Genesis xxiv. 28. At the end of the marriage-feast, the bride was conducted to her husband’s house, Matthew xxv. 1. (Calmet) — The Jews shall in the end acknowledge Christ, (Worthington) as the Church desires. (Menochius)

Song of Solomon 3:5

I. The bridegroom (Calmet) speaks as [in] chap. ii. 7., (Worthington) and chap. viii. 4. He retires early.

Song of Solomon 3:6

Who. The female companions of the spouse, (Calmet) or the bridegroom’s friends, (Menochius) admire her at a distance, chap. vi. 9., and viii. 5. (Calmet) — The converted Gentiles change the desert of the world into a paradise, by their good works, which ascend like a perfume. (St. Gregory) They admire their own conversion, and proclaim that we must fight for heaven, (Worthington) and adore Christ, the God-man; imitating all his virtues, (Haydock) and preaching his gospel. (Menochius)

Song of Solomon 3:7

Bed. Being stationed at the door to prevent any alarm, v. 8. (Calmet) — In the Church Christ finds his repose, and daily produces the only heirs of heaven. (Ven. Bede) — The angels, saints and pastors watch to defend it against the spirits of darkness. (Menochius)

Song of Solomon 3:9

Litter. Septuagint, to conduct his spouse with solemnity; or a throne; though it most probably denotes the bridal bed. (Calmet) — Hebrew apiron. Greek phoreion.

Song of Solomon 3:10

Going. Protestants, “covering of it of purple.” (Haydock) — Death must be endured, if necessary, for the sake of the faith, as this is the highest degree of charity. (Worthington) — He, &c. Hebrew, “is prepared for the beloved above the,” &c. See Homer, Odyssey v. 660. (Calmet) — Protestants and Pagnin, “the midst thereof being paved (Montanus, set on fire) with love for (Montanus, by) the daughters.” (Haydock) — The most desirable things adorn the litter, or the Church, that all may come to her, who has God to guide her decisions. (Menochius)

Song of Solomon 3:11

Go. All are invited to come to Christ, who, in his sacred humanity, which he took of his mother, was crowned in heaven, after his passion. (Worthington) (St. Gregory) (Alcuin) — The synagogue crowned him with thorns, and gave him the hard bed of the cross. (St. Bernard; St. Anselm, &c.) — Bethsabee might live to see the marriage of her son, who owed the crown to her, 3 Kings i. 18., and Proverbs iv. 3. Both the parties were crowned, (Isaias lxi. 10.) and no doubt Solomon would display his usual magnificence. The diadem was a bandage, adorned with embroidery, and precious stones. (Calmet)

Song of Solomon 3:17

CHAPTER III.