An Exposition of the Song of Songs, Chapter 1
Solomon's Preface.
Chap. 1 ver. 1 The Song of Songs which is Solomons.
THis Divine Song of Songs
To Solomon belongs;
TheNotes explaining the Senſe. aChriſt is plainly the Truth of what Solomon was the Shadow or Image. And his Wives, both Jewiſh and of the Gentiles (moſt eſpecially Pharaohs Daughter) are fit Emblems of the Church. Type to Solomon,
The Life to Chriſt alone.
The Preface of the Expoſitor.
MAyNotes explaining the Senſe. bA Prayer for the Aſſiſtance of the Divine Spirit in ſo myſtical a Book. th' Holy Breath now fill my humble Sails,
That ſwell'd KingNotes explaining Words. 1Solomon from the Hebrew Schelomoh. Schelom's Thoughts with firſt born Gales;
While Sp'rite Divine did th' Royal Phant'ſy ſteer,
He ſung the Song, the World of Songs can't Peer;
A Song, that Sacred Senſes Enterweaves
With Prophecies ſo high, thatNotes explaining the Senſe. cAllow this a Prophecy, as undoubtedly it muſt, as hath been ſet out in the Preface, and it muſt be above all the Names of Prophecy in the world. Notes explaining Words. 2The great Pagan Propheteſs, ſuppos'd yet to foretell Chriſt.Sybils leaves
So fam'd, to Ballads dwindle in Compare,
Or ſilenc'dNotes explaining Words. 3Heathen Oracles ſtruck dumb by Chriſt, the Great Pan, or Shepherd, as Plutarch witneſſeth. Oracles; This does declare
That Princely Stem, whom David's Kingly Root
From Low Beginnings did in Schelom ſhoot
'Bove Earthly Kings, and ſtill in David's Son,
And Lord, much higher lifts true Solomon
Rev. 19. 9.Till Heaven opens, and on Skies he rides
Triumphant, and all Power Endleſs guides:
Fix then the Foot of Schelom's Inſpir'd Layes
In Regnant David's firſt Annointed Dayes;
And there of Right; For there the Olive thriv'd
Into a Scepter, and its Oyl deriv'd:
FromNotes explaining the Senſe. dIt runs from David to Chriſts Supreme Kingdom. hence thoſe Holy Concerts are diſplay'd
Which 'twixt True Schelom and his Church are laid,
Wherein itsNotes explaining Words. 1Holy Veils, or Likeneſſes in Parables. Hieroglyphicks are carv'd out
Through every Stage of Time, and whichNotes explaining Words. 2Make famous. Redoubt
Its State; not ſuch oft-times as Poets paint
Their Beauties in, not in the vulgar Quaint
Of Phancy, but in Images, low, plain,
Notes explaining the Senſe. eThe Song hath great Senſe, even where the Types are loweſt and plaineſt.DivinelyNotes explaining Words. 3Full of Senſe. ſenſy, ſolid, free from vain,
And yet ſo High, no mortal Quill can touch,
Nor Myſteries in humble Phraſe ſo couch:
This Song is enterchang'd 'twixtNotes explaining the Senſe. fThere is by the ſeveral words uſed, My Love, or Beloved, by the Spouſe; my Love or Companion; Spouſe, Siſter Spouſe, by Chriſt; and Perſons of a Third or middle betwixt both, and calling Chriſt the King, a plain diſtinction of the Perſons, viz. The Spouſe of the King, the King, the Chorus, or Quire of Saints. g The kiſſes of Chriſt's Lips are a moſt proper Emblem of David's time, becauſe David was ſo eminent a Prophet, and King, and the Pen-man of ſo excellent a Book of Scripture, ſo full of Divine Truth, as the Book of Pſalms, wherein are alſo ſo great diſcoveries of Chriſt's Kingdom. th' Spouſe, and King,
Who turn it round, as 'twere in Holy Ring;
TheNotes explaining Words. 4or Quire. Choir of Saints informes, cenſures, approves,
Notes explaining Words. 5Grieves with.Condoles,Notes explaining Words. 6Rejoyces with. conjoyes, as each occaſion moves.
The Spouſe.
David's Reign of forty Years.
LET thirſty me now drink the Chriſtal Breath,
That from his Word, like Kiſſes followeth,[Let him kiſs me with the kiſſes of his mouth]
While Iſraels ſweeteſt Singer with Harp skims
The tuned melting Air; TheNotes explaining Words. 7A rich Drink. Nectar ſwims
Around my Lips, with Raptures all Divine,
More Rich, moreNotes explaining Words. 8Flowes out. Vivid than the flavour'd Wine;[Thy Love is better than Wine]
While Truth in Streams it ſelf thus Diſembogues,
As chaſteſt Kiſſes, Loves ſweetNotes explaining Words. 9Mutual Diſcourſes. Dialogues,
I own them; and from Him, whom my Soul loves,
Who all His Favours into Life improves.
[Becauſe of the Savour of thy Good Oyntments]Oh thou the True Annoint'd,Notes explaining Words. 1Chriſt, Dan. 9. 25. Meſſiah Notes explaining Words. 2nam'd.hight,
Thy God-likeNotes explaining the Senſe. hThis Symbol alſo of Oyntments is moſt proper to David, God's Annointed, whoſe Anointing with holy Oyl, and to an Everlaſting Kingdom, is ſo often mention'd in Scripture: from which Annointing Saul was rejected. Now all this referrs to Chriſt, the true Prince David, or Meſſiah, whom David though his Son in ſpirit calls Lord. Oyntments give thy Name the Right.
[Thy Name is as Oyntment poured out]Thy fragrantNotes explaining Words. 3Small Motes flying from Bodies. Atomes draw theNotes explaining the Senſe. iAn Emblem of which were thoſe Songs of the Women; Saul hath kill'd his thouſands, and David his ten thouſands, 1 Sam. 18. 7. k Solomon, a Prince of Peace, had this the great Glory of his Reign, That he built the Temple; elegantly here call'd Chambers, viz. of Love and State. l Wine is an Empharical Symbol, or Repreſentation of the Dedication of the Temple, with thoſe magnificent Feaſts. The remembring of the Love of Chriſt more than Wine, implies Solomon's Fall into Idolatry, and yet the ſincere upright Servants of God keeping cloſe to him. Virgin Souls,
Seiz'd with thy Holy Flames, they meet inNotes explaining Words. 4Great Companies. 5 Thy Great Father David. Sholes
Within thy pure Embrace, piercing the Type
Of thy Grand Sire, and by that Conduit Pipe
[The Virgins love Thee]Arrive to thee, Great Saviour, whoſe large Wing
Shaded thy Father, who of Thee did ſing
With higheſt Pleaſure, and with ſtrongeſt Truſt
Thou'dſt raiſe His Scepter with himſelf from Duſt.
Solomon's Reign, 36 years, from the Temple begun; 40 in the whole.
[Draw me, We willrun after Thee; The King hath brought me into his Chambers]But though thy fragrant Oyntments Virgins win
To thee, theNotes explaining Words. 6The Camp typ'd Chriſt in his Judgments, as in David a Warrier. bloody Fields, and Camps within
Yet more them move, The Rooms of Love, and State
Notes explaining Words. 7Chriſts gracious Communion typ'd by Solomon's Temple, as Chambers.Chambers in Schelom's Temple Emblemate
Where greater Freedoms of Thy Love, Thy Grace,
May formerNotes explaining Words. 8Wars full of Horrour. Scenes of Miſery efface.
[We will rejoyce in thee, we will remember thy Love more than Wine.]The Goblets crowned with the luſty Wine
Did not at th'Notes explaining Words. 9The Feaſt at Solomon's Temple Dedicated, 1 Kin. 8. 65. Dedication ſo Refine
Our drooping Spirits, as Thy nobler Love,
The Characters of which what can remove?
NotNotes explaining Words. 101 Kings 11. 5. Schelom's After-fall, no tempting Feaſts[We will remember]
On Idol Sacrifices; Our warmNotes explaining Words. 11Searches with Sorrow. Queſts
Still Thee alone purſue; no fooliſh Fire
Of Aſt'roth, Milchom, Chemoſh, us inſpire;
The Upright love Thee, and recall Thy Love,
However Schelom with his Pleaſures move.
Chorus.
But even HeNotes explaining the Senſe. mFrom this Fall Solomon roſe by Repentance, teſtified by his Book of Eccleſiaſtes, or of the Royal Preacher, and this his Prophetical Song of Chriſt's Kingdom. repenting to this Point
Thy Self return'd,Notes explaining Words. 12King and Preacher, Eccleſ. 11. Eccleſiaſt Anoinct
And ſo Atton'd, this Song of Songs He ſings,
As Royal Prophet mount'd on Heavenly Wings,
Leading thy Spouſe through all its Shades and Vales,
Till in thy laſting Arms He it Empales
On Mount of Spices, where this Song is drown'd,
Rather with laſtingNotes explaining Words. 13Chap. 8. 14. with Revel. 19. 3, 4. Hallelujahs Crown'd:
Thus happy were theNotes explaining Words. 14Days of David. Davidean Days,
Thus happy Schelom's, till His Fall deep lays
The Ground of future WoeNotes explaining Words. 15Diviſion of the Two and Ten Tribes. the laſting Schiſme
Of Tribes united in the HolyNotes explaining Words. 16Or Anointing of David and Solomon Types of Chriſt. Chriſme.
The Church is ſtill but One, for Truth, for God
Are only one, Churches under one Rod
Are therefore gather'd; One, However ſtyl'd
By th' differing Names of People, where they're Fil'd;
Thus does the Church inNotes explaining Words. 17Here begins the firſt of Ezekiels 390 Days lying on his ſide, Ezek. 4. 5. Year of the World, about 3030. Jeroboams ſhare
Of th' Ten Trib'd Kingdom, celebrate its Care
To be reputed; Thoſe whoſe Lips, whoſe Knees
Ne'r kiſs'd, ne'r bow'd to Calviſh Deities:
Thus does the Spouſe in thoſe unſpotted Souls
With Reaſon mourn;
The Spouſe.
Notes explaining the Senſe. nHere the Prophetical Cypher of Time, or of a Day for a Year begins; or of Ezekiels 390 days, and ſo go on to the 40, and joyn to the 2300 Even. and Morn. and ſo reach the very Kingdom of Chriſt.Jeroboam's Reign.
While I in ſableNotes explaining Words. 18Garments. Stoles
[I am black but comely]Look black: Through courſeſt ſhades my Beauty ſhines,
My graceful Meine the thickeſt Clouds Refines;
[As the Tents of Kedar]While Tyranny ſecludes me from my Love,
Shrin'd in his Temple; Grant,Notes explaining the Senſe. oThe Tents of Kedar and the Curtains of Solomon were the fitteſt Repreſentation that could be choſen to ſet out the divided ſtate of the ten Tribes from the Two: For while there was a true Church among them, they were as the Curtains of Solomon, they had Communion with the Temple, and yet they were alſo as Kedars Tents, by their diſtance from it and its Worſhip. I ſeem to move
[As the Curtains of Solomon]LikeNotes explaining Words. 1Kedars Tents, a likeneſs of Heatheniſh Worſhip. Kedars Tents, yet whil'ſt my Worſhip's Pure,
[Ye Daughters of Jeruſalem, look not on me becauſe I am black, becauſe the Sun hath look'd upon me]Still Scheloms Notes explaining Words. 2Solomons Curtains of true Worſhip.Curtains as my Guard enſure
My Chaſt Embraces; Let no ſcornful Eye
Dwell on my tawn'd diſcolour'dNotes explaining Words. 3Complexion. Phyſnomy.
ToNotes explaining Words. 4Jeruſalem. Salem's Daughters do I now appeal,
That they all rigid Cenſures would repeal,
'Cauſe nearNotes explaining Words. 5All Idolatry look'd that way to the Sun. Baal-Sun, I'me plac'd; Too cloſe his Beams
[My Mothers Daughters were angry with me, They made me the keeper of the Vineyards, my own vineyard I have not kept.]Have plaid upon me,Notes explaining the Senſe. pThe Sun looking upon, &c. is a very lively Emblem of an endeavour to ſeduce to Idolatry, and when it was done by the Tribes under the ſame Covenant of Religion, it is moſt fitly expreſſed by Angry Daughters of the ſame Mother, ſetting the true Church among them to keep other Vineyards to neglect its own Vineyard; that is, its ſtate in the true Church, and to be of a falſe Church. in his ſcorching Gleams
Th' angry Tribes have ſet me, t' enforce my Care
Of Vineyards, Churches wild, and ſtrange, I dare
Not own; But Guardian of my onelyonly Own
Idolatry encircul'd with aNotes explaining Words. 6Jeroboam and his ten Tribes. Crown
Forbids me, Oh may this deep'…ſt Claim
[Tell me O Thou whom my Soul loveth]To lateſt Ages ſound, and Purge my Name.
Notes explaining the Senſe. qThe Spouſe, the true Servants of God among the Tribes deſire to know, whether they ſhould ſet up a Church ſtate among themſelves, in that diviſion of the Kingdom, to worſhip God in.Tell me, my Love, Thou deep Love of my Soul,
[Where thou feedeſt, where thou makeſt thy ſtock to reſt at noon]From thy own Lips I'de hear't; No feign'dNotes explaining Words. 7Any looſe Writing; like Tradition compar'd with the written Word. Eſcroul
Shall me ſeduce, when ſuperſtitious Rage
Purſues like Noon-tide Beams, and would engage
All to it ſelf; My Love, where is it then
[For why ſhould I be as one that turneth aſide by the Flocks of thy Companions (falſe ſhepherds)] For why ſhould I be as one that turneth aſide, &c. The ſenſe is, what the holy Souls among the ten Tribes ſhould do when Jeroboam forbad them the Temple.Thoud'ſt have thy Flock to Feed, and Reſt? For when
I would not lewdly ſtray, and Proſtitute
What's Sacred to thy ſelf at the falſe Suit
Of thoſe would be thy Rivals, I'm in fear
How to ſecure my Faith and Love, and where
I ought to wait thy Preſence; Tell me now,
What I, my Love, from Thee alone would know.
The King.
Notes explaining the Senſe. rThe Anſwer of Direction is, To do all they can to keep cloſe to the Church of God, and the Temple at Jeruſalem, being ſo fix'd by God as to be the onelyonly place of true Publick Worſhip: and it ſhews, That where Worſhip can be true and pure, the moſt Publick and United is beſt. This is ſignified by the Foot-ſteps of the Flock, and the ſhepherds Tents, or the Prieſts Reſidences in the Temple at Jeruſalem, in Attendance upon which they were to bring up their Children.Oh faireſt Beauty of the Female Race,
Thy Chaſtneſs, not thy Ignorance I Grace,[If thou know not, O thou faireſt among women.]
For ſince thy Faith thy Love led by my word
Is true to me, thy Saviour, Husband, Lord,
If thou know'ſt not what eas'ly may be known;
As where my Word is, there's my Flock alone,
So where thou find'ſt my Flock to numbers ſwell,
And where my Shepherds in their fix'd Tents dwell[Go thy way forth by the footſteps of the flock, and feed thy ſheep beſides the ſhepherds tents]
There do I chooſe my Reſt; with two, or three,
(Where with my Word more cannot) yet I'll Be:
Thou knoweſt Salem hath my Temple now
Its Chambers, as with Tents, my Prieſts endow:
My Flock is folded there, whoſe frequent Print
Guides thee, the Shepherds Tents thy motions ſtint,
Where, as by Natures inſtinct thy ſoft Kids
May learn to Feed, as Holy Order bids.
Chorus.
Notes explaining the Senſe. sThe ten Tribes have only this ſhort Deſcription of their ſtate, being by degrees loft from the true Church, till they are Reſtored, as thoſe ten Tribes, at the approach of Chriſts glorious Kingdom, wherein they are deſcribed, chap. 8. 5. and Ezek. 37.This is the Image of the Ten-Trib'd ſtate,
Till it's ſo long Aſſyrian Notes explaining Words. 1Its baniſhment from its own Land, ever ſince the Aſſyrian Captivity, 2 Kings 17.exulate,
But as to Judah's Scepter-bearing Tribe,
And to the Church in that, thus does deſcribe
This Holy Song: What th' Sovereign Powers are,
As ſuch, it does beſpeak the Church; with Care
It's Beauty's yet ſecur'd; And the Kings Love
It ſtill is duely ſtyl'd; Nothing does move
That Character; A Prieſtly Kingdom it
IsNotes explaining the Senſe. tThis Song therefore wholly exercis'd upon the two Tribes and Levites with them; among which the Spouſe and Church of Chriſt is deſcribed according to each King of Davids Houſe, and his Religious or Corrupt Reign. But when they are Bad, their Corruptions are as much hid as may be, to preſerve the Grace of this Song of Love. made by Chriſt, ſo muſt its Beauty ſit
To ſuch Portraictures, as its Princes Reigns
Deſerve; while richer Blood yet fills its Veins,
Then by its Counterfeits is ſeen; when ill,
To give them yet with Grace approves the skill;
To theſe plain ſhades the King too's pleas'd to ſtoop
Himſelf, that under them his Spouſe may'nt droop:
Diſtinct the Kings are ſet, who're th' Spouſes joy;
WhoſeNotes explaining Words. 1As currant Coin, ſo were the pure Reigns. ſterling Reigns are all of pure alloy;
Theſe in their Order, but thoſe rank'd between
Who were the Bad, that th' Good may be their ſcreen,
Wrapt up in ſhort to heal the Churches wrong,
This Be the Key to th' Ciphers of this Song:
ButNotes explaining the Senſe. uThe Spouſe in Rehoboams time is uncouthly to the Grace of ſuch a Song compar'd to a company of horſes in Pharaohs chariot, and yet with great Grace to Rehoboam's Reign, as a new ſource
Of Time to fix, and guide the certain courſe
Muſt have its ſingle ſhade, and though not fine
(Bleſs'd Spouſe) to ſort the Beauty, that is Thine
Yet by its ſervice, it muſt Recompence
Its Uncouth diſagreement to Loves ſenſe.
The King.
Rehoboam's Reign.
[I have compar'd thee, O my Love, to a company of horſes in Pharaoh's chariots]Oh how am I, my Love, ſurpriz'd to ſee
ThyNotes explaining Words. 2The two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin united under Davids Family. Two-trib'd Judah's lowNotes explaining Words. 3Shiſhaks Servants, 2 Chro. 12. 8. ſervility,
As if in Triumph Pharaoh-Shiſhak's ſtate
Were Chariotted by thyNotes explaining Words. 4A Power of any two united. Duumvirate
Of Tribes, as lofty Steeds are curb'd and bowd
To ſerve ſuch proud Grandezza; this black Cloud
Encloſes thee, my Spouſe, and dwells upon
Thy Glory under Schelom's Leſs-wiſeNotes explaining Words. 1Rohoboam. Son.
Notes explaining the Senſe. aThe reſt of the Kings Reigns, and their Symbols here are ſo plain, that the Compare of their Hiſtory and the Expreſſions of the Song, are as an Expoſition upon them.Aſa's Reign.
But I, my Love, am Raviſh'd with the change
That Aſa's brighter Days bring on; The Range[Thy Cheeks are comely with Rowes of Jewels, Thy Neck with Chains of Gold.]
Of Grace, and Beauty on thy Cheeks, like rows
Of Jewels, from whenceNotes explaining Words. 2Jewels bearing the likeneſs of Turtles. 2 Chron. 15. chaſteſt Luſtre grows:
The Wreaths of th' Holy League, like Golden chains
Twine round thy Neck, guarding thy Azure Veins:
His Reformation purged off the Soil
That had ſo deep Attaint'd the Sacred Oyl;
Divine Favours ſhall ſoon Remark Thy Zeal
Of Purity; Victory and Publick Weal
Shall be like Golden Borders, whoſe grave ſcite[We will make Thee Borders of Gold, with Studs of Silver]
Enliv'd with Silver Stars ſhall ſparkle Light;
The Medal of thy Well-mix'd Reformation
Is Peace, and Glory's Concert through thy Nation.
The Spouſe.
Notes explaining Words. 32 Chron. 17. c. 19. &c.Jehoſhaphat's Reign.
To Thee, my Princely Love, I thus rej'yne,
Bleſs'd be thy Favour, bleſs'd thy Grace Divine;
For while thy Table condeſcends ſo low,
My Spicknard feels the Vertue, and doth flow[While the King ſitteth at his Table My Spikenard ſendeth forth the ſmell thereof.]
In Streams ſo free, that Judah's utmoſt Bounds
Find the Attractive, Eccho back the ſounds
Of Truth; while theNotes explaining Words. 4A coſtly Oyntment, ſending out its ſmell, reſembling pure Religion. Spikenard's Effluxes fly,
And make returns to Thee byNotes explaining Words. 5The deſire of things to their own kind. Sympathy.
Chorus.
This is the ſtate of Things, while Aſa's Son
The Good Jehoſhaphat, aſcends the Throne.
The Spouſe.
But now, my higheſt Love, a blacker frame
Of things I ſing, under thy Royal Name;
While wicked Ahab's Notes explaining Words. 1Ahazia, Joaſh, Amazia.Line create a Night
OfNotes explaining Words. 2Their Reign omitted in the Genealogy of Jeſus Chriſt, Matt 1. 8. Inter-reign in Sacred Rolls: Delight
In thy Pure ſelf, becomes my onelyonly ſtay,
Without the Kingly Types to underlay
My Thoughts; Lodg'd 'twixt my Breaſts, like rich Perfume▪
[A Bundle of Myrrh is my wellbeloved to me, He ſhall lye all Night betwixt my breaſts]Of Myrrh ſhall lye thy Oyl, till Thou reſume
My Kings into thyNotes explaining Words. 3Omitted—As if there had been no Kings betwixt Jehoram and Ʋzziah. Genealogy;
Of Myrrh, I ſay,Notes explaining Words. 4Thy Diſcipline and Correction. of thy Pedagogy
Fit Emblem; whoſe wiſe Rod chaſtiſes Sin
With Mercy; thus Myrrhs ſweeteſt Odours win
The intic'd Smell, while bitterNotes explaining Words. 5Reliſhes. Guſtoes chide
The too bold Taſte, and Appetite deride.
The Spouſe goes on.As I my Love have modeſtly convey'd,
In leaſt offenſive terms, what would upbreid
[My Love is to me as a bundle of Camphire [Cypreſs] in the Vineyards of Hen-gedi]Our Pleaſure in thoſe three Attainted Kings;
With Awes ſo of my Love, my Sorrow ſings
Their Reigns,Notes explaining Words. 6Abijam, Joram, Abaz, Manaſſeh, (before repentance) Amon, their worſt Reigns. Whoſe Character is much too foul
For Holy Love in Chryſtal Airs t' Enroul,
Except Attoned in their worſt Ferment
By thoſe ofNotes explaining Words. 7Ʋzziah, Jotham, Amaziah, their better Reigns. ſome, though not the richeſt ſcent,
WhoſeNotes explaining Words. *A Shrub, of ſome, though not of ſo precious Scent, growing in Judaea. Cypreſs is the Nobler cauſe it grows,
And withNotes explaining Words. †A place of choiceſt Vineyards. Hen-Gedies Vines its Odor flowes;
For the rich Soil of th' Holy Land doth raiſe
The Vertue of its Shrubs, if any Praiſe
Of true Religion ſhall in them be found,
Though not with David's Purity they'r Crown'd.
The King.
Hezekiah's Reign.
But now the Scene is chang'd, my Love's all Fair,
And onelyonly Fair, no Clouds near to Impair]Behold thou art fair, my Love, Behold thou art fair, Thou haſt Doves Eyes]
Thy Beauty; But thy Eyes are Chaſte and Clear
As Doves; No IdolsNotes explaining Words. 1Antick look. Grimace dares appear;
Thus Hezekiah's well Reformed State
Thy Beauties Fame to Ages doth dilate.
The Spouſe.
Joſiah's Reign.
My beſt Belov'd, the Praiſe of all is Thine,
Thine is the Glory, while the Comfort's mine;[Behold thou art fair, my Beloved, Alſo our Bed is Green]
All Beauty I can own is Thine reflex'd,
As the Worlds Light is Heavens Ray'sNotes explaining Words. 2As an Arch of Light. convex'd;
Thou dart'ſt thoſe pureſt Splendors from thy Face,
Joſiah's Holy Reign is from thy Grace;
Whoſe Early years, as Greens of th' Verdant Spring
Give flouriſh to our Bed, and Pleaſures bring,
Freſh as the Bloſſoms of his blooming Youth,
In pureſt Worſhip, and Reſearch of Truth,
Which ſtill his growing YearsNotes explaining Words. 3Strengthen. conſolidate[The Beams of our Houſe are Cedars, our Rafters of Firr]
Firm as the Cedar Beams, thoſe Trees of State,
And the Firr Rafters, which the Temples Pile
By his Repairing hand ſecur'd in File.