A Brief Exposition of the Book of the Song of Solomon, Chapter 7
THE CANTICLES, OR SONG OF SONGS, opened and explained.
THE TEXT. CHAP. 7.
HOw beautifull are thy feet with ſhooes, O Princes daughter! the joynts of thy thighes are like Jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.
verse 2 Thy navell is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat, ſet about with lillies.
verse 3 Thy two breſts are like two young Roes that are twins.
verse 4 Thy necke is as a tower of Ivory: thine eyes like the fiſh pooles in Heſhbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim: thy noſe is as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damaſcus.
verse 5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the haire of thine head like purple, the King is held in the galleries.
verse 6 How fair, and how pleaſant art thou, O love, for delights!
verse 7 This thy ſtature is like to a palm tree, and thy brests to cluſters of grapes.
verse 8 I ſaid, I will goe up to the palme tree, I will take hold of the boughes thereof: now alſo thy breſts ſhall be as cluſters of the vine, and the ſmell of thy noſe like apples.
verse 9 And the roofe of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved that goeth downe ſweetly, cauſing the lips of thoſe that are aſleep to ſpeake.
verse 10 I am my beloveds, and his deſire is towards me.
verse 11 Come, my beloved, let us goeforth into the field: let us lodge in the villages.
verse 12 Let us get up early to the vineyards, let us ſee if the vine flouriſh, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranats bud forth, there will I give thee my loves.
verse 13 The mandrakes give a ſmell, and at our gates are all manner of pleaſant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
THis Chapter to the end of the fourth ver. of the eighth Chapter, deſcribeth a fourfold eſtate of the Iewiſh Church. When they ſhall come to be converted unto the Lord: to wit,
Firſt, as it ſhall be in gathering and growing up, v. 1. 5.
Secondly, as it ſhall be, growne up to her Stature and Maturity, v. 6, 7.
Thirdly, as it ſhall be further enlarged by the acceſſe of the Gentiles, ver. 8. 10.
Fourthly, as it ſhall multiply and ſtretch it ſelfe into the Country villages, and throughout the Land of Iſrael, v. 11.—v. 4. of Chap. 8.
That in ver. 11. the Church inviteth Chriſt, and with him her ſelfe to have recourſe into the Country Villages, is plaine in the words of the former verſes, which ſet forth a threefold eſtate of the Shulamite converted, is evident by the Repetition of the verſes, ver. 3. 7. 8. and all with ſome difference; and the breſts are ſo deſcribed, ver. 3. and ſet forth an unſetled Miniſtry, quickly ſtirring up and downe to gather this Church and the ſcattered Members of it.
This Church then in gathering, is deſcribed by ten parts; Feet, Ioynts of Thighes, Navell, Belly, Breſts, Necke, Eyes, Noſe, Head, Haire.
How beautifull are thy feet with ſhooes,Verſe 1. O Princes daughter! the joynts of thy thighes are like Iewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.
How beautifull are thy feet with ſhooes, O Princes daughter!] In her feet ſhod with ſhooes there is a threefold beauty: for it implyeth
Firſt, her returne out of captivity; as on the contrary, bare feet is a ſigne of going into Captivity.Iſa. 20. 2. 4.
Secondly,Deut. 25 9. her challenging and recovery of her laſt Inheritance in Iſrael, Ruth 4. 7, 8.
Thirdly, her walking in that peace of conſcience which the Goſpel prepareth:Ephe. 6 15. whereas he that walketh barefoot, either gathereth a thick brawny skin upon the ſoles of his feet; or if his feet bee more tender, hee pricketh them ever and anon with thornes, or little ſharpe ſtones as ſcruples: a conſcience not furniſhed with true peace, either waxeth ſenſeleſſe and brawny, or elſe ſcrupulous & anxious: all the three things are beautifull and glorious; as on the contrary, it is a great diſturbance and deformity to goe into captivity, to ſell and foregoe a mans Inheritance, to walke unquietly and uncomfortably: and if it bee beautifull and glorious to returne out of bodily captivity, and to recover the earthly Inheritance; how much more is it together with theſe outward things, to joyne a returne out of ſpirituall captivity, and recovery of an everlaſting Inheritance, as the Iewes ſhall doe at their converſion?
O Princes daughter!] So called,
Firſt, becauſe they are born of God, the Prince of Princes.
Secondly, the Iewes converted ſhall be of much glory and authority,Rev. 16. 12. even as the Kings of the Earth.
The joynts of thy thighes, &c.] The word ſignifies whole bones of the thighes; they for their apt and ready turning in their converſion to God, are like well wrought pretious Iewels, the work of the hand of God, the Spirituall workman of all the works of the Church.
Thy navell, &c. thy belly is like the navell, &c.] The navell and belly are both hidden parts, not conſpicuous to them without; and therefore ſet forth the two Myſteries, or Sacraments of the Church, Baptiſme, and the Lords Supper. The Navell, ſerving for the nouriſhing of the Infant in the wombe, reſembleth Baptiſme, nouriſhing Infants, and new borne babes in the wombe of the Church.
It wanteth not liquor:
Firſt, of the blood of Chriſt to juſtifie us from ſin.
Secondly, of the Spirit of Chriſt to ſanctifie and cleanſe us from ſin.
The belly: to wit, the Lords Supper, is as an heape of wheat, for ſtore of excellent, and ſweet, and fine nouriſhment, ſet about with lillies; becauſe onelyonly the faithfull pure Chriſtians ſhall bee admitted to partake in that Sacrament.
The Lords Table ſhall not bee ſet about with weeds, prophane and ſcandalous ſinners, but with Lillies, worthy Communicants.
Thy two breſts (the Teachers of that Church) are like two young Roes: For their agility, skipping up and down to ſuckle the converts; implying that the firſt Miniſtry of the Jewes, at the converſion of that people ſhall rather be as the Evangeliſts, bound to no certain place, than as Paſtors fixed to any ſetled Congregation, which yet outwardly they ſhall be.
That are twins.]
Firſt, for their likeneſſe in diſpoſition.
Secondly, brotherly equality.
Thy neck is as a Tower of Ivory:Verſ. 4. thine eyes like the fiſh pooles in Heſhbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim: thy noſe is as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damaſcus.
Thy neck is as a tower of Ivory.]Chap. 4. verſ 4. The neck (as above) is the faith of the Church, joyning Chriſt & his Church together, as the neck doth the head and body.
As a tower, for ſtrength, of Ivory, for preciouſneſſe,1 Pet. 1. 7. for which faith is commended.2 Pet. 1. 1.
Thine eyes are like the fiſh pooles in Heſhbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim.] For the abundance of water, meaning teachers, that they ſhall yeeld even tears of Repentance at their converſion, partly for the great wrong they had done our Saviour,Zech. 12. …0 partly to conſider the unſpeakable and undeſerved kindneſſe of God towards them.Ier. 3. 8. 9. & 50. 4.
Thy noſe is like the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damaſcus.] There was a double houſe of the forreſt of Lebanon, the one in Ieruſalem, built by Solomon, ſo called by way of reſemblance;1 King. 7. 2 & 10. 17. In which hee put his golden ſhields, whence Shiſhak taking them, is ſaid to take them out of Ieruſalem: 1 King. 14. 25, 26.of this houſe ſpeaketh Iſaiah, Iſa. 22. 8.
There was another houſe built in the forreſt of Lebanon as appeareth by this place, which is ſaid to looke toward Damaſcus, to diſtinguiſh it from the other which is in Ieruſalem.
Lebanon it ſelfe ſtood in the utmoſt Confines of Iſrael Northward towards Syria: and therefore this houſe built in Lebanon is ſaid to looke toward Damaſcus the chiefe City of Syria. Now Lebanon being full of all manner of ſweet and fragrant trees, and ſhrubs, and ſpices; the Tower built in Lebanon muſt needs be compaſſed with the ſweet ſmelling odours, to the great refreſhing and delight of ſuch as ſhould lodge in it.
Hence the noſe of this pure Church is compared to this Tower; becauſe they that dwell in this Church ſhall bee wonderfully refreſhed with the ſweet odours of the Miniſtry,2 Cor. 2. 15. which is the ſweet ſavour of life unto life: as alſo with the ſavoury conference of good Chriſtians, and their faithfull and godly converſation.
Thine head upon thee is like Carmel,Verſ. 5. and the haire of thine head like purple, the King is held in the galleries.
Thine head upon thee is like Carmel.] Carmel excelled for fruit, and fulneſſe in feeding Cattell, and therefore is reckoned with Lebanon, and Sharon, and Baſhan, Iſai. 33. 9. & 35. 2.famous for fertility.
The head of the Church under Chriſt is the Civill Magiſtrate.1 Sam. 15. 17. The meaning then is, that the Magiſtrate of this Church ſhall yeeld ſtore of ſound and ſweet nouriſhment to the people, by giving and maintaining free paſſage to each holy Ordinance of God, and alſo by wholſome Lawes, and laſtly by good example of godly life.
The haire of thy head like purple.] The haire; whether it bee the common Chriſtians of the Church that hang upon Chriſt, or the Officers or Servants that hang upon the Magiſtrates of that Church, they are like purple.
Firſt,Iſai. 33. 24 and 63. 1. not onelyonly died in crimſon blood of Chriſt.
Secondly, but alſo of a royall hue, as purple is a princely die;Cant. 7. 1. all of them as Princes.Zech. 12. 8.
The Officers and Exacters ſhall bee Peace and Righteouſneſſe.Rev. 16 12
Theſe Officers ſhall not baſely ſharke for bribes,Iſai. 60. 17. and 18. nor exact for fees, nor oppreſſe for filthy lucre, nor pick holes in mens eſtates to trouble the people and enrich themſelves; but like purple-clothed Princes, be like their Miniſters, and honour both their Miniſters and themſelves with Peace and Righteouſneſſe.
The King is held in the Rafters.] For ſo the word is turned before,Cant. 1. 17 where the Rafters were underſtood partly of the Temple. Held, is alwaies (to my remembrance) uſed for holding by conſtraint, bound as a Priſoner. The meaning may be then, That the King, or chiefe Magiſtrate is bound to bee preſent at the Ordinances of God in the Temple, as any other private Chriſtian; which is foretold expreſly of this Church,Ezek. 46. 10. when the people goe into the Temple, the Prince is commanded to goe in with them, when they goe out, he ſhall goe out with them together; he ſhall come in with the firſt, and go out with the laſt: Or what if it imply that their greateſt Magiſtrates ſhall ſubmit themſelves to bee bound with the cenſures of the Church,Pſal. 149. 6. 8. & 9. v. Iſai. 49. 22. according to that where the Pſalmiſt telleth of binding of Kings with the Ordinances of God in the Church. And Iſaiah foretelleth that Kings and Queenes ſhall bow downe their faces towards the earth unto the Church, and licke the duſt of their feet; both their interpretations ſtand well together.
Ʋſe 1 Firſt, this doth ſhew us how to come and appeare beautifull in the eyes of the Lord Jeſus: which is when wee turne our feet from the eſtate and wayes, and bondage of ſin and Satan, and come out of the captivity into the liberty of his children, when wee claime our Inheritance of the Kingdome of heaven, ſeeking after it above all earthly bleſſings, and walking towards it; when we walke confidently in a Chriſtian courſe, then Chriſt admireth our beauty. How beautifull are thy goings with ſhooes, O Princes daughter! Yea, Chriſt then eſteemeth us as Princes children: what matter then if fooliſh Men account us Peaſants, and our going with ſhooes as ſtraight in the inſtep? but wee ſtand not, nor fall not to their judgements, but to his who ſhall judge us to eternall happineſſe, or miſery at the laſt day:Mat. 5. 18. He word muſt ſtand when eeaven and earth ſhall fall:2 Tim. 2. 21 If he account us veſſels of honour, we are ſo indeed, who is it that diſhonoureth us? If men ſhould caſt a veſſell of gold or ſilver into the mire, and trample upon it, yet the veſſell is ſtill a veſſell of honour, good, and rich, and precious; the mire may eaſily be waſhed off from ſuch veſſels. Be not diſcouraged then from Chriſtian courſes by fooliſh feares of reproach: The truth is, if we goe on in ſin, Chriſt eſteemeth of us as baſe peaſants, as ugly and abominable in his ſight, naked, bare, deformed, and defiled; yea, he eſteemeth our goings as going barefoot, which either, firſt, brawneth our feet with a thicke skin, that thereby we grow inſenſible and feele nothing: or ſecondly, pricketh us with unneceſſary ſcruples and fears.
Ʋſe 2 Secondly, we may from hence obſerve to whom the praiſe of the converſion of the forwardeſt Chriſtians is due; to wit, to the hands of a cunning workman, the God of power and peace. We might be alſo called as often to returne, as the Shulamite in the laſt verſe of the former Chapter: and yet unleſſe this cunning workman put the bones of our thighes into joynt, wee ſhall not returne to him.
Ʋſe 3 Further, ſee here the uſe of Baptiſme, even to Infants. The Anabaptiſts object that Infants can receive no benefit by it,Baptiſmes uſe. becauſe they yet receive no underſtanding, no benefit by the word: As if Infants cannot receive nouriſhment by the Navell, though they can neither take, nor chew, nor ſucke meat with hand or mouth: Baptiſme is the Navell by which Infants are nouriſhed in the Church.
Ʋſe 4 Fourthly, from this Navell, never wanting liquor; obſerve, there doth never want just matter of inſtruction and comfort to be fetched from our baptiſme againſt all temptations.Comfort in Baptiſme. Doth Satan detaine thee from obeying thine effectuall calling: Remember in Baptiſme from thine Infancy thou waſt admitted into the family of Chriſt; doth hee trouble thee with feares and doubts, that thy ſinnes are not pardoned? behold thy baptiſme is full of liquor of Chriſts blood, to juſtifie thee from all thy ſinnes: Doth Satan tempt thee to defile thy ſelfe with any ſinne? Behold thou art waſhed ſolemnely in baptiſme from all ſinne, and wilt thou defile thy ſelfe againſt thy baptiſme?
Ʋſe 5 Fifthly, in the Lords Supper, ſee what plenty of excellent ſound and ſweet nouriſhment is offered to us, even an heap of wheat:Iohn 6. 55. Christs fleſh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed. There is al-ſufficient nouriſhment for an hungry ſoule; this ſerveth to quicken our appetite to this heavenly banquet.
Ʋſe 6 Sixthly, obſerve what manner of perſons ſhould bee admitted to the Lords Table, and how we ſhould prepare our ſelves thereto. This heape of wheat is not to bee ſet about with ſtinking weeds, but with faire lillies: Cleanſe wee ourſelves then from all ſcandalous ſinnes, yea, and from all ſecret ſinnes, to our beſt endeavours, ſo ſhall we be fit to be ſet about this heap of wheat, the Lords Table.
Ʋſe 7 Seventhly, note that Miniſters, to be like Roes, skipping up and downe to gather and ſuckle the children of the Church, is fitter for a Church in gathering, than convenient in a Church conſtituted; for then the breſts hang in their place like cluſters of Grapes upon the branches of the Vine, v. 7, 8 But they muſt be breſts giving ſuck, not dry nurſes; that is their duty in every eſtate of the Church. Or if their people bee growne up in Chriſt to fitneſſe for ſtrong meat,Heb. 5. 12. then They to be full in a ſtronger liquor than milke, as cluſters of grapes, full of wines.
Ʋſe 8 Eightly, ſee the beauty and commendation of three cardinall graces:
Firſt, Faith, to be
Firſt, ſtrong,
Secondly, precious, applying the precious promiſes, and making us rich with them.
Secondly, Repentance to abound in brokenneſſe of ſpirit through godly ſorrow, melting into abundance of teares, or other affections ſutable thereto.
Thirdly, obedience, to be
Firſt, fragrant,
Secondly, and that with all manner of ſweet fruits and good, that all that converſe with us may ſmell a ſweet ſavour from our converſation.
Ʋſe 9 Ninthly, marke here a leſſon for Magiſtrates, to bee as Carmell, yeelding ſome ſweet and plentifull nouriſhment to the people.
Firſt, by procuring free paſſage to Gods Ordinances, whence Iehoſhaphats Nobles are ſaid to teach.2 Chr. 1. 7. 7. 9.
Secondly, by making wholeſome Lawes.
Thirdly, by giving good example of life, to have no Officers hanging about them of baſe demeanor, exactors, promotors, contentious perſons, but ſuch as may execute it themſelves and their Miniſters, and for publique Ordinances of Gods worſhip; it is no diſparagement to Magiſtrates to behave themſelves reverendly in them, and to ſubmit themſelves unto them as unto Chriſt.
Ʋſe 10 Tenthly, from this compleat deſcription of the beauty of the Church in all her parts, obſerve,
Firſt, that the Church was never ſo compleatly beautifull in all her parts, as it ſhall be when the Jewes are called. The Apoſtolique Primitive Church, though all fair, yet wanted this headlike Carmel, a Chriſtian Magiſtrate, yea and ſome purity of the Sacrament.1 Cor. 11. 20.
Secondly, in that he beginneth this deſcription from the feet, and ſo aſcendeth to the head in order: It may ſeeme the calling of the Jewes ſhall begin at firſt, rather with ſome of the loweſt people, and ſo aſcend higher and higher to more eminent perſons.
Thirdly, in that the Church neither here (where ſo many of her members are ſet forth) nor in all this Song is deſcribed, by the beauty of her hands, or fingers, wee muſt not gather that therefore this Church will bee barren of good works God forbid, but rather conceive, Chriſt concealeth the mention of her hands; to wit, her works, partly,
Firſt, becauſe the Harlot of Rome ſo delighteth ſo much to boaſt of her hands, of her works, which indeed ſhe wants: Chriſt had rather his Church ſhould abound in good works in ſilence, than boaſt of them, eſpecially when they are wanting.
Secondly, becauſe it is he alone (and not wee) that worketh all our workes for us.Iſai. 26. 12.
Cantic. 7. verſ. 6.—verſ. 4. of 8. Chap. How faire,Hoſ 14. 8. &c.Ioh. 15. 5.
In theſe verſes the holy Ghoſt goes on to deſcribe the ſecond eſtate of the Jewes Church, as is ſpoken above, Chap. 7. ver. 1. in ver. 6, 7. as growne up to her full ſtature and maturiry.
For firſt, beauty is not obſerved till full growth; now here her beauty is admired, ver. 6.
Secondly, her ſtature is expreſſely mentioned to bee a Palme-tree. v. 7.
Thirdly, her breſts are here mentioned againe, ver. 7. which ſheweth that he ſpeaketh not of the ſame eſtate of the ſame Church as aſore: Beſides the breſts yeelding wine in ſtead of milke, it is a ſigne the Church ſhall then be growne to more maturity and fitneſſe to be fed with ſtronger meat.
The Church of the Jewes then come to her fuller growth is here deſcribed.
Firſt, by her beauty, which is admirable, How faire! and joyned with pleaſure, How pleaſant art thou! eſpecially for publique worſhip ſo deſcribed, verſe 6.
Secondly, by her ſtature reſembled to a palme tree, ver. 7.
Thirdly, her breſts reſembled to cluſters of Grapes, ver. 7.
The third eſtate of this Church, as it ſhall be further enlarged by the acceſſe of the Gentiles, is deſcribed, ver. 8. 10. and that
Firſt, by Chriſts climbing this palm-tree, and taking hold of the boughes of it, ver. 8.
Secondly, by the rich ſupply of nouriſhment from her breſts, ver. 8.
Thirdly, by the ſmell of her noſe, reſembled to Apples. ver. 8.
Fourthly, by the power of her Doctrine, ver. 9.
Fifthly, by her familiar fellowſhip with Chriſt, ver. 10.
The fourth eſtate of this Church, as it ſhall multiply, and ſtretch it ſelfe into the Country villages, is deſcribed, ver. 11. to the 4. of the next Chapter, and that
Firſt, by the occaſion of this encreaſe, the Churches invitement of Chriſt to viſit the Country villages, ver. 11. 12.
Secondly, by the affectionate ſervice of this Church to Chriſt, cha. 8. ver. 1. 2.
Thirdly, by Chriſts affectionate embracing of her, ver. 3.
Fourthly, by the Churches deſire for the continuance of this eſtate without interruption, ver. 4.
How faire,Ver. 6. and how pleaſant art thou, O love for delights!
How faire!] The faireneſſe and beauty to the Church implyeth ſutably to what is found in the naturall beauty of the body.
Firſt, a compleat integrity of all the Members of this Church; where any Member is wanting, there is deformity, beauty is blemiſhed. This Church ſhall want then no Ordinances of God, nor any ſuch Members to whom the diſpenſation of each Ordinance belongeth.
Secondly, a fit proportion of all the Members of the Church one to another; no ſwellings, no convulſions.
Thirdly, a good colour in the outward face of things, all carried decently, and in order: How faire! It implyeth admirable beauty in all theſe reſpects.
How pleaſant for delights!] This word implyeth a ready willingneſſe of this Church to the publique worſhip of God, which is here called delights; as being the marriage bed wherein Chriſt moſt familiarly ſolaceth himſelfe with his Church.
This ready willingneſſe of this Church was foretold,Pſa. 110. 3. and the willingneſſe of this people to any ſervice of of his is pleaſant to him.2 Cor. 9. 7.
O love!] As if the Church were ſo lovely; that it were even love it ſelfe.
The five former verſes deſcribed the Church in her ſeverall Members a part. This verſe conſidereth the whole body met together in publique duties.
This thy ſtature is like to a palme-tree,Verſ. 7. and thy breſts to clusters of grapes.
This thy stature is like a palme-tree.] This tree is eminent,
Firſt, for her ſtraightneſſe.
Secondly, for her tallneſſe.
Thirdly,Ier. 17. 8. for her perpetuall greenneſſe and fruitfulneſſe, as that
Fourthly, for her thriving under weight preſſing it downe.
Fifthly, for her eaſineſſe to be climbed, having many boughes, whereon to ſtay hands and feet:Plin. lib. 13. cap. 4. So ſhall the Church bee eminent for uprightneſſe thererein, for growing up even againſt all oppoſitions of Gog and Magog, for ready entertaining of all the faithfull that ſhall come to her.
Thy breſts are like the cluſters of the vine-grapes.] Their Miniſters ſuch like in ſoure reſpects,
Firſt, not few, as afore, two young Roes, but many, as cluſters,
Secondly, not ſtirring up and down as Roes, from place to place, but hanging in their places.
Thirdly, full of ſtrong liquor of ſound Doctrine.
Fourthly, requiring ſome preſſure in urging (though little) before they empty themſelves, but upon eaſie preſſure doing it plentifully.
I ſaid,Verſe 8. I will goe up to the Palme-tree, I will take hold of the boughes thereof: now alſo thy breſts ſhall be as cluſters of the vine, and the ſmell of thy noſe like apples.
I ſaid, I will goe up to the Palme-tree, I will take hold of the boughes thereof.] Chriſt ſpeakes of himſelfe to imply the readineſs of his Members to reſort and flock to this Church of the Jewes; for what Chriſts Members doe by the guidance of his Spirit, he accounteth it his owne action. This forwardneſſe of the Gentiles to aſcend and reſort to Ieruſalem, is elſewhere foretold more plainly*Zech. 8. 23..
Now alſo thy breſts as the cluſters of the vine.]Iſai. 60. 8. 11. And that is notwithſtanding the plenteous acceſſe of the Gentiles to the Church. Here ſhall be no defect of Miniſters to teach and feed them all; but there ſhall be ſtill a large ſupply of ſtore, ſweet and plentifull Teachers, as cluſters of grapes to refreſh them all.
And the ſmell of thy noſe like apples.] Notwithſtanding this plenteous acceſſe of the Gentiles, the life of common Chriſtians intainted with Heatheniſh & Popiſh unſavory pollutions; yet the Church her ſelfe, and they that live in it ſhal ſmel a fragrant ſavour of the good converſation of the people.
The ſmell of thy noſe.] Not which the noſe yeeldeth, but which is yeelded to the noſe, to thy ſavoury diſcerning ſhal be ſweet and comfortable as that of Apples
Before, when this Church conſiſted of her owne people, her ſmell was as that of Lebanon, v. 4. & now by the acceſſe of the Gentiles it ſhal not be corrupt. Indeed when the Iſraelites came out of Egypt, the mingled of the Gentiles with them, drew them away to murmuring and luſting; for this compare Exod. 12. 38. with Numb. 11. 4. But no ſuch contagion ſhall accrue to this Church by the mingling of the Gentiles with them.
And the roofe of thy mouth like the beſt wines, for my beloved, that goeth downe ſweetly,Verſe 9. cauſing the lips of thoſe that are aſleep to ſpeak.
And the roofe of thy mouth like the beſt wines. Hebr. Like good wine, going to my beloved moſt ſtraightly and rightly.] That is, the Doctrine of the Church ſhall bee as ever any moſt ſweet and powerfull, and comfortable, and generous wine; it ſhall ever goe, or tend directly to Chriſt, alwaies aiming at the preaching of him.
To goe rightly, or ſtraightly, implyeth the ſtrength and generouſneſſe of wine, when it ſparkleth upward in the cup, as Prov. 23. 31. which here expreſſeth the lively vigour of the Churches Doctrine, in her preaching of Chriſt, cauſing the lips of thoſe that are aſleepe to ſpeak. Such ſhall be the ſweet and powerfull efficacy of the Doctrine of the Church then, as ſhall cauſe the ſleepy and drowſie profeſſors, whether amongſt us Gentiles, or amongſt the Jewes, to open their mouthes and ſpeake plentifully to Gods praiſe. When the Apoſtles ſpake (the wonderfull workes of God) in ſtrange tongues, ſome of the people thought them to be full of new wine, but they were deceived,Acts 2. 11. 13. and were willing ſo to account of them in mockery. But theſe people ſhall be full of new wine of the Spirit and Word of God, to open their mouthes to ſpeak as the Apoſtles did, the wonderfull workes of God.
I am my beloveds,Verſ. 10. and his deſire is towards me.
This profeſſion of the Church, that ſhe is her beloveds, Argueth,
Firſt, her familiar fellowſhip with Chriſt.
Secondly, her faith, or confidence of her Intereſt in him, or his in her.
Thirdly, her open profeſſion of the ſame.
That his deſire is towards her, argueth the ſtrength of his affection towards her,Gen. 3. 16. & 4. 7. and it is the ſame word uſed *, which there implieth two things,
Firſt, the ſtrength of their affection to their husband, and their elder brother.
Secondly, the ſubordination and dependance thereof upon their will: the former is here alſo meant, the latter doth not ſtand with the ſoveraignty and headſhip of Chriſt over his Church:Epheſ. 5. 23, 24. Unleſſe thus far, to intimate Chriſts tender regard of the will and deſire of his Church; as he would be as unwilling to deny them, as loving husbands be to deny their wives any thing.Verſ. 11.
Come my beloved, let us goe forth into the field: let us lodge in the villages.
In theſe words, the Church ininviteth Chriſt to viſite the Countrey villages about her, implying,
Firſt, her prayers to Chriſt, that with her he might lodge there, plant and ſet Churches there.
Secondly, her care to take and obſerve all opportunities to advance ſuch a work.
Let us get up early to the vineyards, let us ſee if the vine flouriſh,Verſ. 12. whether the tender grape appeare, and the pomegranats bud forth, there will I giv thee my loves.
Let us get up early to the vineyards, let us ſee if the vine flouriſh.] Meaning if any opportunity ſhould offer it ſelfe, to plant Religion amongſt them; then Chriſt and ſhe might be forward to further the ſame.
Thirdly, her promiſe to Chriſt to employ her beſt endeavours to ſuch a ſervice.
There will I give thee my loves.] The love of the Church to Chriſt is eſpecially ſeen in feeding his Lambes and Sheep:Ioh. 21. 15. She therefore offereth to Chriſt free uſe of her deareſt and beſt affections to ſet forward ſuch a work.
Fourthly, her diſcerning of ſome good beginning of ſuch a work.
The Mandrakes give a ſmell,Verſ. 13. and at our gates are all manner of pleaſeant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
The Mandrakes give a ſmell.] Which is a Countrey field hearb,Gen. 30. 14. yet amiable, which argueth ſome fruits to be gathered in the Countrey.
And at our gates are all manner of pleaſant fruits, new and old.] And therefore, out of the abundance of her own ſtore, ſhe can ſupply the Countrey with all fit helps, to her further gathering and eſtabliſhment.
Which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.] She profeſſeth her deſire to employ all her ſtore to Chriſts advantage, and therefore abounding with Miniſters, and other fit Officers for gathering and eſtabliſhing the Countrey Churches about her, ſhe expreſſeth her readineſſe to bring them out to his ſervice and uſe, as if they were ſome good houſhold proviſion, laid up by her for ſuch a uſe. The acceſſe of the whole Land of Iſrael to the City is profitable. The Land ſhall be called Belulah, Iſai. 62. 4.as well as the City Hephzibah. ver. 10. A Cauſey is caſt up for a mutuall recourſe of Countrey to City.