Annotations on Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, Annotations 5
ANNOTATIONS Upon the Book of CANTICLES, OR THE SONG of SALOMON.
CHAP. I.
CAnticles, or Song of Songs.] That is, the most excellentDe Cantico isto Salomonis probè norum est Judaeorum scitum, quo minori natis annis triginta (quae aetas est sacerdotalis ministerii initium) hujus lectione est inderdictum, ne quae mysticè hic dicuntur, ex affectuum intemperie in deteriorem partem raperentur. Praefat. ad Brightmanni Comment. in Cantica Cantic. Song. Titulus praestantiam ostendit & authorem. Brightm.
Salomon made a thousand Songs and five, 1 King. 4. 32. of all which this was most excellent; yea, and of all the Songs in the Scripture. Non est enim strepitus oris, sed jubilus cordis: non sonus labiorum, sed motus gaudiorum: voluntatum non vocum consonantia. Bern. Serm. 1. super Cantica.
Some make this Book wholly a Mystery; some a History; Brightman a Prophecy.
Christ is the woer, the Church, or a true Christian soul the Virgin or Spouse.
Est nuptiale carmen exprimens custos jucundosque complexus animorum, morum concordiam. Bern.
Our Saviour cals his Church, as his Spouse, so his Sister at the least five times in the Canticles, to note the greatness of his love to her. The Church is called Fair fifteen times in this Book.
Vers. 2. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.] Whereby the Church desirethExoptat Ecclesia verbis sui Sponsi erudiri. Desiderat Sponsa haec oscula, quae certissima sunt pignora amoris Sponsi: nec quicquam cum hoc amore conferendum est. Ideò praefert illum Vino, quod primas obtinet inter ea quae jucundissimè sapiunt. Brightm. to have Christ manifested in the flesh, and to have the loving and comfortable doctrines of his Gospel applied unto her conscience.
Foelix osculum, ac stupenda dignatione mirabile! in quo non …s ori imprimitur, sed Deus homini unitur. Bern. super Cantica, Serm. 12.
Vers. 3. Because of the savour of thy good ointments, thy name is as an ointment poured forth.] There is no great savour of precious ointment, when shut up in a box: It alludes to his Name, Messias and Christ is anointed. Est proculdubio inter oleum & nomen sponsi similitudo, nec ociosè Spiritus sanctus alterutrum comparavit. Bernardus super Cantica, Serm. 15.
Oleum planè, quod dum supernatat cunctis, quibus immiscetur liquoribus, liquidò illud designat nomen, quod est super omne nomen. Id. ib. Serm. 16.
By ointments the gifts of the Spirit are signified; the smell of these gifts is that fruit and sweetness which is found by the communication of them.Those that are pure in heart and conversation, Rev. 14. 4. & 5. 10, 13.
Therefore do the Virgins love thee.] Heb. Therefore do the righteousnesses love thee; the Saints and all the righteous are termed Righteousnesses in the abstract.
Vers. 4. Draw me, we will runne after thee.] The Church desires to be drawn,
1. Propter infirmitatem.John 6. 44. A Lapide.
2. Propter tarditatem.
3. Propter renitentiam.
We will runne.] Draw me in the singular number, and we will runne, that is,Trahe quodammodo invitam, ut facias voluntariam. Trahe torpentem ut reddas currentem. Erit quando non indigebo tractore. Bern. super Cantica Serm. 22. those which I shall draw with me: Ego & sociae meae. A…sted.
Running notes,
1. Readiness of affection. 2. Speed. 3. Constancy.
1. Diligentiam.
2. Festinationem.
The King hath brought me into his chambers.] The bed-chamber is the most retiredThey are called Privy▪ chambers, and secret places, opposed to the house top, 2 King. 6. 12. Luke 12. 3. Matth. 6. 6. place, Judg. 15. 1. the nearest communion with Christ, Matth. 11. 25.
Chambers are places of secrecy, intimacy, safety, glory and majesty.
Be glad and rejoyce.] Be glad inwardly, and rejoyce outwardly.
We will remember thy love more than wine.] Heb. Loves, All those severall lovesVerba sensus significant affectum & effectum, as the fourth Commandment, and Eccles. 12. 1. Id est, potiùs quam lautitias quasvis, & opipara splendidaque convivia. Mercerus. wherewith thou hast loved us. Numerus pluralis excellentiam & magnitudinem rei denotat, Gen. 19. 11. Psal. 68. 20. 2 Pet. 3. 11. Wine is put for one of the most necessary supports of life, Hab. 3. 18. 2. For one of the most cheering and reviving comforts, Eccles. 10, 19. Prov. 31. 6, 7. He prefers the love of Christ before the most necessary and cheering comforts.
The upright love thee.] Or they love thee in uprightness; that is, with a strong and vehement love which is without dissimulation or guile.
Vers. 5. I am black but comely (O ye daughters of Jerusalem) as the tents of Kedar, Nigra quidem in se ob reliquias peccati & afflictiones quibus eam exercet Deus, formosa tamen ob dilectionem sponsi eam acceptantis & purgantis ab omni macula, sed sensim & de die in …iem. Rivetus in Cathol. Orthod Allusit Scriptor divinus vel maxime ad gratiosam venustatem Orientalium; ut divini amoris mysteria ob oculos poneret. Est autem nigredo, oculorum praesertim in delitiis etiam nunc populis orientalibus: qui etiam colly…io, quod ex lapide quodam Persico conficitur, palpebras amabili nigredine solent inficere. Dieterici Antiq. Bibl.as the curtains of Salomon.] Black: By reason of her infirmities and imperfections, as well as of her afflictions and persecutions. Bern.
But comely.] The Hebrew Navah signifieth comely, beautifull, amiable, and to be desired. Comely in Christ, though black in her self.
As the tents of Kedar.] See Psal. 120. 5.
Vers. 7. Tell me (O thou whom my soul loveth) where thou feedest; where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon.] This signifies unfeigned and fervent love. See ch. 3. v. 2, 3, 4.
Noon.] In the heat of persecution. See Isa. 16. 3.
Noon hath two things in it; Light, that is, prosperity; Heat, that is, adversity.
For why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions.] TheOperiens, Montanus. Delitescens, Beza. Verbum istud (gnatah) plurimum usurpatur in luctu, Levit. 13. 45. & Mic. 3. 7. Igitur sensus est, cur essem tanquam mulier luctu & maerore meipsam conficiens, dum nefandam Israelitarum idololatriam videam. Brighim. ad loc. Vide Mercerum. Hebrew word signifies to hide or lie hid. See Robotham.
This place was much urged by the Donatists of old, and by some of late, it is clear against them; if Christ feed amongst us, be present with us, we are not to turn aside.
Vers. 8. O thou fairest among women.] Heb. fair, beautifull among women: Speciosa propter fidem & charitatem erga me.
Women are usually fairer than men; the Spouse of Christ is fairer than all women.
Vers. 12. While the King sitteth at his round table, my spikenard sendeth forth the In corona sua, id est, in frequentia hominum undique cingentium, quomodo usurpatur vox à Latinis. Brightm. in loc. Inter delicias Judaeae fuit mos ille peculiaris, ut discumbentes unguentis perfunderentu.: quod & Mariam in novo Testamento Christo recumbenti fecisse videmus; mysticus sensus erit interim dum praesens Ecclesiae suae adest Christus verbo suo pascens eam, bonum odorem fidei suae & virtutum ac bonorum operum reddidisse. Mercerus in loc.smell thereof.] That is, whilst Christ had communion with me, my graces were exercised and drawn out, even then whilst I had fellowship with him. I will come in and sup with him: Eating and drinking was anciently a sign of intimate fellowship.
Vers. 13. A bundle of myrrhe is my beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt Hîc tria significantur, scientiae suavitas per myrrham; doctrinae administratio per ubera, & utriusque tranquilla & diuturna usura per pernoctationem. Quae omnis commemoratio Jehosaphati tempora respicit, qui praeter illam curam castae sinceraeque conservandae religionis quam à Patre accepit, insignis etiam fuit docendi studio, missis Praefectis & Levitis cum libro legis, ut omnes civitates Jehudae & Benjaminis obirent, populumque Dei voluntatem docerent. 2 Chron. 17. 7, 8, 9. Brightmannus in loc.my breasts.] The Hebrews expound it optatively, Quis det ut pernoctet inter ubera mea.
Christ is a bundle, for sufficiency: of myrrhe, for sweetness: lies in the breast, that is, the heart.
Night.] In disgraces, persecutions.
All night.] That is, constantly.
A bundle for variety and unity; Christ is full of all excellent graces, and they are in him by reason of the union of the Godhead with the manhood.
Vers. 14. A cluster of Camphire in the Vineyards of Engedi.] This may note untoErat Engaddi locus juxta mare mortuum vicinus u…bi Jericho, ubi & palmae plurimae atque optimae. Drus. Observat. Sac. l. 15. c …. us the sweetness of Christs redemption, and the fruits of his death, whereby he became as a cluster of redemption unto his people; for as a cluster consisteth of many berries compact toget… into one bunch, so the redemption of Christ hath all mercy, grace, and love compacted together.
Vers. 15. Behold thou art fair, my love, behold thou art fair, thou hast Doves eyes.]Ecce admirantis vox est, reliquum laudis. Bernardus super Cantica, Serm. 45. The Song of Songs. Geminatio praedicat insignem pulchritudinem, praesertim apud Hebraeos, quibus pro superlativis familiare est. Brightm. The doubling of the words expresseth the superlative degree, by a usuall Hebraism.
Doves *Sic Cant. 5. 13. Quidam accipiunt de vehementer pulcris & gratiosis. Meo judicio oculi columbini dicuntur casti ac simplices, minimeque mali aut invidi. Drus. Prov. Class. 2. l. 3. Vide Mercerum & Brightm.eyes.] See ch. 4. 1. These Doves eyes wherewith the Spouse is beautified, do set forth the simplicity, sincerity, humility, meekness, but especially the spirituall chastity of the Church, whose eyes are unto Christ alone, looking unto him for life and salvation, Matth. 10. 16. Phil. 3. 7, 10.
Vers. 16. Also our bed is green.] Here children are begotten to Christ. Green.] 1. Because of the flourishing of it, it flourisheth with peace. 2. Because of the fruitfulness of it. Quasi dicat: Non est infoecundus, liberos multos procreamus. Mercerus.
CHAP. II.
Verse 1. I Am the rose of Sharon, and the lillie of the valleys.] The Rose is the Queen ofDicitur Christus Rosa & Lilium, 1. Propter veram humanitatem. 2. Propter officii amabilitatem. Glassius. Sharon est ager subjectus Libano in regione Bashanis, 1 Chron. 5. 16. & 27. 29. Praefixum habet He Ha…dia, quasi nomen appellativum esset, non proprium, sic etiam Isa. 33. 9. & 35. 2. Brighim. ad loc. flowers, most excellent for sweetness and beauty. Sharon is a most fruitfull Land, and decked with such flowers, 2 Chron. 5. 16. 1 Chron. 27. 29. The Lillie is next in nobility unto the Rose. Pliny Nat. Hist. l. 25. ch. 5.
Vers. 2. As the lillie among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.] As theNon mediocris titulus profectò virtutis, inter pravos vivere bonum, & inter malignantes innocentiae retinere candorem, & morum lenitatem: magis autem si his qui oderunt pacem, pacificum & amicum ipsis te exhibeas inimicis. Bern. super Cantic. Serm. 48. lillie excels thorns, so the Church all other assemblies.
A lillie is first and beautifull, therefore amongst Royall Arms.
2. White, an emblem of innocency.
3. Gives a sweet smell, Cant. 4. 11. so the godly.
Wicked are thorns,
1. Because unprofitable, when they grow and after.
2. Hurtfull, Prov. 26. 9.
3. Their end is to be burned.
Among thorns, because, 1. Excellent in comparison of them; the righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.
2. Annoyed by them.
The daughters.] Not Virgins, as ch. 1. 2.
Vers. 3. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sonnes; I sate down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.] Comfortable for shade, and pleasant for fruit.Some think malum an apple, comes from malum evil, because sin came first into the world by eating of an apple. Others think it comes from malo, I more will or desire, because it is pleasing to nature. Robotham in loe.
Meritò sicut malus, quae instar fructiferae arboris & umbram refrigerii habet, & fert fructum optimum. Bern. super Cant. Serm. 48.
Christ is a beleevers comfortable shadow: Thre… things scorch the soul, Gods wrath, Heb. 12. 29. Satans malice, his temptations are called fiery darts, Ephes. 6. and the worlds rage. Christ is a shadow against Gods wrath, God was well pleased in him with us, Satans malice, and the worlds persecution, Joh. 16. 33.
In those Countries where the Sun was directly over their heads, it annoyed them much. See Psal. 91. 1. Cant. 5. 14. Hos. 8. 15.
Vers. 4. He brought me to the banquetting house, and his bann…r over me was love.] Heb. House of wine, not so fitly termed Banquetting house, which Salomon expresseth by another name, Eccles. 7. 2. The comforts of the holy Ghost, and the priviledges of the Gospel.
A Banner is a martiall term, and hath a threefold use in warre.See Isa. 49. 22. In Hebiaeo, Vexillum ejus super me est dilectio: quasi dicat, milito sub ejus vexillo, cui inscriptum est, amor. Grotius.
1. For gathering men together under their Colours, Isa. 11. 16.
2. For defence, Exod. 17. 15.
3. As a testimony of victory and triumph, Psal. 20. 6.
Christ gathers them together, protects them, and they hold forth Trophies of Triumph.
Vers. 5. For I am sick of love.] Have earnest desires, languish with desire toCholah signifies sickness to weakness. Cum praesto est quod amatur viget amor, languet cùm abest. Bern. super Cantica Serm. 51. enjoy the comforts of my beloved.
Vers. 8. Behold he cometh, leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hils.]1. Will make haste. Behold is a word of attention and admiration. See ch. 1. 15.
Conquers all mountains of opposition and trampleth the hils under his feet, when2. Comes out of the way. he comes to deliver his people.3. Nothing shall hinder him, will leap over mountains.
A similitude taken from the Roes and Harts (whereto Christ is likened in v. 9.) which are swift in running, and skip upon mounts, hils and rocks, Isa. 35. 6.
Vers. 9. He standeth behinde our wall.] Of sinne.
Shewing himself through the lattess.] Or grates of Ordinances.
Vers. 12. The time of singing is come.] The time of cutting is come. The sameTempus cantus. Arias Montanus. Tempus putationis advenit. Pagn. Vulg. Lat. word in the Hebrew signifies both to sing and cut, implying that flowers are cut, even as soon as they appear.
Vers. 14. O my Dove thou art in the clefts of the rock.] The wounds of Christ inThe Dove is mournfull, sociable, harmless, chast, fearfull. Jer. 48. 28. which the Church hides and shelters her self; so some of the Ancients understand these words. See Matth. 16. 28.
A metaphor from Doves which make their nests in rocks for fear of pursuit of birds of prey.
Vers. 15. Take us the Foxes, the little Foxes, that spoil the Vines.] False ProphetsCertum est in Palestina vulpes esse plurimas, Judic. 15. 4. Psal. 62. 11. Neh. 4. 3. Thren. 5. 18. Vulpes vincis noxiae sunt maxime, quia foveas excavantes denudant vitium radices, quae propterea exarescunt; deinde quia palmites abrodunt & folia diripiunt. Tertiò quia corticem morsu scandunt & noxio ac halitu vitoso inficiunt & quasi amburunt. Quartò botros jam maturos avidè abliguriunt. Credibile est habuifse Hebraeos non vulgarem in vulpibus capiendis dexteritatem, ubi enim damni avertendi necessitas u…get, & incumbit, acuitur industria, & multi ad venandum excitantur. Menochius De Republ. Heb. l. 7. c. 8. Intellige juberi doctoribus & verbi ministris, ut haereticis occurratur, & iis qui sub nomine Ecclesiae insidiantur illi, ut …os repellant & ab Ecclesia segregent, praesertim nascentes, ubi majus periculum imminet; parvas autem vulpes appellat, quod illae infestiores esse vineis soleant, & animosiores in damno inferendo. Mercerus in loc. and teachers are so called, Ezek. 13. 4.
1. For craft and subtilty.
2. In respect of their crooked and perverse waies, Psal. 125. 5.
CHAP. III.
Verse 1. BY night on my bed.] By private duty, Isa. 26. 9.Lectus est Templum, ut antea, Lectus noster est virens. Cap. 1. 16. Eadem tamen vo… hîc non adhibetur, sed ejus Synonima. Brighim. Nights.] Not one but many, that is, saith Brightman, in the true worship much obscured.
Vers. 2. I will rise now, and go about the City in the streets, and in the broad waies I will seek him.] That is, in publick Ordinances.
Vers. 6. Like pillars of smoak.] In allusion to the myrrhe and frankincense in the Leviticall worship which went up in a cloud.
Perfumed with myrrhe and frankincense.] That is, the Church, perfumed with the sweet graces of the Spirit.
CHAP. IV.
Verse 2. THy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from washing: whereof every one bears twins, and none is barren among them.] The Ministers, qui dentium funguntur munere, Brightm. by preparing nourishment for the rest of the body; for their holiness, for their parity, even, and fruitfull.
Vers. 3. Thy speech is comely.] Gracious, Col. 4. 6.Quid si consu…ò sapientissimus Salomon vocis affinitate abusus ad utramque & solitudinem & sermonem, ut non tantum sermonem notaret, sed etiam talem à quo plurimi non minus abhorrent, quam à deserto & solitudine ingratissima? Brightman. in loc.
Vers. 6. The mountain of myrrhe, and to the hill of frankincense.] By frankincense is meant a burning fervency of affection, by myrrhe mortification and dying to sinne.
Vers. 7. Thou art all fair my love.] But by the beauty of Christ, Ezek. 46. 14.Non quin fiat dico, sed manere non potest. August. de Ver. & Fals. poenir. c. 8. To. 4. Duravit haec perfectio in Ecclesia per primos trecentos annos, licet finem versus inquinatior esse caepit, tolerabilis tamen mansit hoc omni spatio, nec parva mutatio insignem aliqu…m notam deformitatis inussit. Brightm. in loc. There is no spot in thee.] No fault, no blame-worthy thing; called in Hebrew Mum, and in Greek Momos. See Rev. 14. 1, 5.
Vers. 11. And the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.] Full of fragrant flowers, gummes, spices, and so perfuming the air thereabout in the spring. The graces of God which deck and adorn their souls, are like the smell of Lebanon, as delightfull to God and good men, as those smels are to the senses.
Vers. 12. A garden enclosed is my sister my spouse: a spring shut up, and a fountain sealed.] Which is not only in respect of defence, that none can destroy and spoil her, but that others cannot come at her, they cannot drink and smell the sweetness that is in her.
Vers. 13. Thy plants are an orchard of Pomegranates with pleasant fruits, Camphire, with Spikenard.] Christ is compared to all the fragrant smels and aromatique gummes.
Vers. 16. Awake O north wind, and come thou south, blow upon my garden, that Vento doctrinam significari tritum est in scripturis, Ephes. 4. 14. Apoc. 7. 1. Aquilonem autem & Austrum historia manifestum reddit esse doctrinam ex illis plagis spirantem. Brightm in loc. Speaks it in reference to the graces of the Spirit in his own soul, which he was not able to quicken. See Chap. 5. 1. Spices, that is, prayers, the sweet odours of the Saints, we wish the holy Ghost to work upon us, that our prayers may flow forth.the spices thereof may flow out, let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.] The Spirit of God is compared to the north and south winde, in respect of its different waies of administration, the one is cherishing, the other nipping, yet the spices flow forth either way; prosperity and adversity do a godly man good.
The garden is the Church of God, which desireth Christ to comfort her, and pour out the graces of his Spirit on her, the fruits of his own Spirit.
CHAP. V.
Verse 1. I Have eaten my honey-comb with my honey, I have drunk my wine with my milk.]The word and doctrine of Christ is likened to honey and the honey▪ comb, to wine and milk, Psal. 19. 11. & 119. 103. Isa. 55. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 2. God delights in the services of the Saints.
Vers. 2. I sleep, but my heart waketh.] We use to say of children that their heartOr, I sleeping, as it is in the Hebrew. Waketh, or watcheth waking, that is, is lively and active still. is asleep, even when their eyes are awake; contrariwise it is said of the children of God, that their eyes are asleep when their heart is awake.
It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh.] We knock at Christs door when we call for mercy; he knocks at our door when he cals for duty, Rev. 3. 19, 20.
Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove.] The nearest affinity is Spouse, and the nearest consanguinity Sister.
The Hebrew word signifies to knock or beat vehemently.
Vers. 3. I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet, how Sponsa dissicilem se praebet in admittendo sponso. Alsted.shall I defile them?] She answered her beloved as a lazy sluggard newly awakened out of his sleep and loth to arise out of his bed, and the effect of her answer is this, I am now at ease and quiet, and by opening my heart unto thee, by receiving thee to rule and govern in it, by hearkning and yielding unto thee in every thing, I shall put my self to a great deal of trouble and labour that I am now eased of.
Vers. 7. The watchmen.] Magistrates, Ministers.Duo sunt genera custodum: Alii circum eunt per civitatem, quibus esse cura debetne quid tu…betur inter cives, alii excubias agunt in moenibus ut paratum sit praesidium adversus externum hostem. Illud muneris obeunt Ecclesiasticus, hoc civilis Magistratus. Brightm. in loc.
Vers. 10. My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.] Or,Vexilla…s] id est, vexillo insignitus, ornatus, aut munitus prae decem millibus. q. d. Insignis & conspicuus inter quamplurimos. Alii vexillum gerens, cui subsunt decem millia, id est, quamplurimi. Hieron. electus ex millibus. Pag…in. in Thes. LXX. foreign, seu electus. Trem. Vexillarius est è myriade, hoc est, prae omnibus, nativo su…co & calore tempe…a…issimo ac conveniente instructus est. Alii propriè accipiunt, vexillatus ex decem millibus, id est, vexillo insignitus decem millium, sub signis habens decem mil…ia, Dan. 7. 10. Glassii Onomat. Having the banner of ten thousand.
Here we have a description of Christ from vers. 10. to the end of the 16.
White and ruddy.] White in the glory of his Deity, ruddy in his assumed humanity.
That is, of admirable and perfect beauty: The mixture of these two colours makes a good complexion. White in the purity of his conversation, ruddy in the hue of his passion. White in his life, and ruddy in his death. These are tokens of the strongest health.
The chiefest among ten thousand.] The Spouse useth a metaphor taken from the warre, as also putteth a number certain for uncertain, to express the commendations of her beloved. The banner or ensign is a warlike instrument, and commonly the bearer thereof one of the chiefest, tallest, and mightiest men.
The scope of the Church is not to set forth the members of Christs humane body, but the glorious excellencies and spirituall perfection of Christ as the Redeemer and Saviour of the Church, according to the manner of lovers, who are taken with the beauty of their spouses in all their members.
The Spouse sets forth Christ as the perfection of beauty, begins first with his Head.
Vers. 11. His head is as the most fine, or solid, gold.] There are two things in gold: 1. Splendour. 2. Durableness.
That is, his government; describes the honour, glory and duration of Christs Kingdom, Psal. 21. 3. See Dan 7. 27.
His locks are bushy, and black as a Raven.] Which in nature is a note of heat and strength, this se…s forth his power in his administrations.
Vers. 12. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with Ratio similitudinis quantum m… videtur, in eo latet, quòd columbae petentes aquas oculos in eas conjic…ant. & inclina…o capite pi…ssant, nec resupinant collum. Quasi Christus prae studio contemplandae sponsae inclinaret caput ut eam propius & accuratius intucretur, qu…madmodum columbae cervicem flectunt, & pronis oculis feruntur in la…icem quando sitim exp…ere cupiunt. Brightm. in loc.milk, and fitly set.] This notes the watchfulness of his providence. This expression notes four things:
1. His tenderness, he takes care of his, Deut. 11. 12. Every look of his is full of compassion.
2. His purity, Doves eyes, and by the rivers of water.
3. His discerning, he looks speedily and throughly, Rev. 1. 14. & 2. 23. John 2. 24, 25. He is the eternall wisdom of the Father.
4. His beauty and glory.
Vers. 13. His cheeks are as a bed of spices.] There is a sweet savour in the graces of Christ.
His lips like lillies, dropping sweet smelling myrrhe.] This is to be referred unto the holy, heavenly, sweet and gracious doctrine of Christ.
Vers. 14. His hands are as gold rings, set with the beryll.] Those are instruments of action. Set with beryll.] That sheweth the glory of all his actions.
His belly is as bright Ivory, overlaid with Saphires.] This notes the wisdom and compassion of Christ.
Vers. 15. His legs are as pillars of Marble.] He is staied in his goings.
His countenance as Lebanon.] Whether in waies of mercy, affliction, or ordinances.There is a most delightfull prospect with high hils, humble vales, sweet rivers, shady groves.
Vers. 16. Yea, he is altogether lovely.] Altogether desirablenesses, all he is desires,Totus ipse desideria Ve callo ma…hmad…: Id est, nihil est in eo, quod non sit desideratissimum. Totus totus quantus est, summis studiis & votis est expetendus. Brightm. or all of him is desires.
foreign, LXX. He is lovely in his person, authority and wisdom, in the whole course of his life, in his death, resurrection, ascension, in the whole work of his mediation, in the dispensation of his Spirit and graces to his Church, in the administration of wrath and vengeance to his enemies, in all his Ordinances.
This is my beloved.] That is, he is such an one.q. d. Quando …nc exploratum habetis quanta sit Dilecti mei praestantia, cogitate vobiscum non ineptisse me, nec quicquam indignum modesta foe… na commis…e vehementi illa mea & illius quae…endi, & vestri adjurandi contentione, sed omne meum studium intra dignita…em ejus esse. Brightm.
CHAP. VI.
Verse 8. THere are threescore Queens.] Those that are truly converted to Christ.Reginae sunt potentes & florentes Ecclesiae, quae reliquis puritate antecellunt. Inferiori gradu sunt Concubinae. Puellae. sunt infimo loco, quasi servae & ancillae. Brightm.
And fourscore Concubines.] Which come to Christ for lusts sake, yet bear some fruit.
And Virgins without number.] The Queens attendants, yet bear no fruit.
Vers. 10. Who is she that cometh forth as the morning?] The Church.
They were not ignorant, or in doubt who she was, but by this manner of speech is noted her excellency. See Psal. 24. 8.
Fair as the Moon.] This referres to inherent righteousness; the Moon is a glorious body, it is enlightned in a great measure by reflexion from another, and hath many spots, subject to waxing and waning.
Clear as the Sunne.] This referres to righteousness imputed; the Sunne hath no part not enlightned.
Terrible as an Army with Banners.] To the enemies with whom she is to fightMajestatem quandam terrificam prae se ferens ad repellendum adversarios. Mercerus. under the Bànner of Christs Gospel and love.
Vers. 12. My soul made me like the Chariots of Amminadib.] The speech of the Church, a willing or Princely people, the Lord came in with such sweet perswasion.
Vers. 13. Return, return, O Shulamite, return, return.] So called of her peace and perfection with God in Christ.Quater dicit revertere, propter quadruplicem superbiam, cordis, oris, operis, habitus. Bern. 117. Serm. 3. Perspicuum est hoc toto capite agi de ultima vocatione Judaeorum, quorum foelicitas sempiterna esset, nunquam iterum interrumpenda▪ v. 2. Brightm.
It is repeated four times to shew the vehemency of their desire of her conversion, and the necessity of the thing, as Psal. 47. 6.
CHAP. VII.
Verse 1. HOw beautifull are thy feet with shoes?] In thy calling; when a man hath hisHereby is meant her obedient walking in the faith and Gospel of Christ. Ainsw. shoes on, he is fit for business. See Brightman.
Vers. 2. Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lillies.] Some say the navell and belly are both hidden parts, and therefore set forth the two mysteries or Sacraments of the Church,Mr Cotton. Baptism and the Lords Supper. The navell serving for the nourishment of the infant in the womb (say they) resembleth Baptism, nourishing infants in the Church.
Wanteth not liquor.] 1. Of the blood of Christ to justifie us from sinne. 2. Of the Spirit of Christ to sanctifie and cleanse us from sinne.
The belly.] viz. the Lords Supper: Like an heap of wheat.] For store of excellent, sweet and fine nourishment.
Set about with lillies.] Because only the faithfull pure Christians shall be admitted to partake in that Sacrament: so some: But this Interpretation is somewhat strained.
Vers. 3. Thy two breasts are like two young Roes that are twins.] That is,Sunt duo Testamenta, inter quae ita convenit ut inter gemellos, & lacte doctrinae caelestis abunde sibi commissum gregem alunt. Mercerus. equall.
Vers. 4. Thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshb…n.] Because moistned with herSereni non turbidi. Grotius. Aptissimè comparantur oculi piscinis, non tam propter claritatem, quae refert limpitudinem aquae, quam ob ingentem vim lacrymarum scaturientium ex vera resipiscentia, quibus restitutus ille populus totus redandabit. Brightm. tears for sinnes, or because of her clear and perspicuous vision and apprehension of heavenly mysteries.
By the gate of Bathrabbim.] The daughter of many, Bath is daughter, Rabbim q. Filiam multorum, quòd eò frequens populus conflueret: Uti moris erat ad portas convenire, ubi judicia exercebantur. Mercerus ad loc. In porta filiae multitudinis. Vulg. Ad portam frequentissimam nostri. Junius. Vide Brightm.many; many should repair to the Spouse.
Thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon.] Compared to it for whiteness, uniformity, and proportionable largeness thereof.
Vers. 5. The King is held in the galleries.] There is a twofold gallery.
1. Upper, heaven, where a Christian shall walk with God.
2. Lower, the Ordinances.
Vers. 6. How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights.] That is, thouSingula verba habent emphas…n; Interrogandi formulae admirationem: eadem repetita non vulgarem sed admodum vehementem & singularem. Abstractum purum putum amorem ostendit, infectum contagione nullius fastidii. Deliciae postremò cumulo adjiciunt, si quid possit amplius accide…e. Brightm. art so beautifull and fair, both in every part of thee, and in the whole; that I know not what words to use, to express the same, neither indeed can it be sufficiently declared.
Vers. 8. I said, I will go up to the palm-tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof.] The Palm hath a long naked bark, it carries all its leaves and fruit to the top, this notes the religious ascent of the soul in spirituall exercises.
The Hebrew Sansinuim here translated boughs or branches, properly signifies the highest branches in the tree, and is not used in any place of Scripture but in this, because the Palm tree (as Pliny saith, l. 13. c. 4.) hath not boughs on the sides like other trees, but doth only at the top send forth such long boughs, and there also the fruit it self groweth. Ainsw.
See Brightman.
Vers. 9. That goeth down sweetly] Straightly, or according to righteousness. Vadeni rectissimè. It. Vinum ad rectitudines, quando colore & odore eo se prodit esse ingenio, ut quisque generosum agnoscat & rectum fatearur, ut vulgo vernaculè dicere solent, this is right, quando nacti sunt quod arridet. Brightm. ad loc.See Prov. 23. 31.
Vers. 10. And his desire is towards me.] Or, because his desire is towards me: That is, he loveth me most entirely; but the womans desire toward the man implieth both love and subjection, Gen. 3. 10.
Vers. 12. Let us see if the Vine flourish.] The Church of God is compared to the Vine, 1. For its excellency. 2. Spreading nature. 3. Fruitfulness.
CHAP. VIII.
Verse 5. WHo is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?] ItE… summa familiaritas indieatur, qua solent amantes in sinus Amasiorum se projicere. Brightm. Graeci utrumque expresserunt deliciis affluens & innixa socio suo ut verbum Hebraicum utrumque complectatur. Mercerus. notes her weakness, yet sets forth her love.
Vers. 6. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death, jealousie is cruell as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which The manner of old times (saith Pierius) was to bear the image of the person they loved in their seals.have a more vehement flame.] That is, let me be most dear to thee, Hag. 2. ult. an allusion to the arm of the High-priest, who bare the names of the children of Israel on his breast-plate and shoulders, Exod. 28. 21, 29. Let me be dear to thee and presented to thy Father.
The flagrancy of her love is set forth by most fit similitudes.
That she saith, It is as strong as death, by that she shews that she cannot resist its dominion.
The grave is also cruell and inexorable, yea insatiable, and so is jealousie.
A most vehement flame.] Heb. a flame of God, such a flame as speaks it to be the jealousie of God.
Vers. 7. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the flouds drown it.] That is, grievous persecutions and torments cannot extinguish the same.
If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.] Heb. Contemning they would contemn it.
Vers. 8. We have a little sister and she hath no breasts, what shall we do for our The Jews desired the conversion of the Gentiles.sister in the day when she shall be spoken for.] It is the speech of the Jews in behalf of the Gentiles.
Sister.] That is, the Gentiles.
Hath no breasts.] That is, no Ministers, no setled Ordinances, Isa. 66. 9.
What shall we do when she shall be spoken for?] That is, when God cals them, Bernard. When the fame of her conversion shall come abroad, what furtherance shall we yield to increase, settle, stablish her in the truth? Ainsw.
Vers. 9. If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a Si murus sit aedificandus illi. Tremel.door, we will enclose her with boards of Cedar.] The wall of Magistracy, the door of Ministry: Others say, a wall to be built to her for her defence, a door for entrance.
Vers. 11. Salomon had a Vineyard at Baalhamon.] It signifieth here a most fruitfullVerisimile est locum à feracitate nomen invenisse. Baalhamon enim est dominus multitudinis, quasi locus iste feracitate non minus reliquis antecelleret, quam herus servo dignitate. Brightm. in loc. soil; the word signifies▪ The Lord of a multitude, a place so plenteous that it bringeth forth multitudes of Vines. In the Great Bible of divers Languages some of the Translatours make it a proper name, others not.
Vers. 12. My Vineyard which is mine.] As if God found a kind of relish and sweetness in this word mine, otherwise my Vineyard would have served; that is, the subject of my care and providence.
Vers. 14. Be thou like to a Roe, or a young Hart upon the mountains of Spices.]See ch. 4. v. 5. Elegantissimum in partibus Orientis Capr…olae genus constans pilis …enuissimis & …itidissimis, membris aptè & figuratè inter se dispositis, unde quicquid velint commendare Arabes Capreolam dicant, eò quod haec in deliciis esse soleat, ut virginibus nostris canes Melitaei. Dieterici Antiq. Bibl. The Spouse would have Christ to be speedy in coming towards her, she useth therefore this double similitude. See Psal. 18. 23.
Heaven is called a mountain of Spices, for the height and pleasures which are there.
FINIS.