Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Song of Solomon
THE Song of Solomon.
A Song it is; as the title bears. Not an Historie, or a Prophecie: which conceit, while some have fancied to themselves to maintain the same, they have been driven, in their Expositions, forcibly as it were to ravish the Text, and to fall into sundry (I might say) ridiculous singularities and absurdities.
It is the Song of Songs, the chiefest of his 1005. Songs, 1 Kings IV. 32. the most excellent of all others: and that for Expressions, Mysteries, Purity and Holinesse; but most for the Subject and Matter of it, which is sublime, divine, and Evangelical.
It is all a continued Allegorie; full of Obscurities, as is confessed by all; somewhat the harder to understand by reason of so many diversities of understandings; somewhat the more difficult, because we meet here with diverse Hebrew words which are not found in the Scripure besides. It is all mystical; as many words, almost so many Mysteries: As is likewise said of the Apocalypse. And the Jewes hereupon are said to forbid the reading of this Book among them till they came to thirty years of age.
Yet it appears to be an Epithalamium, a marriage-Song, a Song of Loves: Penned by Solomon, it seemes in his younger years, and best times, not long after his marriage with Pharaohs daughter, whereunto he may haply allude in this Song; and long before his foul falls in his old age. But yet a greater then Solomon is here.
Here is Christ the true Solomon, the Bridegroome; and his Church, the Spouse. Here between them is set down all Rhetorick of Love; pathetical Compellations, affectionate Elogies, Passionate Expressions; all here pure and spiritual in this Celestial Poem: Here is nothing of Temporal, Carnal, or worldly mixture in it. The flowers and ornaments of Language in the Praises of Both, are not applicable to bodily or natural beauties, but to spiritual and supernatural. Here is hidden Manna; sancta sanctis; Pearls are not for swine. Here Solomon rips up, and rifles, as it were, all the rarities of Nature, to describe his sacred and supernatural mysteries. Yea, such is the matchlesse riches and sweetnesse of this Poem, and the subject of it, that though the storehouse of the whole world from both her spheres contribute to it, yet all is not sufficient: The richest earthly things are but grosse and sensible illustrations of spiritual Majesty, and glory: They can serve but as mystical representations, as Emblemes, as Hieroglyphiks, as Manuductions, and Perspectives to Grace, and Glory. Here between Christ, and his Church are interchangings of mutual Praises, Gloriations, and Congratulations; of Zealous spiritual longings, and breathings of Loves, and Vowes, and Joyes; of acclamations, attestations and administrations. His divine and glorious excellencies in himself, and rich bounties and blessings to her; and her precious heavenly graces, and endowments, ornaments, and priviledges by him, in an high character, in lofty and stately sayings and similies, are portraied and laid out to the life, by her, and by him. And yet withal, her failings, and recoveries; and his withdrawings thereupon, and returnings, are not omitted
And lastly, she being never satisfied with his Love, out of the unquenchable flame of her affection, she doth beg still a more intimate Union, and communion with him, and a perpetual fruition of him, for her self; and for all her members that yet knew him not: And that he would hasten his last coming, for the full finishing of all, and her enjoyment of him in Vision Beatifical in the Life of Glory. In all these Interlocutions betwixt them; she speaking nine times. He seven times; And both joyntly together the same things, as in a Chorus, two times; In a word, There are such divine raptures as are able to fire the holy affections of the sons of men
Let him kisse me, chapter I verse 2 &c.] The speech of the Church, the Spouse, to Christ, the Bridegroom, to the 8. ver. set forth in her wishes of his love, in expressions of the worth of it; of his sweet smelling graces, and the powerful vertue of them in her and in others, in his rich and gracious provisions for her; in her Vindication of her own deformities; and defects against the envious and uncharitable censures of others concerning her; and in petitioning him for further counsel and direction.
If thou know not, &c.] Christ his Reply, verse 8 in the four next verses; granting her last request; with gracious and great commendations of her, and rich promises made unto her.
While the King, &c.] The Church in this, verse 12 and the next verse returnes the fruits of Christs love and bounty, magnifying by similies his gracious goodnesse to her; and declaring what her cate shall be to keep and indeere him to her.
Behold thou art fair] Christ here in this, verse 15 and the next verse congratulates his Church; Praysing again, and so cherishing his lovely graces in her: and their joynt flourishing fertility and felicity.
The beames, &c.] Both Christ; verse 17 and his Church, joyne here together in a symphonie, as in a Chorus, and with united delight, do extol the parts and fabrick of their spiritual house and happinesse.
I am the rose, chapter II verse 1 &c.] Christs speech, in the two first verses; characterizing both himself, and his Church; who, and what they are.
Sharon] A fertile and pleasant region, lying in the Tribe of Gad, beneath Mount Lebanon, not farre from Bashan, 1 Chron. V. 16. There had David his heards of cattel fed, 1 Chron. XXVII. 29. It is coupled for excellencie with Carmel, Esay XXXV. 2. it is supposed to be the same with Lesharon mentioned, Josh. XII. 18.
Lillie] Christ here both Rose and Lillie, ch. V. 10. Mat. IX. 29. And in that Christ here doth so commend himself, it is for our sakes; that we might take notice of his excellencies, and fall in love with him.
thorns] These thorns Christ makes useful to his Church; verse 2 to prick and let out her ill humours; to hedge her in and keep her within compasse. See Judg. VIII. 16.
As the apple-tree, &c.] The Churches speech, continued to the end of this chapter. And in all the next chapter, uttered sometimes of Christ, and somtimes to Christ. Declaring his praise and preciousnesse in himself, his loving dealings with her may ways; his speech to her, so sweetly and affectionately inviting her unto him. And withal expressing her delight in him, and that she is sick of love towards him: charging others not to distrub him: and joying in her interest in him, & petitioning him for his speedy approach and presence. And all this in this second chap.
trees of the wood] Wild, fruitlesse trees, verse 3 or trees of hedg-fruit. But in Christ is alsufficiencie for us, Col. I. 19. John I. 16. Col. III. 11.
banquetting house] Of inward consolations through peace, verse 4 and joy in Beleeving, and the comforts and graces of the Spirit: and that by the meanes of his Word and Ordinances.
Flagons] Large measures of that wine in Christs banquetting house, verse 5 or wine-seller, ver. 4.
apples] Such as fall from Christs apple-tree, ver. 3.
sick] Ever & sinking swooning with a love-qualme, through excess of love, & exuberancie of spiritual joy in Christ, such as she could hardly stand under, but that the raptures and ravishments thereof, the extasies thereby, do even overwhelme her spirit, Ephes. I. 18. and III. 19.
His left hand, &c.] Christ himself relieves my sicknesse, verse 6 supplies my desires, fulfils my joy, prevents your help and comfort, or at least, works with it effectualy. Christ circleth his Church with all healing, all comforting embracements.
by the Roes, &c.] By the things most dear and precious to you: verse 7 as these are to Shepherds. As ever ye love any thing, and desire it may not perish, disquiet him not. Or rather then disturb him, abide ye from him, abide without doors, with the Roes and Hinds of the fields; as some make the meaning to be.
until he please] until he waken of his own accord. Be not overhasty with him, to disease or displease him; but hold out in faith and patience; Let him take his own time, who is a God that waiteth to be gracious, Esay XXX. 18.
The voice, &c.] She being sick with pangs of love, verse 8 lay lingring and listning, hankering, and hearkning after her beloved; and behold here she hears his voice, John X. 3, 4. And sees him coming; so as neither mountains, nor hills; her enormities, or infirmities; or the worlds oppositions and emnities shall hinder his coming.
behinde our wall] He is come so near. verse 9
looketh forth] Or, looketh in. Thus he returnes, and comes by degrees. Never farre off, or staying long absent, upon her seeking and longing after him. Yet the full enjoyment and fruition of him is reserved for the life to come, 1 Cor. XIII. 12.
in the clefts of the rock] Jer. XLVIII. 28. verse 14
in the secret places of the staires] for secrecy and security; or for conscience of infirmity and modesty.
my Beloved is mine, &c.] She is sure, verse 16 and speaks it boldly, 1 John IV. 16. 1 Cor. VI. 17.
he feedeth] Though before, and at such a time, she knew not, Ch. I. 7. yet now she knows, and can tell it to others.
In this Chapter the Church implying Christs departure from her, occasioned by her own negligence and security; sets forth her diligent scrutiny, and search for him; her finding of him; her dutiful care, and behaviour towards him, and holy gloriation in his Majesty, and beauty; which she inciteth others to minde and magnifie.
By night] Even night after night. chapter III verse 1
I fought] Sought and sought, instantly & earnestly, Jer. XXIX. 13. She longed, as David did, 1 Chr. XI. 17. Counts all but losse and dung in comparison of Christ, Hos. V. 15. Psal LXXVIII. 34. Esay LXIII. 15.
but I found him not] We are faultie: And yet withal too hasty; we antedate the promises; and are ready to complaine of Christs delay, though procured by our selves.
I will rise] An holy, verse 2 and resolute determination.
now] Presently, without losing any opportunity; while the day and time of grace lasteth: Delays are dangerous, Hos. V. 6. Prov. I. 28. John VII. 34. & VIII. 21. And too many sluggishly use them, as Pro. VI. 10.
the citie] Jerusalem, where the Temple, Priests, and Ordinances were: Jesus was found there, Luke II. 46. Psal. CXXII. 4.
a little that I passed from them] From the Watchmen, verse 4 the meanes, and Ordinances; that the finding might not be attributed to the excellency of the meanes; but unto God, 1 Cor. III. 6, 7. Rom. IX. 16.
I found him] Hos. VI. 3. Mark VII. 24, 25.
would not let him go] As, Gen. XXXII. 26. Job XIII. 15. Rom. VIII. 35.
Who is this] Chap. VIII. 5. verse 6 There spoken concerning the Church. See the Observations there. And so possibly it may be spoken here. Or else spoken by the Church, concerning Christ; as the words following all along do seeme to imply; she continuing her high expressions, and continual ascensions in her affection to Christ. The words following seeme to me to be straitened by Commentators, and tied to more particular senses and applications, then in their general meaning they need, or will well bear. The Church pleaseth under the Person and Parable of Solomon, and his glory, in his Bed; in his bed-chamber-warders, or Esquires of his body; in his Charet; in his Crowne in the day of his Espousals; and in their descriptions; to typifie, and magnifie the glorious state of Christ her Bridegroome, in all his braveries.
Christ here in a great part of this Chapter, amplifies the Praises, and the Graces of his Church, by elegant similies and ornaments of speech, not applicable to bodily, but to spiritual beauty. And proceeds to admonish and dehort her from unworthy societie and communion which he urgeth by fresh praises, and vowes of love. To which she makes a brief Reply, by desiring to be made fit for those Praises and future affections, by the work of his Spirit; and that he may come to enjoy them in her.
faire] Christ here interchangeably seemes, chapter IV verse 1 as it were, rapt and ravished, and altogether enamoured with his beautiful Bride; sets her forth in all her parts, in her eyes, haire, teeth, lips, temples, neck and breasts, in that fairnesse, and comelinesse, which indeed he himself hath put upon her, Ezek XVI. 14.
no spot in thee] Ephes. V. 26, 27. Apoc. XIV. 5. verse 7 Not such as Jude ver. 12. and Deut. XXXII. 5. no Leopard-spots: none that God will so account; though in many things we offend all, James III. 2.
Shenir and Hermon] Deut. III. 9. 1 Chron. V. 23. verse 8 Of Hermon, see the Observations on Psal. LXXXIX. 12.
a fountaine sealed] For preservation from pollution, verse 12 and for the excellencie of it, John IV. 14.
a fountaine, &c.] Or, Oh fountaine, &c. verse 15 For some make this the Churches speech to Christ, acknowledging, that for all she is, or hath, the entire praise belongs to him alone, is derived from him, Psalme LXXXVII. 7. John XV. 5. Esay XXVI. 12. Hos. XIV. 8. Psalme CXV. 1.
Awake] The Church prayes, verse 16 and accordingly beleeves, that these windes, the besomes of the world, may ever blow to the good of the garden, Christs Church, for her fruitfulnesse, that Christ may come and reap the pleasant fruits thereof, 1 Cor. IX. 7. He and she, make both one mystical Christ, 1 Cor. XII. 12.
Christ pleaseth to grant the request of his Church, and cometh, and accepteth her entertainment; yea, and bringeth his friends with him, and feasteth them, vers. 1. But this kindnesse, it seemes, is not so well improved by her as it deserved, but she is surprized by another fit of drowsie negligence, and tepidity; and so she is brought into a fresh danger of losing him, who after much patient waiting, knocking, and calling upon her, and her unkinde answer thereunto, becomes angry; and being not received when he tendered himself, departs displeased, and is hardly reconciled, though she testifie much care and importunity in seeking him, and therein suffereth losses, and wounds for his sake; And chargeth others to tell him that she is sick of love.
I am come, chapter V verse 1 &c.] Christ so readily answers and grants the Churches Prayer, Psal. CXLV. 19. and XX. 4. and XXXII. 5. and XXXIV. 15. Esay LXV. 24. Dan. IX. 20,—23. She seeks not him in vaine, Esay XLV. 19.
eate O friends] The holy Angels; or Saints on earth rather, Esay XLI. 8. John XV. 14. James II. 23.
abundantly] Ephes. V. 16.
I sleep, verse 2 but, &c.] The Churches infirmity. As, Matth. XXV. 5. and XXVI. 41. she lets fall the watch of the Lord; and so sinnes away her inward peace, as David did, Psal. LI.
It is the voice, &c.] She soone hears the first call and knock; as being half awake; awake in the hidden man of the heart.
Knocketh] Apoc. III. 20. Micah. VI. 9.
my locks with the drops] Thus Christ stands bare-headed, as with cap in hand, and that in foul weather too, suing, wooing, and begging admittance; and yet must go look another lodging.
I have put off my coate] Luke XI. verse 3 7. A silly excuse; and yet worse then so, in seeking to mend one fault by making another. Thus the flesh is both weak and wayward: But it is to be served, as Paul doth, 1 Cor. IX. 27. And as he adviseth others, Rom. VI. 12.
how] Why, easily enough: It had beene no such great matter. Sinne and shifting came into the world together. Look to that, Heb. XII. 25. and chap. II. 3. Lest refusing this Call, they hear that Command, Matth. XXV. 41.
by the hole] Christ herewith is offended and gone, verse 4 ver. 6. Seemes minded, as Mark XIV. 41. and Ezek. III. 27. Yet even then he leaves a sweet remembrance behinde him.
my bowels] She had no rest in her spirit; her bowels earned towards him; her heart asked and quaked for the unkindnesse she had offered him: she sorrowed according to God, or as God would have it, 2 Cor. VII. 9.
I rose up] She better bethinks her self, verse 5 she starts and stirs, and she leaves her bed of carnal security, would mend her former fore-thought negligence.
dropped with myrrhe,] Testimonies and tokens of his sweetnesse left behinde him, where his hand had beene; with a secret instinct to attract her, as the Loadstone doth the Needle: that did whet, edge, steele her affections towards him; and wrought her to that resolution, Hos. II. 7.
I opened] Better late then never. verse 6
was gone] She had presumed too much of his patience, and abused it, Micah III. 4. she hoped here, but missed of it.
my soul failed] Psal. XXX. 7. she suffers now; she may thank her self for it.
I sought him] She goes not to bed againe; but seeks him, with all her might: seeks, and calls, and gives not over. This is the guise of the godly, Esay XXVI. 9.
I could not finde him] She was so justly dealt withal, Esay LIX. 1, 2. And this is the Churches soarest affliction, whereof they bitterly complaine, Lam. III. 8, 44. Job XXX. 20. Hab. I. 2. A spiritual desertion is a kinde of Hell it self to a godly soul. This sense of Losse they count heavier then the sense of Paine. And indeed the tears of Hell are not sufficient to bewaile the Losse of Heaven.
The Watchmen] Now she will seek him through thick and thin, verse 7 by night it self, without delay, among the Watchmen, and midst of dangers. Nothing shall stay her, she is at no rest without him. See chap. III. 3.
they smote me] Even these Watchmen, Ezek. XXXIII. 2, 6, 7. smote her with the tongue of just reproof and rebuke, out of Gods Word, for her former fault, and sloathful neglect of duty.
I charge you] See chap. II. 7. verse 8 and chap. III. 5. But here her charge varies. Tell him, and what shall ye tell him? as the Hebrew hath it. Like that phrase in Hos. IX. 14
sick of love] Chap. II. 5.
What is thy beloved, verse 9 &c.] And they double the demand: And that by reason of her so extraordinary charging them, if not swearing and adjuring of them. Some singular thing then was in the man, and in the matter. They question likely, not as utterly ignorant of Christ; but that they might hear the Church what she had to say to him; and by her discourse they might better their knowledge, 1 Pet. I. 12.
My beloved, verse 10 &c.] The Churches large character of Christ to them, she describes him, and his particular praises in his several parts, in sundry Similies, but no hyperbolies; for Christ admits of no hyperbolie; he is altogether matchlesse and incomparable. She describes his colour, head, locks, eyes; cheeks, lips, hands, belly, legges, countenance, mouth; and that he is altogether lovely. Her Love wants no Rhetorick to display his parts; she thinks she can never speak enough of him.
Whither] The effect of the Churches speech being so ful of affection and admiration, chapter VI verse 1 what it wrought upon the daughters of Jerusalem. And here they double their demand; as they did, chap. V. 9.
thou fairest] Though she acknowledged her self black, chap. I. 6. And was now in a distresse and a desertion.
that we may] They cannot help her, to satisfie her desire; but they will joyne to seek him with her. So much good they received by her holy conference with them. And so God blesseth the holy conferences of his people; and the communion of Saints, Zech. VIII. 21. And surely best it is to seek Christ with the Church, in her companie; she being the pillar and ground of truth, and as that pillar of fire in the Wildernesse, to guide and go before us.
is gone downe] See before chap. V. 6. verse 2 But now she can tell it her self; and tell it to others. And she is ready so to do, apt to communicate all she knows, all she can tell them, 1 Cor. XII. 7. Not the powring out, but the want of powring out, dries up the streaming of that oile of Grace, 2 Kings IV. 6.
into his garden] Chap. IV. 16.
I am my beloveds] Chap. verse 3 II. 16. and chap. VII. 10. Here her faith reviveth. And come what will come, she rests upon this resolution.
Thou art beautiful, verse 4 &c.] The Church having confessed her fault; and seeking so earnestly to repair the breach, and renew her love and interest in him; Christ hereupon is so ready to receive her, and afresh so highly to praise and commend her; as formerly he had done, ch. IV. which shewes that he is no changeling; and makes to her singular comfort, Jer. III. 22.
as Tirza] Josh. XII. 24. 1 Kings XIV. 17. and chap. XV. 33. so beautiful a Citie.
as Jerusalem] Lam. I. 1. and chap. II. 15, 16. Psal. CXXII. 3. and XLVIII. 2. and LXXXVII. 3. and CXXXII.
terrible] To daunt enemies, and draw hearts unto her, she is admirable, inexpugnable.
Turne away thine eyes] Chap. verse 5 IV. 9. If she be sick of his love, he is overcome by hers: no love lost between them.
threescore Queenes] This verse is put hypotheticaly, verse 8 by way of supposition: Be it so.
my Dove] The rendition of the case, verse 9 and comparison; Yet allt hose would not equal thee; yea, even they themselvs would yeeld the praise and blessing to thee, Deut. XXXIII. 29. 2 Sam. VII. 23. Ps. CXLIV. 15.
Who is she, verse 10 &c.] Many make this the praise which the Queenes and Concubines give the Church; not hereby doubting, but admiring her. and her excellencie. Yet I see not but they may well be a continuation of Christs speech in praising her; not unlike to that in the fourth verse aforegoing.
I went downe] Christs inspection and care of his Church, verse 11 and Congregations, and how they fructifie, and flourish, Esay V. 2. Matth. XXI. 34. 1 Cor. IX. 7. This phrase speaks not a present ignorance in him; no more then that phrase, Gen. XVIII. 21.
Or ever I was aware] i. e. verse 12 not ignorantly; but suddenly. As Esay XLVII. 11.
my soul, &c.] This seemes to denote the affectionate haste and desire, wherewith Christ was carried on, in a kind of insensible manner, to revisit his Church, and restore comforts to her, to present his ardent and longing affection to behold the flourishings and propagations of his Church.
Amminadab] Likely some swift Charet-driver, some translate it appellatively, my willing people. Some make the whole verse to be the speech of the Church, confessing her ignorance that Christ was gone downe to that end, as is expressed in the former verse; But that he was gone away from her in angry displeasure, for her unworthy and sluggish neglect of him, chap. III. 3. And therefore she drove on so furiously to finde him out againe; yea, so furiously, that she over past him. So obscure is this text, and the meaning so dark and difficult to determine.
Returne, &c.] Various likewise are the Opinions of Interpreters here: I conceive, The word fairly come of, as the words of Christ to his Church; mainly and earnestly recalling her to return to him.
O Shulamite] Not Shunamite. Some make it the feminine of Solomon; and so to denote his wife; the women being usualy called after their husbands names, Esay IV. 1. And so his Spouse is the figure of the Church of Christ throughout this Song.
that we may look upon thee] view and contemplate thee; and thy beauty with complacency and delight.
What will ye see] Seemes best to be Christs words still; in answer of his own question.
as it were the company of two armies] As in that joyful day at Mahanaim, and the Vision there of Jacob, Gen. XXXII. 2. The Spouse here likened to these two armies. Or, that she is so guarded and safe-guarded, with such armies, as Jacob there was. Yet some apply this to that intestine warre within her, of the flesh and spirit, fighting as two armies within her, as the twins did in Rebecca's womb.
Christ here to the tenth verse, continueth his Praising of her again, running over every grace and ornament in her, from the lowest to the highest; together with his joy and pleasure that he takes in her; And all under new and fresh Similies and exemplifications. And thereupon, in the tenth verse, and to the end of this chapter, the Church renewes the joyful profession of her love to him, and of his desire towards her; inviting him to her Assemblies to see them how they prosper, and she promiseth to give and devote all her best fruits wholly to him, for whom alone she had brought them forth, and by whose blessing she flourished with all manner & sorts of them, both new and old.
How beautiful] This beautifulnesse is ascribed, chapter VII verse 1 with admiration, to sundry parts of her; and to her whole person oftentimes.
O Princes daughter] 1 John III. 1. John I. 12. 2 Cor. VI. 18.
the King is held in the galleries] Christ himself. verse 5 Yea, and no earthly King but would finde in his heart to be tied to these walks, and to be held, as it were, prisoner in the sight of thee and thy bravery, Ps. CXXXVIII. 4, 5. and XXVII. 4. being so astonished, and never satisfied with the sight of thee, and thy beauty, and so over-valuing it above his own, and all other earthly glory whatsoever.
How faire] Such passionate admiration of her, verse 6 proceeds from his wonderful love to her; agreeing well to that saying, Esay LXII. 4, 5. and LXV. 19. Zeph. III. 17. And cannot but procure some suitable reciprocal love to him, Ezra IX. 13, 14. 2 Cor. V. 14.
Palme-tree] The Embleme and symbol of constancie, verse 7 and fruitfulnesse, patience, and victory, Psalme XCII. 12, 13. Apoc. VII. 9, 10.
go up to the Palme-tree] He will familiarly dwell with his Church; verse 8 and with the boughs and branches thereof; purging and pruning them, and making them fruitful.
and the smell of thy nose] Or nostrils; the breath that thence proceedeth, shall be sweet, odoriferous, and grateful: to those at least that have their inward senses habitualy and spiritualy exercised.
causing the lips] Hyperbolicaly, verse 9 but excellently expressing the vertue and efficacie, the power and vigour of the Word and Gospel, preached under the similitude of the best wine, and the operation of it. They that have tasted of the power of the good Word of God, and of the world to come, cannot forbear to declare and speak of it to …ll the world, Acts IV. 20. and II. 4, 11, 14.
I am my Beloveds The Churches renewed speech and profession, verse 10 upon Christs so great commendations of her, and affections towards her, notwithstanding her former faylings and imperfections. She growes up to this confident assurance.
Come] She is emboldened hereupon to these Petitions following; verse 11 that he will accompany her to visit the particular Churches, that his spirit and care may joyne together, to prosper hers, for the good of all the Churches. She will not now go any way, ot do any thing without him and his companie. She had lately felt the sorrow and smart of his absence from her, of her being without him, and his presence. She is minded now, as Bar…k was, Judg. IV. 8.
my loves] The fruition of my graces, verse 21 the fruits of my faith, hope, love, good works, thanksgivings, &c. She will detaine nothing that is hers from the love and service of Christ, but resigne all unto him, who is worthy alone to enjoy all.
The mandrakes] See the Annotations on Gen. verse 13 XXX. 14.
at our gates, &c.] This may seeme to allude to the order of strawing the wedding-house doores with sweet smelling flowers: or of laying up of fruits in gate-houses and garners.
for thee] All for Christ. He gives all to them, all his offices and efficacies; all his merits and graces; what he did, and suffered, was for them: and they returne all to him, all that they are, and have all that they do and suffer, all their good works and services, as fruits of his owne Graces in them, they ascribe and devote unto him, Psal. CXV. 1. that he may be Ali in All.
In this last Chapter, the Church proceeds to her dearest wishes for and after Christ, How she faine would have him, and use him; in the three first verses. And in the next verse, she againe chargeth others not to disturbe or displease him.
as my brother] That she might have more close conjunction and consociation with him, chapter VIII verse 1 more intire familiarity and sweetnesse, more intimate union and communion with him.
kisse thee] Chap. I. 2. Psal. II. 12. and publikely professe thee, notwithstanding any danger.
yet they should not despise me] 2 Sam. VI. 22. not dishearten me from duty and affection: but she would bravely sleight all scorning Michols, all contumelies and contempts for her conscience sake, and Christs sake.
… mothers house] The universal Church she calls her her mother; verse 2 in her universal latitude of al her members; yea, somtimes comprehending in that notion Christ the head also, as, v. 5. And so again in the New Testament, the whole Church in all her members with her head Christ, is called Christ, i. e. mystical Christ, 1 Cor. XII. 12. Thither from without, would she bring him with solemnity and joy; and there humbly welcome and entertaine his presence with all honour and obedience.
instruct me] The Church would do it instrumentaly and subordinately, from God primarily and originaly, John VI. 45. Esay LIV. 13. Jer. XXXI. 34.
of spiced wine] Prov. IX. 2. This should be her hospitality and kindnesse to Christ: nothing too dear for him, as he doth the like for her, Esay LV. 1, 2, 3.
who is this, verse 5 &c.] Chap. III. 6. Some would have this to be the speech of the Church; some, of Christ; some, of the Angels.
that cometh up] Sure whosoever speaks it, this is meant of the Church; it is she comes up. There are continual ascensions in the hearts of Gods people▪ whiles here; they are ever aspiring to heaven-ward.
from the wildernesse] Of this world and the tribulations of it, of sin, and the temptations and miseries of it.
Leaning] For otherwise without him she could not ascend. No more then the Vine without its supporter; or the Ivy without its Oak. And leanes truly; not as those, Micah III. 11. And leanes wholy and solely upon him; utterly unbottomed of her self, and of every creature. All other are but as, Job VI. 17. and, VIII. 15. and, Esay XXXVI. 6.
I raised thee up, &c.] Some understand these words as spoken by the Church, and in answer to Christs question; That namely, I is she her self, and no other; even she that raised him up and awoke him from under the apple-tree, by her prayers; as, Psal. XLIV. 23. Matth. VIII. 25. Esay LXII. 7. And there by acts of faith, and beleeving on the promise, did after a sort conceive, bear, and bring him forth. And that it is she also that in the extreme height and heat of her love and zeal, so prayes to him, and so professes, as is in the two verses following. Others under stand all these words as spoken by Christ to the Church, whose grace alone did, and doth raise up his Church, depressed and fallen under the tree of offence after the eating of the forbidden fruit, lying in her blood, as it is, Ezek. XVI. 5, 6. then and there he said unto her, and be the mother of the living, as, Gen. III. 20. And so they make the rest of the words to be his command to his Church, naturaly following as her duty, from the consideration of his foresaid benefits to her vouchsafed. But yet, however the words in the fifth verse be taken, I do rather incline to understand the words in the six and seven verses to be the Churches; by reason of their masculine idiome. She so begging Christs dearest love to her: and so professing her own love to him, as riding in a Chariot o triumph, victorious over all oppositions, unconquerable, unquenchable. And such indeed is the Divine mutual love between Christ and his Church, thus exalted to the highest.
Set me as a seale] Have me in precious esteeme: verse 6 bear me on thy breast, and shoulders, as Aaron did the Tribes, Exod. XXVIII. 11, 12, 20, 21, 29, 30. Thus she begs to be highly remembered, preserved honoured, by Christ; in his heart dearly cherished and valued; by his arme mightily defended.
strong as death] Death conquers all; is the King of terrors, Job XVIII. 14. yet Love as strong as death: Jonathan would have died for the love of David; and David for Absalom. See Rom. XVI. 4. Apoc. XII. 11. She would not refuse to die for him: but shall die, if he grant not her desire. Wherein the irresistible and undaunted vigour and courage of holy love and desire after Christ, is exalted to the highest.
as the grave] Which is never satisfied and filled, Prov. XXX. 16.
coales of fire] Luke XII. 49. This was her fever and sicknesse, in this Song. She was carried up, as it were, in a Chariot of fire; and consumed, as it were, in her love towards Christ in the zeale of it, Psalme LIX. 9. and CXIX. 139. See 2 Cor. V. 13. Not lukewarme she.
Many waters, verse 7 &c.] As no good can match it, so no evil can overmatch it. Nay, the floods of afflictions are so farre from drowning this Love, that they do rather inflame and increase it; as the water that is cast upon lime, Rom. VIII. 35.
all the substance of his house] To buy this love of me, or to get it from me; or to bribe and corrupt it. Yea, his house it self, lands, life and all.
utterly oontemned] As, Acts VIII. 20. Phil. III. 8. Matth. X. 37. Luke XIV. 26. IX. 24.
we have a little sister] Thou Lord and I have such a one; verse 8 meaning the Church of the Gentiles; so thy holy Prophets have foretold me. So as this continues to be the speech of the Church; or of them both.
no breast] Not marriagable yet immature yet. As once the Church of the Jews also was, Ezek. XVI. 7, 8.
What shall we do] Love is laborious, Sichem will do all that can be done for his beloved Dinah. So Paul for the Jewes, Rom. IX. 1, 2, 3. True Love is not in word only, but in deed, John XIV. 15.
when she shall be spoken for] For her good, and advancement; for to have an husband, Gal. IV. 4. Rom. XVI. 25.
If she be a wall] The answer to the foresaid question: verse 9 Parabolical, very obscure, and difficult: Yet seems plaine in this, that Christ▪ and the Jewish Church are contriving here and mentioning some good, which they purpose to do to their sister, the Church of the Gentiles: That in nothing they will be wanting unto her; but in love provide and do all for her that they can in her respective conditions. If she be a wall, strong, and well-grounded; Or when she shall be so; we will do thus and thus for her. Or, they will make her a Wall first; and afterwards enlarge her; pulling down that partition-wall, which formerly was between Jew and Gentile; and then making a new wall, larger, and able to comprehend both Jew and Gentile.
We will build] We both; yea the whole blessed Trinity, will have an hand in building the Church of the Gentiles.
a palace of silver] A royal precious Palace; that she may beseeme to be the City of the great King, Psal. XLVIII. 2.
and if she be a doore Or, when she shall be a doore: to open to the righteous Nation, &c. Esay XXVI. 2. to open to the faithful Ministers, 1 Cor. XVI. 9 that come to build her for an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. II. 22. to open to the King of glory, Psal. XXIV. 7. And thus become, as it were, the gate of heaven; as Gen. XXVIII. 17.
enclose her with boarde of Cedar.] Board her, and beautifie her with faire, sweet, and strong Cedars; Compasse her with my everlasting mercies; and preserve her walls and her gates, that the gates of hell shall not prevaile against her, Esay XXVI. 1. and LX. 18. Matth. XVI. 18.
I am a wall] Saith this Church of the Gentiles; verse 10 answering that in the former verse. Or, when I shall so be, as I desire to be?
and my breasts like towers] Not, as once, without breasts, verse 8. but now, as, Ezek. XVI. 7. yea, beyond those of my elder sister, new like towers, farre greater then those. See Esay XLIX. 21. and LIV. 1. and LX. 4, 8. and LXVI. 8.
then was I, &c.] Or, then shall I be, &c. Here is the effect and issue of her being built up through Christ. For when God shall have united these two sticks, Ezek. XXXVII. 19. And made way for those Kings of the earth, Apoc. XVI. 12. then it shall be said of both, what hath God wrought? as, Num. XXIII. 23. then she shall be neare her compleat happinesse, her heavenly and everlasting peace. And all this through the free favour, and meere mercy of God in Christ.
Solemon had a vineyard] This, verse 11 and the two next evrses, are the last speech of Christ to and of his Spouse, in this Song. Wherein he magnifies the price and praise, the precious fruitfulnesse and worth of his Church, by the comparison of a Vineyard, the best of Vineyard, even Solomons in Baalhamon; a very fruitful place, a Lord of multitudes of wine; as the word signifieth. And yet is that far short of Christs Vineyard.
he let out, &c.] Solomon set and let out his to keepers and farmers.
every one] Every Tenant and Keeper, for his share.
a thousand pieces of silver] See Esay VII. 23 a thousand Vines for a thousand silverlings. Every keeper then likely had so much ground as would plant a thousand Vines. And wonderful then was the fruitfulnesse and increase that would raise the rent to so high a rate. Of silverlings and shekels, See the Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24.
My vineyard] The Church often called a Vineyard, verse 12 Esay V. 1,—7. Psal. LXXX. 8. Here is the other part of the comparison, the difference between Christs Vineyard, and that of Solomons. This superiour to that.
which is mine] He ownes it: And it is his by a manifold right of donation, purchase, conquest, plantation, preservation, fructification, 1 Pet. I. 18. 1 Cor. III. 7.
is before me] Ever in his sight, dear and tender in his eyes. He is alwayes with his Church, Matth. XXVIII. 20. He walks among her candlesticks; having engraven her upon the palms of his hands, and her walls being continualy before him, Esay XLIX. 16. and under his constant never-slumbring charge and protection, ch. XXVII. 3.
Thou, O Solomon] Solomon could not be ever with his Vineyard; nor dresse it himself. But the Keepers and Tenants must have their share of the fruits of it to themselves, as good reason they should. But I look to my Vineyard my self, 1 Cor. III. 7, 9. Nor suffer I any part of the profits to go from me.
Thou that dwellest, verse 13 &c.] Thou Church here called the inhabitresse of the gardens, because she is divided and branched into many particular Congregations, which are no lesse delightful to him then so many Edens and Paradises.
the companions] The Angels, say some, Eph. III. 10. 1 Cor. XI. 10. 1 Pet. I. 10. Or rather, Those Partakers of the same precious faith and grace with her self, 2 Pet. I. 1.
hearken to thy voice] Thine obedient children will hearken to their mothers counsel, Ier. XIII. 15, 16. set to their seals, Iohn III. 33. glorifie the Word, Acts XIII. 48.
cause me to hear it] Chap. II. 14. In holy exercises, preaching, prayer, conference, &c. uttered by the Spirit of grace and supplication. Or, as some, cause them to hear me; by thy preaching of me, of my Word of truth, without mixture of hay or stubble, 1 Cor. III. 12.
Make haste] See chap. II. verse 14 9, 17. They then waited for the consolation of Israel. Here is the Churches last speech and prayer; like that Apoc. XXII. 17, 20. She loves, and longs, and looks for his second Advent, 2 Pet. III. 12. As the espoused Virgin doth after the day of marriage.
like to a Roe] In nimblenesse and swiftnesse. Come with all speed, quickly, cut off of delaies. Yet his coming seemes long to us, because we are short; we set the Sun by our Dyal.
upon the mountaine of spices.] Where Christ is, and whence the Church expects him; and whither she longs to be brought by him. Those high and heavenly, those sweet and precious pleasures, Ps. XVI. 11. are the issue and upshot of all, and the end of this spiritual heavenly Song.
THe Great, and Small Prophets, according to the Times wherein they lived, and prophesied, may seeme to stand in this ranck and Order; viz. Jonah, Esay, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephanie, Ieremy, Daniel, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. In the LXX. the Lesser Prophets are placed before the Greater.