Exposition of Song of Solomon 1, Treatise · Verse 7, 8
Vers. 7, 8. Tell me (O thou whom my Soul loveth!) where thou feedest, &c.
THe Spouse having confessed her blackness, occasioned by Solomon's fall, Rehoboam's folly, and Israel's defection; and having also admonished the Daughters of Jerusalem not to look upon her with an evill or disdainful eye in the day of her affliction: she now turns her again unto her Beloved, and makes a third address unto Christ by way of Petition, unto whom Christ gives a gracious answer.
In these two Verses you have first the Churches Prayer; and secondly, Christs answer thereof. In the Spouses Prayer, vers. 6. Observe, I. How she styleth her Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ; O thou whom my Soul loveth! II. Wherein she desireth his Direction, Tell me, 1 Where thou feedest. 2 Where thou makest thy flocks to rest at noon. III. The Reason of her desires emphatically expressed by a pathetical expostulation, For why should I be as one that turneth aside? &c. Which argues, 1 Her unwillingness to wander out of Christs way. 2 The unreasonableness of the thing, if she should so do, 1 King. 12. 28, 29, 30.
Christs Answer of her Prayer, vers. 8. consisteth, 1. Of the gracious Compellation which Christ gives his Spouse, his Churches, and every particular Saint, O thou fairest among women! 2. Of a tender supposition of her Ignorance in the particulars touching which she enquired his Instruction, If thou know not. And 3. Of an holy Direction, 1 To forsake all false Assemblies and worship, Go thy way forth, &c. to wit, from Dan and Bethel, and so from Babilon. 2 To joyn unto the Church and worship of God, And feed thy kids besides the shepherds tents; that is, return to Zion, and Jerusalem; which the Priests and Levites did, and such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, 2 Chron. 11.13, 14, 16.
Tell me, &c.] That is, direct us, shew us, and declare plainly unto us, Psal. 25.4, 5. Gracious Souls address themselves unto Jesus Christ for his Counsel to them in all their doubts: So did all the faithful among the ten Tribes of Israel. There was a great Change, 1. In the Government of the Commonwealth of Israel. 2. In the Worship of God. Ten Tribes rent from Judah, and joyned with Jeroboam, and most of them sacrifice at Dan, and they that sacrificed, kissed the Calves; but in this great Change the faithful among them enquired of God, saying Tell me, &c.
1 Meditation. When there is a change of Civil Government in a Common-wealth, or of the Worship of God in the Church, then the faithful (especially if doubtful) ought to enquire and ask counsel of the Lord, and to seek to him for direction. The woman of Samaria in this case asked and enquired of Christ touching the worship of God. Joh. 4.19, 20. Our Fathers worshipped in this mountain, and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. And so did all the faithful among the ten Tribes, 2 Chr. 11.16.
This the Saints ought to do, first, because the Lord Jesus Christ hath the government laid upon his shoulders, and he is the onelyonly wise Counsellour, Isa. 9.6. Secondly, because Christ is faithful as a Son over his owne House, the Church, Heb. 3.5, 6, 7. Wherefore as the Holy Spirit saith, To day if you will hear his voyce.
O thou whom my soul loveth!] O! This Interjection doth not onelyonly betoken the Spouses passionate affection, but it is the Spirits Rhetorique, whereby he helpeth her to sigh and groan forth her zealous love unto Christ, and her most affectionate desires to be instructed and directed by him in her doubts and difficulties. Isa. 26.8, 9. O thou, &c. Christ is the object of his Spouses affections. It was not his spiritual gifts, privileges, ordinances, graces, and other spiritual blessings, but himself also; yea, Himself alone in the absence and want of his ordinances (which she then was seeking after) that she longed and so much desired to enjoy. O thou! whom my soul loveth. The affection which the Spouse so pathetically expressed here was her Souls love to her beloved Lord Jesus. Of this Virgin-love to Christ, something was hinted in the Exposition of the 3 & 4 Verses, unto which I refer you: OnelyOnly here take notice of the constancy of the Spouses, the Churches, the Saints affection unto Christ in all the chances that happened both in the Church and Common-wealth.
2 Meditation. Gracious Souls are constant in their love to Jesus Christ in all changes. If others change their King, the Spouse will not change hers. Isa. 33.22. The Lord is our King, and he will save us. If others change their god, the faithful will not change their God. Josh. 24.16, 21, 24. God forbid, that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods: The Lord our God will we serve, and his voyce will we obey. If Christ afflict his Spouse, his Saints, yet she will love him, Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. By night on my bed (to wit, of affliction, Revel. 2.22.) I sought him whom my soul loved. If he desert her, yet she loveth him, yea grows sick of love in his absence, Cant. 5.6, 8. I opened to my Beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone; I charge you, O Daughters of Jerusalem! If you find my Beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.
The Saints have good reason to love Christ in all changes, For 1. Christ changeth not, Mal. 3.6. I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye Sonnes of Jacob are not consumed. Christ Jesus the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever, Heb. 13.8. 2. Christ sweetneth and sanctifieth all changes unto his Saints, and maketh all work together for their good, Rom. 8.28. Christs presence in a prison, Christs love in all our losses; Christs smiles in a dark hour, and a day of desertion; Christs visits upon a sick bed: O how comfortable, how cordial are they unto poor hearts! In a word, there's enough in Christ to sweeten and sanctifie any condition to a gracious soul. 3. Christ loves the Saints in all the changes that come upon them, Joh. 13.1. Jesus having loved his owne, which are in the world, he loved them unto the end. His compassions fail not, they are new every morning, Lam. 3.22, 23. therefore the Saints have cause to love him, 1 Joh. 4.19. This Soul-love to Christ wil cause the Saints to sell all for Christ, to communicate all with Christ, and to doe nothing without the love and good liking of Christ.
Where thou feedest, &c.] Feeding comprehendeth all the duties of a Pastor or Shepherd. First, a Shepherd doth take the charge of the Flock, so doth Christ take care and charge of the whole Flock of God, Joh. 10.2, 3, 4, 14. and commands his under-shepherds (the Ministers) to take the oversight thereof, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3, 4. Secondly, Christ (the good shepherd) maketh his flock to lye down in green pastures, and leadeth them besides still waters, Psal. 23.1, 2, 3. He giveth them hidden Manna, Rev. 2.17. and living water, Rev. 7.17. For the Lamb shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters. Thirdly, Jesus Christ (as a Shepherd) doth govern and order his Flock, Ezek. 34.11.12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22. I will feed my flock, (saith the Lord) I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and strengthen that which was sick. Fourthly, Christ (like a Shepherd) doth defend and preserve the flock of God from the wilde beasts of the field. Isa. 11.6, 7, 8, 9. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy Mountain. As Birds flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend Jerusalem, defending also he will deliver it, and passing over he will preserve it. Isai. 31.5
Christ doth thus feed his flocks (to wit, his Churches and Saints) by his faithful Ministers, and Elders of the Churches of God, whom the holy Spirit maketh overseers over the Flock, Act. 20.28. & 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3, 4.
3 Meditation. The Ministery of Christ is a Soul-feeding Ministery, Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. The work of the Ministery is, 1. To convert Souls, Act. 26. 16, 18. & 1 Cor. 4.15. For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel. & 1 Cor. 3.5. 2. To feed Souls, Jer. 3.15. I will take you one of a City, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give you Pastors according to mine heart, which shal feed you with knowledge and understanding. And Act. 20.17, 28. 3. To comfort Souls, and to bind up the broken hearts of his people, Isa. 40.1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God, speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem. And 1 Thes. 3.2. 4. To strengthen and confirm Souls. Isa. 35.3. Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees; say to them which are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not. And Act. 14.21, 22, 23. 5. To establish Souls. 1 Thes. 3.2. And I sent Timotheus a Minister of God to establish you, and to comfort you, concerning your faith. And Rom. 1.11, 12. 6. To save Souls. 1 Cor. 1.21. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that beleeve.
This Soul-Ministery of Christ was that which the Spouse enquired after, saying, Tell me (O thou whom my Soul loveth) where thou feedest: She concludes that Christ had a Soul-feeding Ministery, by whom he did feed his flock like a Shepherd, Isa. 40.11. Only she queries where it is, and desires Christs direction to find it.
4 Meditation. Gracious Souls do greatly desire to enjoy the Ministery of Iesus Christ. Cant 2.3. I sate down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was …weet to my taste.
Where thou makest thy flocks to rest at Noon] By Nom you may understand, first a time of Tribulation. Mat. 13.6, 21. 1 Pet. 4.12, 13, 16, 17. occasioned through Temptations, 1 Pet. 1.6, 7. Corruptions, Psal. 49.5. & 40.11, 12, 13. and Persecutions, 2 Tim. 3. 10 11 12. And in this respect the Spouse enquired of Christ where the Churches, the Saints resting place was.
5 Meditation. Christ hath a Resting place for his Churches and Saints in time of Tribulation 2 Th…s. 1.4 6, 7. And you who are troubled rest with us, Rev. 6.9 10, 11. Christ is the Saints Re…t, Psal. 116.7. Return unto thy rest O my Soul, Psal. 37.7. Rest in the Lord! Ch…ist is the Saints hiding place, Isa. 32.2. And there was the hiding of his power. Hab. 3.4. Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble. Psal. 32.7.
Christ maketh his Saints to rest, 1. By beleeving in him, and living by faith upon him. Heb. 4.3. For we which have beleeved, do enter into rest. Mat. 11.28. Come unto me (saith Christ) all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 2. By walking in the wayes of God. Jer. 6.16. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the wayes, and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.
Secondly, By noon, you may also understand a time of most clear light, Job 11.16, 17, 18, 19. Because thou shalt forget thy misery and thine age shall be clearer than the noon-day; thou shalt shine forth, and thou shalt make thy rest in safety, Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid. Thus the words contain a Prophecy of glorious Gospel-times compare Isa. 60.1, 2, 3, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. with Zeph. 3.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
6 Meditation. The Saints shall have a time of clear light, and shining glory, wherein they shall enjoy peace and rest, from all their tribulations and persecutions. Psal. 37.6, 7. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the Noon-day; Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Matth. 4.16. Poor Saints, know ye, that ere long it will be break of day with you; the day-spring from on high will visit you, that sit in darkness, yea the Sun of Righteousness will arise, Isa. 60.1, 2, 3. And there will be a noon-day of shining glory upon you ere long. Isa. 24.15, 16. From the utmost part of the Earth have we heard Songs, even glory to the Righteous.
The Lord who is the Shepherd of Israel, will make his Saints to lie down in green Pastures, Psal. 23. 1, 2, 3. To wit, His holy Ordinances, the provision of Zion, which he will abundantly blesse, and cause it to satisfie the hungry souls of his people; for the Lord hath chosen Zion, saying, this is my rest for ever, Psal. 132.8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16.
And there shall be a Tabernacle for a shadow, in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of Refuge; for upon all the glory shall be a defence. Isa. 4.4, 5, 6.
And under his shadow shall the flock of Saints sit down with great delight, and having rest from their Tribulations, and persecutions, they shall chew the Cud, as the clean Beasts (which were for sacrifice) did, when they lay down, and rested at noon-day under some shadow, after they had been fed and watered, and were quiet, so shall the Saints do; they shall in the noon-day of their rest, and peace by spiritual Meditation, and contemplation, call to minde, and bring to remembrance the Lords gracious dealings with them, and whilest they are ruminating thereon, their souls will be so refreshed, comforted, and filled with joy and glory, that they shall sing forth the goodness of the Lord, Isa. 51.11. The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing to Zion.
For why should I be as one, that turneth aside by the flocks of thy Companions?] These words contain the reason of the Spouse, her Petition to Christ for his direction, emphatically expressed by a pathetical expostulation. For why? &c. Whereby she intimateth, 1. Her unwillingness to go astray from Christ her beloved, and turn aside after other lovers. 2. The unreasonableness of the thing, viz. to forsake the true God, his holy Ordinances, and pure worship: And to go after false Gods, the Ordinances of men, and the idolatrous or superstitious Worships of the World.
By the Flocks of thy Companions; You may understand, First, Those Assemblies of false Ministers, and formal Professors at Dan and Bethel, who worshipped and kissed the Calves, Hos. 13.2.3. The false Ministers were those Priests, that Jeroboam made of the lowest of the people (which were not of the Sons of Levi, 1 King 12.31.) whom he ordained for the high places, for the Devills, and for the Calves, which he had made, 2 Chron. 11.5. The formal professors were those Idolatrous people, that went to worship before the Calves, which Jeroboam let up, one in Bethel, and the other in Dan, which became a sin, and a share unto Israel, 1 King. 12.28, 29, 30, 32, 33.
Secondly, Those Assemblies of the Scribes and Pharisees in the Synagogues of Judea, and in the Temple at Jerusalem, who say, they are Jews, and are not, but are the Synagogues of Satan, Rev. 3.9. And do worship God in vain, teaching for Doctrine the Commandements of men, Matth. 15.9. They were the Flocks of his Companions. Which false and formal Worship, both in the Mountain of Samaria, and in the Temple at Jerusalem, Christ witnessed against, saying, The houre commeth, when ye shall neither in this Mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father; ye worship ye know not what, Joh. 4.20, 21.
Thirdly, Those Assemblies of Antichristian Ministers, and people of the World, who wonder after the Beast, and do worship the Beast that did arise up out of the Sea of Rome, and do worship the Image of that Beast, and have the name of the Beast, or the number of his Name, and receive the mark of the Beast in their fore-heads, or in their right hand, Rev. 13.1, 3, 16, 17. Rome is the mystical Babylon, and the Mother of Harlots, Rev. 17.5. And all Antichristian Assemblies of false Ministers, and formal professors, are her Daughters, who commit spiritual whordoms, because of the whordoms of the well-favoured Harlot, Nahum 3.4, 5, 6. These are flocks of his Companions, which she would not turn aside after, nor assemble with; for why should I be as one of them?
That turneth aside, or that veileth her self, to wit, as Harlots use to cover themselves with a veil (so did Tamar, Gen. 38.14, 15. whom Judah thought to be an Harlot, and came in unto her.) Why should I be as an Harlot? to commit spiritual whordom with other lovers, by worshipping false Gods, or the true God in a false manner: therefore she desired direction from Christ himself, and prayed, that he would send forth his light, and his truth, and lead her, and bring her to his Sanctuary, Psal. 43.2, 3. Why go I mourning? (as the mourning Women, that are covered or veiled, that goe about the streets. Jer. 9.17, 18.) Covering the Altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at mine hand, Mal. 2.13.
7 Meditation. Faithful souls ought not to turn aside unto any false or formal worship, God blamed the people of Israel, because their fear towards him was taught by the precepts of men, and th…ed to seal up all vision, and to cover their Seers, Isa. 29. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Christ reproved the Scribes and Pharisees, because they worshipped God formally, hypocritically, and superstitiously, teaching for Doctrine the Commandements of men. Matth. 15.9. And the Angel denounceth the wrath of God against those that worship the Beast, and his Image, and receive his mark in his fore-head, or in his hand, Rev. 14.9, 10. It is a sin, and will be a snare to leave Christ, and his holy Ordinances, and pure worship, and true Ministery; and turn aside unto false Ministers, superstitious worships, and traditions of men, Col. 2.8, 20, 22, 23. Beware lest any spoyl you, through Philosophy, and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the Rudiments of the World, and not after Christ.