Song of Solomon 4:12

A garden, for order and beauty, for pleasant walks, and flowers, and fruits. Enclosed; either,

1. Defended by the care of my providence; or,

2. Reserved for my proper use. She will not admit of other lovers, either false teachers or worldly lusts, but keeps herself close for me. She is chaste, and pure, and modest, as virgins are or should be. A spring; either,

1. For others, sending forth the wholesome streams of saving doctrine, for the refreshing, and healing, and cleansing of those who receive it. Or,

2. Within herself, being well watered, i.e. replenished with spiritual graces and blessings, which are frequently compared to waters, both in the Old and New Testament, as Isaiah 44:3 1 Thessalonians 4:10, 1 Thessalonians 7:38, for which the church is compared to a watered garden, or a spring of water, Isaiah 58:11. Shut up; either,

1. To preserve it from all pollution or injury; or,

2. To reserve it for the use and service of its owner, for which reason springs were shut up in those countries where water was scarce and precious, as Genesis 29:3. A fountain sealed; the same thing is here repeated in other words.