Song of Solomon 1:9-11

I have compared thee, O My love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.

Christ’s commendation of His Church

I. The sweet epithet Ghrist giveth unto his Church. “O My love.”

1. The greatest outgoings of love and friendship from Christ, are toward His Church. His love to His people is--

(1) Infinite and immeasurable, beyond all imagination or comparison (John 15:9).

(2) Gracious (Hosea 14:3).

(3) Liberal and bountiful (John 15:13; Ephesians 5:25).

(4) Eternal (Jeremiah 31:3).

II. The comparison by which He sets her forth.

1. “I have compared thee.” Christ esteems His servants and people, not as they are in themselves, but as they are in Himself.

2. “A company of horses” etc. Now by this comparison Christ setteth forth the glory and renown of His Church in respect of her victories and achievements; for He having directed His Church to follow the footsteps of the Flock, and to feed above the tents of false Shepherds, no question now but these false Shepherds, who before were called Christ’s companions, will persecute and afflict her: now for the comforting and supporting of her, Christ tells her, she shall be strong, and victorious, she shall be like the horses of Egypt, ready for the battle.

3. Christ having set forth the Church’s strength and valour, now continueth His speech, showing also, how His Church is decked with His ordinances and graces (Song of Solomon 1:10).

4. Then He declareth what should be her future happiness; viz. a further increase of her graces, and some addition of rich ornaments (Song of Solomon 1:11). (John Robotham.)