Behold — These words are evidently spoken by the bridegroom. Fair — Being clothed with my righteousness, and adorned with all the graces of my spirit. Fair — He repeats it both to confirm his assertion, and to shew the fervency of his affection. Dove's eyes — Whereas the beauty of the spouse is here... [ Continue Reading ]
A flock — Numerous, and placed in due order. Even — Smooth and even, as also clean and white. Twins — Which seems to denote the two rows of teeth. Barren — Not one tooth is lacking.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy speech — Which is added as another ingredient of an amiable person; and to explain the foregoing metaphor. The discourse of believers is edifying and comfortable, and acceptable to God, and to serious men. Temples — Under which he comprehends the cheeks. Pomegranate — In which there is a lovely... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy neck — This may represent the grace of faith, by which we are united to Christ, as the body is to the head by the neck. By which Christians receive their spiritual food, and consequently their strength and ability for action. The tower — Upright, firm, and strong; and moreover adorned with chain... [ Continue Reading ]
Lillies — In the fields where lillies grow.... [ Continue Reading ]
Until — These words are uttered by the bride, Song of Solomon 2:17, and here returned by the bridegroom as an answer to that request. And this place may be understood of the day of glory, when all shadows and ordinances shall cease. To the hill — To my church upon earth, which was typified by the mo... [ Continue Reading ]
Come — Unto the mountains of myrrh. Look — To the place to which I invite thee to go, which from those high mountains thou mayest easily behold. Of Leopards — From these or other mountains, which are inhabited by lions and leopards. This seems to be added as an argument to move the spouse to go with... [ Continue Reading ]
My sister — So he calls her to shew the greatness of his love, which cannot sufficiently be expressed by any one relation. With one — With one glance. One chain — With one of those other graces and perfections wherewith thou art adorned.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fair — How amiable and acceptable to me. Ointments — Of the gifts and graces of God's Spirit, wherewith thou art anointed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy lips — Thy speeches both to me in prayer and praises, and to men for their edification, are highly acceptable to me. Milk — Words more sweet and comfortable than honey or milk. Garments — Of that righteousness wherewith I have adorned thee. Lebanon — Which was very sweet and grateful in regard o... [ Continue Reading ]
A garden — For order and beauty, for pleasant walks, and flowers, and fruits. Inclosed — Defended by the care of my providence: and reserved for my proper use. Shut up — To preserve it from all pollution, and to reserve it for the use of its owner, for which reason, springs were shut up in those cou... [ Continue Reading ]
Plants — Believers, which are planted in thee, are like the plants or fruits of an orchard, which are pleasant to the eye, and delicious to the taste or smell, whereby he signifies the variety and excellency of the gifts and graces in the several members of the church. Spikenard — Which he mentions... [ Continue Reading ]
All trees — Such trees as produce frankincense.... [ Continue Reading ]
Living water — Though my spouse be in some sort a fountain shut up, yet that is not so to be understood as if she kept her waters to herself, for she is like a fountain of living or running water, which flows into gardens, and makes its flowers and plants to flourish. The church conveys those waters... [ Continue Reading ]
North wind — These winds may signify the several dispensations of God's spirit. My garden — This verse is spoken by the spouse. And he calls the garden both hers and his, because of that oneness which is between them, Song of Solomon 2:16. May flow — That my graces may be exercised. Let — Let Christ... [ Continue Reading ]