_A.M. 3027. B.C. 977._ The church seeks Christ, finds him, and resolves not to displease him again, Song of Solomon 3:1. Christ's coming out of the wilderness; his bed, guard, and chariot, Song of Solomon 3:6. An invitation of the church to the kingdom of glory, Song of Solomon 3:11.... [ Continue Reading ]
_By night on my bed_ When others compose themselves to sleep, my affections were working toward him. _I sought him_ I sought for Christ's gracious and powerful presence. _I sought him_ This repetition denotes her perseverance and unweariedness in seeking him; _but found him not_ For he had withdrawn... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will rise now_ I will immediately apply myself to seek him, without whom my bed can give me no rest, nor comfort; _and go about the city_ The city of God, the church in which Christ resides. _And in the broad ways_ Not finding him in private prayer and meditation, I sought him in the places of pu... [ Continue Reading ]
_The watchmen_ The ministers of Christ, and rulers of the church; _that go about the city_ To prevent disorders and dangers; _found me_ While they walked round about the city according to their duty: _to whom I said, Saw ye him_ She does not name him, because she thought it needless, as supposing a... [ Continue Reading ]
_It was but a little, &c., but I found him_ Christ met me, and manifested his love to me. _I brought him into my mother's house_ As the spouse here signifies particular believers, so her mother is the universal church, or the true Jerusalem, which hath its rise from _above, which is the mother of us... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who is this_, &c. The persons speaking seem to be the daughters of Jerusalem, who, upon occasion of the bride's speech to them, make this reply. The person spoken of is the spouse: _that cometh out of the wilderness_ Believers were to be called, not only out of the holy land, which was as the garde... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold_ The bride-men continue their speech, and from the admiration of the bride, proceed to the admiration of the bridegroom: _his bed_ The bed seems to denote the church, which is comely through Christ's beauty, and safe by his protection, in which Christ is glorified, and believers enjoy sweet... [ Continue Reading ]
_King Solomon made a chariot_ In which the royal bridegroom and bride might ride together in state. By this _chariot_ he seems to understand the word of Christ dispensed by his ministers, wherein Christ rides triumphantly in the world, conquering his enemies and subduing the world to the obedience o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go forth_ The church bids particular believers go _forth_ to see this sight. _Behold, King Solomon_ The Messiah, of whom Solomon was an illustrious type. _With the crown_ Which being applied to Solomon, may design that garland or crown which was usually worn in nuptial solemnities: but being applie... [ Continue Reading ]