Song of Solomon 1:1-6

Now, concerning our love to him, let us read a few verses of the Song of Solomon, first chapter. You have been introduced to the Beloved, red with his own blood, but never so lovely as in his passion.

Song of Solomon 1:1. The song of songs, which is Solomon's. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth:

No name. Is any name wanted? What name is good enough for him, our best Beloved? He plunges into the subject through excess of love. He forgets the name. «Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.»

Song of Solomon 1:2. For thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

There is such a sweetness in the name. It is not like a box of ointment shut up, but like a sweet perfume that fills the room. For the merits of Jesus are so sweet that they perfume heaven itself. It was not on Calvary alone that that sweet ointment was known: it was known in the seventh heaven.

Song of Solomon 1:4. Draw me, we will run after thee:

We want to get near to Christ, but we cannot. «Draw me,» we cry, «we will run after thee.»

Song of Solomon 1:4. The king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

The wine shall help us to remember him tonight when we come to his table; but we will remember him more than wine.

Song of Solomon 1:5. I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

A strange contrast is a believer. He is black in himself, but he is comely in Christ. In himself he is foul as the smoke-dried tents of Kedar: but in his Lord he is as comely and rich as the curtains of Solomon.

Song of Solomon 1:6. Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me; my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

A few verses of the next chapter.

This exposition consisted of readings from Psalms 22:1; and Song of Solomon 1:1; Song of Solomon 2:1.