Song of Solomon · Chapter 2

V. 1. I-These are the words of the bridegroom. He compares himself to the rose and lilly, for fragrancy and beauty. Sharon, was a very fruitful place, and famous for roses.

Verse 1. I am the rose of Sharon] Sharon was a very fruitful place, where David’s cattle were fed, 1 Chronicles 27:29. It is mentioned as a place of excellence, Isaiah 35:2, and as a place of flocks, Isaiah 65:10, Perhaps it would be better, with almost all the versions, to translate, “I am the rose of the field.” The bridegroom had just before called her fair; she with a becoming modesty, represents her beauty as nothing extraordinary, and compares herself to a common flower of the field. This, in the warmth of his affection, he denies, insisting that she as much surpasses all other maidens as the flower of the lily does the bramble, Song of Solomon 2:2.

Verses 1, 2. I am the rose of Sharon — These are the words of the bridegroom. He compares himself to the rose and lily, for fragrancy and beauty. Sharon was a very fruitful place, and famous for roses. As the lily among thorns — Compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty; so is my love — So far doth my church, or people, excel all other assemblies. The title of daughter is often given to whole nations. These are Christ’s words, to which the spouse makes the following reply.

Verse 1. Sharon was a fertile district not far from Nazareth. 1 Chronicles 27:29. Isaiah 33:9. 65:10.

1. I am the rose, etc. — Better, I am but a flower of the field; that is, a common, unpretentious flower. This is the modest language of the Enamoured, in self-depreciation, in response to the compliments just conveyed. That love exaggerates is a maxim in literature.

V. 2. Among-Compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty. So-So far, doth my church or people, excel all other assemblies. The title of daughter, is often given to whole nations. These are Christ’s words, to which the spouse makes the following reply.

Verses 1, 2. I am the rose of Sharon — These are the words of the bridegroom. He compares himself to the rose and lily, for fragrancy and beauty. Sharon was a very fruitful place, and famous for roses. As the lily among thorns — Compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty; so is my love — So far doth my church, or people, excel all other assemblies. The title of daughter is often given to whole nations. These are Christ’s words, to which the spouse makes the following reply.

2. As the lily — Supply But, at the beginning. By an ingenious turn the Beloved makes the Enamoured’s own words express her conspicuous charms. “But a lily, if you will have it so, yet, compared with that lily, all other damsels are but as thorns and brambles.”

V. 3. The apple-tree-Whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome. The trees-Which are barren. I sat-I confidently reposed myself under his protection. His fruit-The benefits which I received by him, remission of sins, faith, grace, and assurance of glory.

Verse 3. As the apple tree] The bride returns the compliment, and says, As the apple or citron tree is among the trees of the wood, so is the bridegroom among all other men.

I sat down under his shadow] I am become his spouse, and my union with him makes me indescribably happy.

Verse 3. As the apple-tree — Whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome; among the trees of the wood — Which are barren. I sat down under his shadow — I confidently reposed myself under his protection. His fruit was sweet to my taste — The benefits which I received by him, namely, remission of sins, faith, grace, and assurance of glory.

3. As the apple tree — The Enamoured terminates with this verse her rehearsal, and then resumes her direct narrative. The apple tree is a native of Asia. Its ample foliage and rich blossoms and fruit make it not only beautiful in itself, but a grateful object of possession. The praise of the preceding verse is fairly answered. The verbs here denote habitual action, I used to sit, etc. The company of the Beloved was like the shade of such a tree. By a natural rhetoric we gradually lose the tree from sight, and think only of him whose presence was like it, —

“Whose breath lent sweetness to the gale

And music to the grove.”

V. 4. Banquetting house-The places in which believers receive the graces and blessings of Christ. His banner-By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him. Love-The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel.

Verse 4. He brought me to the banqueting house] Literally, the house of wine. The ancients preserved their wine, not in barrels or dark cellars under ground, as we do, but in large pitchers, ranged against the wall in some upper apartment in the house, the place where they kept their most precious effects. We have a proof of this in HOMER:— Wv fan, o dJ uyorafon qalomon katebhsato patrov Eurun, oqi nhtov crusov kai calkov ekeito, Esqhv tJ en chloisin, aliv tJ euwdev elaion. En de piqoi oinoio palaiou hdupotoio Estasan, akrhton qeion poton entov econtev, Exeihv pote toicon arhrotev, eipotJ Odusseuv Pikade nosthseie, kai algea polla moghsav. Klhistai dJ epesan sanidev pukinwv araruiai, Diklidev, en de gunh tamih nuktav te kai hmar EscJ, k. t. l. Od. lib. ii., ver. 337. Meantime the lofty rooms the prince surveys, Where lay the treasures of th’ Ithacian race. Here, ruddy brass and gold refulgent blazed; There, polished chests embroider’d vestures graced. Here, pots of oil breathed forth a rich perfume; There, jars of wine in rows adorn’d the dome. (Pure flavorous wine, by gods in bounty given, And worthy to exalt the feasts of heaven.) Untouch’d they stood, till, his long labours o’er, The great Ulysses reach’d his native shore. A double strength of bars secured the gates; Fast by the door wise Euryclea waits, &c. POPE.

Verses 4-6. He brought me to the banqueting-house — The places in which believers received the graces and blessings of Christ. His banner over me — By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him; was love — The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel. Stay me — Or, support me, keep me from fainting. The spouse speaks this to her bride-maids, the daughters of Jerusalem: or to the bridegroom himself: with flagons — With wine, which is a good cordial: with apples — With odoriferous apples, the smell whereof was grateful to persons ready to faint. By these metaphors understand the application of the promises, and the quickening influences of the Spirit. His left hand — No sooner did I cry out for help, but he was at hand to succour me.

4. He brought me — Hebrew, He used to lead me to that home of gladness, that is, the shady bower where gladness dwelt. And his banner, etc. — Better, and shaded me with love. Banqueting house — Better, house of wine; a Hebrew phrase for house of joy, or gladness. Such was the place of his companionship.

V. 5. Stay me-Or, support me, keep me from fainting. The spouse speaks this to her bride-maids, the daughters of Jerusalem: or to the bridegroom himself. Flaggons-With wine, which is a good cordial. Apples-With odoriferous apples, the smell whereof was grateful to persons ready to faint. By this understand the application of the promises, and the quickening influences of the Spirit.

Verse 5. Stay me with flagons] I believe the original words mean some kind of cordials with which we are unacquainted. The versions in general understand some kind of ointment or perfumes by the first term. I suppose the good man was perfectly sincere who took this for his text, and, after having repeated, Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love sat down, perfectly overwhelmed with his own feelings, and was not able to proceed! But while we admit such a person’s sincerity, who can help questioning his judgment?

Verses 4-6. He brought me to the banqueting-house — The places in which believers received the graces and blessings of Christ. His banner over me — By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him; was love — The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel. Stay me — Or, support me, keep me from fainting. The spouse speaks this to her bride-maids, the daughters of Jerusalem: or to the bridegroom himself: with flagons — With wine, which is a good cordial: with apples — With odoriferous apples, the smell whereof was grateful to persons ready to faint. By these metaphors understand the application of the promises, and the quickening influences of the Spirit. His left hand — No sooner did I cry out for help, but he was at hand to succour me.

5. Flagons — A difficult word, but, probably, a species of cake, apparently of pressed grapes, — grapecakes. It can hardly be thought that she calls for these “cakes” and “apples” in a literal sense. Her heart fainteth, and Love’s own cordials only can minister to her relief.

V. 6. His hand-No sooner did I cry out for help, but he was at hand to succour me.

Verses 4-6. He brought me to the banqueting-house — The places in which believers received the graces and blessings of Christ. His banner over me — By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him; was love — The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel. Stay me — Or, support me, keep me from fainting. The spouse speaks this to her bride-maids, the daughters of Jerusalem: or to the bridegroom himself: with flagons — With wine, which is a good cordial: with apples — With odoriferous apples, the smell whereof was grateful to persons ready to faint. By these metaphors understand the application of the promises, and the quickening influences of the Spirit. His left hand — No sooner did I cry out for help, but he was at hand to succour me.

Ver. 6. His left hand is under my head, conferring all temporal favours. His right hand administers all divine consolations; yea, sustains me while I run the heavenly course.

6. His left hand, etc. — This verse is the utterance of a wish, O that his left hand were under my head! That his right hand were supporting me! Many a heart has felt, oftener in time of sickness and trouble, this faintness of yearning.

“O for the touch of a vanished hand,

And the sound of a voice that is still!”

V. 7. I charge you-This is spoken by the bride. By the roes-By the example of those creatures, which are pleasant and loving in their carriage towards one another. Nor awake-That you do not disturb nor offend him. ‘Till-Never, as this word, until, in such phrases, is commonly used. For neither can sin ever please him, nor can the church bear it that Christ should ever be offended.

Verse 7. I charge you—by the roes] This was probably some rustic mode of adjuration. The verses themselves require little comment. With this verse the first night of the first day is supposed to end.

Verse 7. I charge you — This is spoken by the bride. By the roes — By the example of those creatures, which are pleasant and loving in their carriage toward one another; that ye stir not up, nor awake — That you do not disturb nor offend him; till he please — Never, as this word until, in such phrases, is commonly used. For neither can sin ever please him, nor can the church bear it, that Christ should ever be offended, or that her sweet fellowship with him should be interrupted.

Ver. 7. I charge you, oh ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, “the startling antelope and the timid deer; if ye disturb, if ye discompose his complete affection till (affection) itself shall desire it.” TAYLOR. These words occur in Song of Solomon 3:5, and 8:4; and it would seem, exactly in the same sense.

7. I charge you — Better, I adjure you; a form of administering an oath. The objects named, the roes, (gazelles,) and… the hinds of the field, are beautiful and graceful, and give a poetic ornamentation and vivacity to the expression. My love is the abstract term, meaning, not a person loved, but the affection or passion itself. The idea is that of diverting it to another person. “That ye arouse and induce not my affection (elsewhere) until it please,” that is, until it be so repelled by my Beloved as to be constrained of itself to turn and seek another object. That they should add their inducements to the flatteries of the King, seems to her a peril earnestly to be deprecated, lest tempted virtue fail.

A new phase or scene is now introduced, of which the characterizing features are a longing and a search. It is in the form of an animated rehearsal given by the Enamoured to the “daughters of Jerusalem.” The place is the same as that of the preceding division — the summer pavilion of the king.

V. 8. The voice-Christ’s voice, the word of grace revealed outwardly in the gospel, and inwardly by the Spirit of God. Leaping-He saith, leaping and skipping, to denote that Christ came readily, and swiftly, with great desire and pleasure and adds, upon the mountains and hills, to signify Christ’s resolution to come in spite of all difficulties.

Verse 8. Behold, he cometh leaping] This appears to be highly characteristic of the gambols of the shepherds, and points out the ecstasy with which those who were enamoured ran to their mates. It is supposed that the second day’s eclogue begins at this verse. The author of what was then called A New Translation of Solomon’s Song, observes, 1. The bride relates how the bridegroom, attended by his companions, had come under her window, and called upon her to come forth and enjoy the beauties of the spring, Song of Solomon 2:9-11, &c. 2. She then returns to her narration, Song of Solomon 3:1. The bridegroom did not come according to her wishes. Night came on; she did not find him in her bed; she went out to seek him; found him, and brought him to her mother’s pavilion, Song of Solomon 3:4; and then, as before, conjures the virgins not to disturb his repose, Song of Solomon 3:5.

Verse 8. The voice of my beloved — Christ’s voice, the word of grace revealed outwardly in the gospel, and inwardly by the Spirit of God. Behold, he cometh leaping — She saith, leaping and skipping, to denote that Christ came readily and swiftly, with great desire and pleasure; and adds, upon the mountains and hills, to signify Christ’s resolution to come in spite of all difficulties.

8. The voice of my beloved — Better, A voice! It is my beloved! The word rendered “voice” sometimes serves as an interjection, like “Hark!” It is also used of the sound of the feet in running. He cometh — Properly, He came. She saw him at a distance and knew him by his brisk gait and graceful bearing.

V. 9. Like a roe-In swiftness. He is coming to me with all speed and will not tarry a moment beyond the proper season. He standeth behind-And while he doth for wise reasons forbear to come; he is not far from us. Both this and the following phrases may denote the obscure manner of Christ’s manifesting himself to his people, under the law, in comparison of his discoveries in the gospel. The window-This phrase, and that through the lattess, intimate that the church does indeed see Christ, but, as through a glass, darkly, as it is said even of gospel-revelations, 1 Corinthians 13:12, which was much more true of legal administrations.

Verse 9. He standeth behind our wall] This may refer to the wall by which the house was surrounded, the space between which and the house constituted the court. He was seen first behind the wall, and then in the court; and lastly came to the window of his bride’s chamber.

Verse 9. My beloved is like a roe — In swiftness. He is coming to me with all speed, and will not tarry a moment beyond the proper season. He standeth behind our wall — And while he doth, for wise reasons, forbear to come, he is not far from us. Both this and the following phrases may denote the obscure manner of Christ’s manifesting himself to his people, under the law, in comparison of his discoveries in the gospel. He looketh forth at the window — This phrase, and that, through the lattice, intimate that the church does indeed see Christ, but as through a glass, darkly, as it is said even of gospel revelations, (1 Corinthians 13:12,) which was much more true of legal administrations.

9. Like a… hart — He came quickly like the animals to which he is compared. He standeth — More strictly, Now he stood behind our wall, he looketh through the window: showing himself through the lattice. The windows of Jewish houses were very narrow, and set with lattice-work, not glass.

V. 10. Spake-Invited me outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. Rise up-Shake off sloth, and disentangle thyself more fully from all the snares of this world. Come-Unto me, and with me; follow me fully, serve me perfectly, labour for a nearer union, and more satisfying communion with me.

Verses 10-13. My beloved spake — Invited me outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. Rise up, my love — Shake off sloth, and disentangle thyself more fully from all the snares of this world. And come away — Unto me, and with me; follow me fully, serve me perfectly, labour for a nearer union, and more satisfying communion with me. The winter is past — Spiritual troubles, arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God. But, saith Christ, I have removed these impediments, God is reconciled; therefore cast off all discouragements and excuses, and come to me. The flowers appear on the earth — The communications of God’s grace, the gifts, and graces, and comforts of the Holy Spirit, are vouch-safed unto, and appear in, believers, as buds and blossoms do in the spring. The time of singing is come — When birds sing most freely and sweetly, as they do in spring. And the voice of the turtle is heard — This seems particularly to be mentioned, because it not only gives notice of the spring, but aptly represents the Spirit of God, which even the Chaldee paraphrast understands by this turtle, which appeared in the shape of a dove, and which worketh a dove-like meekness, and chastity, and faithfulness, in believers. The fig-tree putteth forth her figs — Which it shoots forth in the spring; and the vines, &c., give a good smell — Which, though not strong, is pleasant and grateful.

10. Rise… come away — He invites her to a ramble abroad. The season of flowers is the one dear to lovers. The Chinese have a pretty poem, translated into English by Sir William Jones, which appreciates love with the blossoming of the peach tree. In the tactics and resources of affection, in all ages and lands, a lover’s walk, whether by “the white walls of the Paraclete,” made memorable by Eloise, or “in green Bengala’s fragrant grove,” where Bishop Heber poured his heart into the lines, “If thou were by my side, love,” has been the occasion of Love’s dearest ministry.

V. 11. The winter-Spiritual troubles arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God. But, saith Christ, I have removed these impediments, God is reconciled; therefore cast off all discouragements, and excuses, and come to me.

Verse 11. The winter is past] Mr. Harmer has made some good collections on this part, from Drs. Shaw and Russel, which I shall transcribe. One part of the winter is distinguished from the rest of it by the people of the East, on account of the severity of the cold. At Aleppo it lasts about forty days, and is called by the natives maurbanie. I would propose it to the consideration of the learned, whether the word here used, and translated winter, may not be understood to mean what the Aleppines express by the term maurbanie. It occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament; and another word is used for the rainy part of the year in general. If this thought be admitted, it will greatly illustrate the words of the bridegroom: Lo, the winter is past; the rain is over, and gone. For then the last clause will not be explanatory of the first, and signify that the moist part of the year was entirely past; with which, Dr. Russel assures us, all pleasantness withdraws at Aleppo; but the words will import: “The maurbanie is past and over; the weather is become agreeably warm; the rain too is just ceased, and consequently hath left us the prospect of several days of serenity and undisturbed pleasantness.”

The weather of Judea was in this respect, I presume, like that at Algiers; where, after two or three days of rain, there is usually, according to Dr. Shaw, “a week, a fortnight, or more, of fair and good weather. Of such a sort of cessation of rain alone, the bridegroom, methinks, is here to be understood; not of the absolute termination of the rainy season, and the summer droughts being come on. And if so, what can the time that is past mean but the maurbanie? Indeed, Dr. Russel, in giving us an account of the excursions of the English merchants at Aleppo, has undesignedly furnished us with a good comment on this and the two following verses. These gentlemen, it seems, dine abroad under a tent, in spring and autumn on Saturdays, and often on Wednesdays. They do the same during the good weather in winter; but they live at the gardens in April, and part of May. In the heat of the summer they dine at the gardens, as once or twice a week they dine under a tent in autumn and spring.” The cold weather is not supposed by Solomon to have been long over, since it is distinctly mentioned; and the Aleppines make these incursions very early; the narcissus flowers during the whole of the maurbanie; the hyacinths and violets at least before it is quite over. The appearing of flowers, then, doth not mean the appearing of the first and earliest flowers, but must rather be understood of the earth’s being covered with them; which at Aleppo is not till after the middle of February, a small crane’s bill appearing on the banks of the river there about the middle of February, quickly after which comes a profusion of flowers. The nightingales, too, which are there in abundance, not only afford much pleasure by their songs in the gardens, but are also kept tame in the houses, and let out at a small rate to divert such as choose it in the city; so that no entertainments are made in the spring without a concert of these birds. No wonder, then, that Solomon makes the bridegroom speak of the singing of birds; and it teaches us what these birds are, which are expressly distinguished from turtle doves.

Verses 10-13. My beloved spake — Invited me outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. Rise up, my love — Shake off sloth, and disentangle thyself more fully from all the snares of this world. And come away — Unto me, and with me; follow me fully, serve me perfectly, labour for a nearer union, and more satisfying communion with me. The winter is past — Spiritual troubles, arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God. But, saith Christ, I have removed these impediments, God is reconciled; therefore cast off all discouragements and excuses, and come to me. The flowers appear on the earth — The communications of God’s grace, the gifts, and graces, and comforts of the Holy Spirit, are vouch-safed unto, and appear in, believers, as buds and blossoms do in the spring. The time of singing is come — When birds sing most freely and sweetly, as they do in spring. And the voice of the turtle is heard — This seems particularly to be mentioned, because it not only gives notice of the spring, but aptly represents the Spirit of God, which even the Chaldee paraphrast understands by this turtle, which appeared in the shape of a dove, and which worketh a dove-like meekness, and chastity, and faithfulness, in believers. The fig-tree putteth forth her figs — Which it shoots forth in the spring; and the vines, &c., give a good smell — Which, though not strong, is pleasant and grateful.

11. Winter is past — The winter of Palestine has little frost or snow, except on Hermon, and perhaps a few other mountain-tops, but it is a season of long and surly rains, making it far less enjoyable than the lively and joyous winters of our climate. Few of the houses are built to yield comfort at this time. One item, the lack of glass windows, is of itself suggestive — the choice being between darkness and chilliness. No trace can be found of any good method of illuminating, or of any decent appliances for warming, houses. When, therefore, the sun in February began to be felt, welcome was the thought, “The winter is past, the rain is over and gone,” and now hope and love respond to Nature’s gladness.

V. 12. The flowers-The communications of God’s grace, the gifts, and graces, and comforts of the Holy Spirit, are vouchsafed unto, and appear in believers, as buds and blossoms do in the spring. The turtle-This seems particularly to be mentioned because it not only gives notice of the spring, but aptly represents the Spirit of God, which even the Chaldee paraphrast understands by this turtle, which appeared in the shape of a dove, and which worketh a dove-like meekness, and chastity, and faithfulness, in believers.

Verses 10-13. My beloved spake — Invited me outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. Rise up, my love — Shake off sloth, and disentangle thyself more fully from all the snares of this world. And come away — Unto me, and with me; follow me fully, serve me perfectly, labour for a nearer union, and more satisfying communion with me. The winter is past — Spiritual troubles, arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God. But, saith Christ, I have removed these impediments, God is reconciled; therefore cast off all discouragements and excuses, and come to me. The flowers appear on the earth — The communications of God’s grace, the gifts, and graces, and comforts of the Holy Spirit, are vouch-safed unto, and appear in, believers, as buds and blossoms do in the spring. The time of singing is come — When birds sing most freely and sweetly, as they do in spring. And the voice of the turtle is heard — This seems particularly to be mentioned, because it not only gives notice of the spring, but aptly represents the Spirit of God, which even the Chaldee paraphrast understands by this turtle, which appeared in the shape of a dove, and which worketh a dove-like meekness, and chastity, and faithfulness, in believers. The fig-tree putteth forth her figs — Which it shoots forth in the spring; and the vines, &c., give a good smell — Which, though not strong, is pleasant and grateful.

Ver. 12. The voice of the turtle is heard in our land. The voice of the swallow, as many would read, which announces by its welcome tweetlings, that the spring is come with all its reviving charms. We have in England about twenty birds of passage, which come as harbingers of the approach of summer.

12. The flowers appear on the earth — The drift of allusion shows the parties foremost in the drama, the Enamoured and the Beloved, to be in lowly condition and dwellers in the country. To such this spring season is the most laborious of all, especially to get in all seeds while the soil is moist with the early rain and the latter rain is yet to come. This gives a holiday zest to this proposed excursion. They are to go, not for labour, but to the banquet which nature spreads. The time of the singing — The word really means, the song of men — of labourers — but to refer it to birds does no harm, though the next clause would be sufficient for that. The voice of the turtle — The “turtle” dove (named tur-tur, from its cooing) spends the winter farther south, and its return to Palestine is like that of the swallow to ours, or like that of the cuckoo, whose note resembles the turtle dove’s, which is often called the mourning dove.

V. 13. Her figs-Which it shoots forth in the spring.

Verse 13. The fig tree putteth forth her green figs] The fig tree in Judea bears double crops; the first of which is ripe in spring. But the tree, as I have elsewhere observed, bears figs all the year through, in the climes congenial to it. That is, the fig tree has always ripe or unripe fruit on it. I never saw a healthy tree naked. But in the beginning of spring they grow fast, and become turgid.

The vines with the tender grape] The versions understand this of the flowers of the vine. These were formerly put into the new wine (2 lbs. to every cask) to give it a fine flavour.

Verses 10-13. My beloved spake — Invited me outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. Rise up, my love — Shake off sloth, and disentangle thyself more fully from all the snares of this world. And come away — Unto me, and with me; follow me fully, serve me perfectly, labour for a nearer union, and more satisfying communion with me. The winter is past — Spiritual troubles, arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God. But, saith Christ, I have removed these impediments, God is reconciled; therefore cast off all discouragements and excuses, and come to me. The flowers appear on the earth — The communications of God’s grace, the gifts, and graces, and comforts of the Holy Spirit, are vouch-safed unto, and appear in, believers, as buds and blossoms do in the spring. The time of singing is come — When birds sing most freely and sweetly, as they do in spring. And the voice of the turtle is heard — This seems particularly to be mentioned, because it not only gives notice of the spring, but aptly represents the Spirit of God, which even the Chaldee paraphrast understands by this turtle, which appeared in the shape of a dove, and which worketh a dove-like meekness, and chastity, and faithfulness, in believers. The fig-tree putteth forth her figs — Which it shoots forth in the spring; and the vines, &c., give a good smell — Which, though not strong, is pleasant and grateful.

13. The fig tree putteth forth — The verb means really to embalm, and the true sense is, The fig tree is spicing her green figs. The vines, etc. — The vines are abloom, they are fragrant.

V. 14. My dove-So the church is called, for her dove-like temper, and for her dove-like condition, because she is weak, and exposed to persecution, and therefore forced to hide herself in rocks. The stairs-In the holes of craggy and broken rocks, which resemble stairs. Let me see-Be not afraid to appear before me. Hear-Thy prayers and praises. For-Thy person and services are amiable in my sight.

Verse 14. My dove—in the clefts of the rock] He compares his bride hiding herself in her secret chambers and closets to a dove in the clefts of the rock.

Verse 14. O my dove — So the church is called, for her dove-like temper, and for her dove-like condition, because she is weak, and exposed to persecution, and therefore forced to hide herself in rocks; in the secret places of the stairs — In the holes of craggy and broken rocks, which resemble stairs. Let me see thy countenance — Be not afraid to appear before me; let me hear thy voice — Thy prayers and praises. For sweet is thy voice, &c. — Thy person and services are amiable in my sight.

14. O my dove — The Beloved calls her a “dove” from the timid nature of that bird, which on the least alarm flies to its shelter. “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away.”

“How say ye to my soul,

Flee as a bird (dove) to your mountain.”

Stairs — Hebrew, In the crevices of mountain cliffs. Tenderly does the Beloved chide her reluctance to accept his invitation.

V. 15. Take us-The bridegroom gives this charge to his bridemen or friends. By whom he understands those magistrates and ministers to whom, under Christ, the custody of the vineyards, the churches, principally belong. These he commands to take the foxes, to restrain them from doing this mischief. Foxes-The disturbers of the vineyard, or the church, seducers or false teachers. Little foxes-This he adds for more abundant caution, to teach the church to prevent errors and heresies in the beginnings. Spoil vines-Which foxes do many ways, by gnawing and breaking the little branches and leaves, by digging holes in the vineyards, and so spoiling the roots. Tender grapes-Which are easily spoiled, if great care be not used to prevent it.

Verse 15. Take us the foxes] That these were ruinous to vines all authors allow. They love the vine, and they are eaten in autumn in some countries, according to Galen, when they are very fat with eating the grapes. They abounded in Judea; and did most damage when the clusters were young and tender. It is likely that these are the words of the bridegroom to his companions, just as he was entering the apartment of his spouse. “Take care of the vineyard: set the traps for the foxes, which are spoiling the vines; and destroy their young as far as possible.”

Verse 15. Take us — The bridegroom gives this charge to his bridemen or friends. By whom he understands those magistrates and ministers to whom, under Christ, the custody of the vineyards, of the churches, principally belongs. These he commands to take the foxes, to restrain them from doing this mischief; the foxes — The disturbers of the vineyard, or the church, namely, seducers or false teachers; the little foxes — This he adds for more abundant caution, to teach the church to prevent errors and heresies in the beginnings; that spoil the vines — Which foxes do many ways, by gnawing and breaking the little branches and leaves, by digging holes in the vineyards, and so spoiling the roots; for our vines have tender grapes — Which are easily spoiled, if great care be not used to prevent it.

Ver. 15. Take us the foxes. Hebrews the shualim, as in Judges 15:4; which properly means the foxes; yet the jackals, and other depredators of the vineyards and fruiteries, may be understood. These are the words of the bride, the bridegroom being asleep.

15. It is hard to find in all poetry a more beautiful rhetorical foil than this verse. The knocking at the gate in “Macbeth” is like it. When a passion has run so intensely that its crisis must be near, then to interrupt it, and divert the attention by throwing in fresh and unlooked-for elements, is the highest art. This interruption exactly suits the stern and careful brothers already mentioned. Partly to prevent the intimacy, imprudent and excessive as they seem to regard it, of the lovers, and partly to protect their property in this season of its exposure when they themselves are so busy, they order their sister to spend the day in watching the vineyards. Take us the foxes — Foxes were abundant in Palestine, (the jackal is not here meant,) and they did the vines damage at this season, chiefly by burrowing around their roots, like the gopher and field rat. Unless now caught, they would make havoc in harvest. To this order she meekly yields, consoling herself with the sentiment of the following verse.

V. 16. My beloved-These are the words of the bride, who having come to him upon his gracious invitation, now maketh her boast of him. He feedeth-Abideth and refresheth himself amongst his faithful people, who are compared to lillies, ver. 2.

Verse 16. My beloved is mine] The words of the bride on his entering: “I am thy own; thou art wholly mine.”

He feedeth among the lilies.] The odour with which he is surrounded is as fine as if he passed the night among the sweetest scented flowers.

Verse 16. My beloved is mine — These are the words of the bride, who, having come to him upon his gracious invitation, now maketh her boast of him. He feedeth among the lilies — Abideth and refresheth himself among his faithful people, who are compared to lilies, verse 2.

16. My beloved is mine — Whatever may be the disappointment, she rests her heart upon the sure and abiding tie which absence cannot sever. Feedeth among the lilies — The verb is transitive, and means “feedeth his flock among the lilies.” The clause should be introduced by the word “while.” The sense is, He is mine and I am his, though I watch, etc.

V. 17. Until-Until the morning of that blessed day of the general resurrection, when all the shadows, not only of ignorance, and sin, and calamity, but even of outward administrations, shall cease. Turn-Return to me. For although Christ had come to her, and she had gladly received him, yet he was gone again, as is here implied, and evidently appears from the following verse. Which sudden change is very agreeable to the state of God’s people in this world, where they are subject to frequent changes. A roe-In swiftness; make haste to help me. Of Bether-A place in the land of promise, where it seems those creatures were in great abundance.

Verse 17. Until the day break] Literally, until the day breathe; until the first dawn, which is usually accompanied with the most refreshing breezes. The shadows flee away] Referring to the evening or setting of the sun, at which all shadows vanish.

The mountains of Bether.] Translated also mountains of division, supposed to mean the mountains of Beth-horon.

There was a place called Bithron, 2 Samuel 2:29, on the other side of Jordan; and as the name signifies PARTITION, it might have had its name from the circumstance of its being divided or separated from Judea by the river Jordan.

With this chapter the second night is supposed to end.

SONG OF SOLOMON

Verse 17. Until the day-break — Until the morning of that blessed day of the general resurrection, when all the shadows, not only of ignorance, and sin, and calamity, but even of all ordinances, and outward administrations, shall cease. Turn, my beloved — Return to me. For although Christ had come to her, and she had gladly received him, yet he was gone again, as is here implied, and evidently appears from the following verse. Which sudden change is very agreeable to the state of God’s people in this world, where they are subject to frequent changes; be thou like a roe — In swiftness; make haste to help me; upon the mountains of Bether — A place in the land of promise, where it seems those creatures were in great abundance.

Ver. 17. Be thou like a roe—on the mountains of Bether; a range of hills lying north of the road to Cæsarèa. Some read craggy mountains, where the wild goats, the chamois, and the deer rebounded in the chase. The roe discovers the finest actions of nature in flying from danger, and seeking the cooling streams, while the affrighted goat aims at the craggy mountains, where he can leap from rock to rock, and leave his pursuers far behind.

17. Until the day, etc. — Hebrew, Until the day breathe cool and the shadows stretch themselves. The first clause might apply to evening or morning, either being the time of cool breezes, but the second clause fixes the sense to be “at evening.” Be thou like a… hart — That is, “Return quickly.” Upon the mountains of Bether — Hebrews Over the mountains of separation. “The separating hills.” The speed of the Beloved has already been compared to that of a deer on its mountains.