Annotations on the Pentateuch - Psalms - Song of Songs
Vers. 6. and how pleasant] This admiration of [unspec 6] her beauty and pleasantness, in all her parts, carriage and administration, showeth the reason of the former speech, why the King was bound in the galleries; for that he was delighted, and as it were ravished with her heavenly graces; as before in Son. 4. 9. 10. And as she admired Christ for his fairness and pleasantness; so now she is magnified for the like: see the notes on Song. 1. 15. 16. O love] that is, ô thou that art dearly loved: thus they call her, to signify Christ's great affection towards her: for it is another and more forceable word then was used before in Song. 1. 9. 15. and 2. 2. and 4. 1. 7. and 5. 2. and 6. 4. that, betokening loving society and outward friendship; this, signifying inward charity and loving affection, which is strong and servant, Song. 8. 6. 7. for delights] or, delicacies, or, with pleasures; meaning full delight, all manner pleasure: so that all that love her may rejoice with her, and delight themselves in the brightness of her glory, as Isaiah 66. 10. 11.
Vers. 7. thy stature] or, thy height: in Greek, [unspec 7] thy greatness. a palm-tree] or, a date tree, called in Hebrew Tamar, in Greek Phoenix; it is of tall and upright stature, always green and flourishing, bearing pleasant fruit. Wherefore the just man's state is likened to this tree, Psalm 92. 13. and figures of Palme trees (signifying heavenly graces) were made in the Temple, 1 King. 6. 29. and 7. 36. and foretold to be also in the spiritual Temple under the Gospel, Ezek. 41. 18. 19. and palm-branches carried in the hand, or on the head, were signs of victory: wherefore the Saints (that by faith overcome the world) appeared with palm-branches in their hands, Rev. 7. 9. And the palm-tree is said to be of such a nature, that it will not bow downward or grow crooked, though heavy weights be laid upon it, but groweth still upright. So this stature of the Spouse likened to a palm-tree, showeth her spiritual growth in the faith (notwithstanding all her tribulations) tending always upward towards heaven, till she attain unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, as Eph. 4. 13. For God hath now broken the slaves of her yoke, and made her go upright; Lev. 26. 13. So the Kingdom of Israel (whiles it flourished) is likened to a tree, whose stature was exalted among the thick branches, &c. Ezek. 19. 11. clusters] to wit, of the Vine, as in v. 8. signifying hereby that her breasts were not only fashioned, as in Ezek. 16. 7. but full of milk to nourish her children, and of the wine of heavenly consolations, which they that love her may suck and be satisfied as Isaiah 66. 11. So that now the state of the Church is not as when complaint was made, there is no cluster to eat, Mic. 7. 1. but as when new win • was found in the cluster: and he said, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it, Isaiah 65. 8.
Vers. 8. I will go-up to] or, I will climb-up on the [unspec 8] palm-tree; meaning to gather the fruit thereof. This purpose and promise, if it be spoken in the person of Christ, implieth his acceptation of the fruits of the Spirit in his Spouse, as is noted on Son. 5. 1. But it seemeth (by that which followeth) to be the speech of her friends aforesaid, speaking collectively as one person, to note their unity and joint co 〈…〉 to communicate with her graces, as in Isaiah 66. 15. 11. For things of this sort, are spoken both of God, and of his people, Isaiah 62. 5. the boughs thereof] or, the branches of it: the Hebrew Sansinnim is nowhere used but in this place: the Greek translateth it the heightes thereof, meaning the branches which are on high, and which bear the fruit. For the Palme-tree though it be very tall, hath no boughs growing out by the sides of the body, as other trees; but on the very top, the leaves (which are long like swords) spread abroad pleasant to behold; and the fruit groweth not among the leaves, but on the top of the branches; as historians do record, Pliny l. 13. c. 5. So Christ (if it be understood of him) going up and taking hold of the boughs, both signifieth it to be his own possession, and showeth his care and love to look unto it, and to purge the branches that they may bear more fruit, (as the Father doth the fruitful branches of the Vine, John. 15. 1. 2.) and likewise to enjoy and accept of the gracious fruits of his Spouse, with whom he will now continue. Or, taking it (as before) for the speech of the faithful Company, it meaneth their purpose and endeavor to partake of the heavenly fruits which this Church bringeth forth. be as clusters] or, shall be as clusters; and thus it is an assurance or promise of blessing to her from the Lord▪ filling her with the juice or grace, that she shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ, 〈◊〉 Pet. 1. 8. but as is promised, He will cause them that come of Jacob, to take root; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit, Isaiah 27. 6. But it may be taken also as a wish, and let thy breasts I pray thee be as clusters of the Vine; that is, have not thou a miscarrying womb, and dry breasts (as Hos. 9. 14.) but grow in grace and in knowledge▪ be not an empty vine, as Israel was of old, Hos. 10. 1. Leave 〈◊〉 thy wine, which cheereth God and man, Judge. 13. but be filled with the Spirit; that we may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of thy consolations, Isaiah 66. 11. the smell of thy nose, 〈◊〉 apples] her nose, commended for the form, in verse. 4. denoted her good carriage, and courage for the truth. The smell, odour, or sent the 〈◊〉 meaneth the good report and • ame thereof 〈◊〉 broad: which is comfortable as a sweet 〈◊〉 Or, by the smell of her nose, may be understood the breath coming out of her nostril, that it should be sweet. And so not only her outward behavior should be commendable, but the hidden man of the heart, uncorrupted: that the breath or spirit proceeding from within, be pure; and God may manifest the smell (or favor) of his knowledge by her in every place, 2 Cor. 2. 14. as the favor of life, unto life; and like the savor of apples, which refresh those that languish and are sick of the love of Christ; as Song. 〈◊〉 . 5.
Vers. 9. thy palate] or, the roof of thy mouth▪ in Greek, thy throat. The palate 〈◊〉 ones own use [unspec 9] is to 〈◊〉 and discern, 〈◊〉 in Job 34. 3. the palate 〈◊〉 ▪ out for others it is the instrument of speech, as in Prov. 8. 7. my palate shall speak truth. This latter use seemeth here to be meant, that her palate, to weet, her speech and doctrine, should be like good wine, to comfort and revive bitter and heavy hearts, Prov. 31. 6. the good wine] that is, the best, most excellent, sweet and wholesome wine: as the good oil, (Psalm. 133. 2.) is the best, sweetest, and most precious oil. The comfortable doctrines of the Gospel, are likened to wine, Isaiah 55. 1. 2. 3. Prov. 9. 2. 5. See the notes on Song. 1. 2. that goeth to my beloved] a commendation of the good wine, from the effects: that it is pleasing unto God; and profitable unto men. For by the Beloved, usually in this Song is meant Christ: by going to righteousnesses (or according to righteousnesses) that is, going aright, straightly or directly, is signified the nature of pure wine, manifesting the goodness by the moving and springing in the cup, whereby it is discerned to be the right and natural wine, and is pleasing to them that drink it. The like phrase Solomon used in Prov. 23. 31. Look not on the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it goeth (or walketh, that is, moveth it self) in righteousnesses: as there, the nature of the most pure and generous wine is described, whereby men are allured to drink thereof; so here the right wine, the pure and wholesome doctrine out of the mouth of the Spouse, is declared by the company of Believers, to be pleasing and right in the eyes of Christ their Beloved. It may also intimate, how the Spouse (filled with the Spirit, rather then with wine, Ephes. 5. 18.) her speeches should tend to lead all unto Christ, and unto righteousnesses: that is, faith in him, and righteous works which he requireth us to walk in. causing to speak] that maketh to speak, or giveth utterance, to the lips of those that are a sleep: or, speaking in the tips, &c. This is the other effect of the Spirit, that as wine maketh men talkative, Prov. 23. 29. so the Spirit maketh men to utter the mysteries of God: as the disciples (when some thought they were full of new wine) prophesied and spake with other tongues, the great works of God, as the Spirit gave them utterance, Acts 2. 4. 11. 13. &c. By sleepers here are meant sinners, awaked and quickened by the word preached, as it is said, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead; and Christ shall give thee light, Ephes. 5. 14. And so it was promised, Thy dead men shall live, my dead bodies shall arise: awake and fing, ye that dwell in dust, Isaiah 26. 19. And Fzekiel by prophesying, raised to life the dead bones of the house of Israel, Ezek. 37 which also the Chaldee paraphrast alledgeth in opening this place. And not only dead men, (which are said to be asleep, Dan. 12. 2.) but others also that live, and through negligence or security fall asleep (as the Spouse acknowledgeth of her self, in Song. 5. 2.) are enabled by this spiritual wine, to speak: for having drink thereof, they forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more, as Prov. 31. 6. 7. So God promising to restore comforts unto Israel, and to his mourners, saith that he createth the fruit of the lips, peace, peace, &c. Isaiah 57. 18. 19.
Vers. 10. I am my Beloveds] Here the Spouse, [unspec 10] as full of the wine of grace and consolation from the Lord, testifieth her assurance by faith, that she is Christ's; and so an heir of salvation by promise, Gal. 3. 19. See before in Song. 2. 16. and 6. 3. his desire] his desirous affection, the Greek interpreteth it▪ his conversion (or turning) is towards me. This manner of speech was used before, when God chastening the woman for her sin, said, thy desire shall be unto thy husband, Gen. 3. 16. but now this woman being renewed by grace, and espoused unto Christ, as to an husband, 2 Cor. 11. 2. rejoiceth that his desire is unto her. And this appeareth by the whole scope of this Song and especially by those words, in Chap. 2. 14. and 4. 9. 10. and 7. 5. So contrary each to other are our natural sinful state, and our estate by grace in Christ.
Verse 11. into the field] or, into the country: a [unspec 11] place of corn, Vines, figtrees, Pome granat-trees, &c. as Joel 11. 12. in the villages] or, by the Cypress trees; for the Hebrew Cepharim may signify both: but the Greek also interpreteth it villages, and such country villages, are distinguished from fenced cities, 1 Sam. 6. 18. 1 Chron. 27. 25. The Spouse here desireth of Christ, that they may go together into the field and villages, to look unto their husbandry, how it prospered and whether the trees there planted did flourish and fructify, as the next words manifest. Hereby their desire and care is signfied, for the increase and propagation of the gospel abroad in the world, (for the field in the parable is the world, Matth. 13. 38.) And as Christ himself in the days of his flesh went about all the cities and villages, preaching the gospel, Matt. 9. 35. Mark. 6. 6. and his disciples went abroad to teach all nations Matt. 28. 19. so afterward both he in spirit walked among the golden Candlesticks of his Churches, looking to their ways, Revel. 2. and 3. and his Apostles went again to visit their brethren in every City where they had preached the word of the Lord, and to see how they did; Act. 15. 36. Such a cate is here intimated, that the Lord's field might be visited, where he had (like a wise husband man) prepared and fitted his work, Prov. 24. 27.
Verse 12. Let us get up early] or, Let us rise betimes in the morning; another act of diligence and [unspec 12] care, Psal. 127. 2. such as God performed to Israel of old, when he rose up early and sent his Prophets unto them, because he had compassion on them; and the Prophets rose-early and spake unto them, 2 Chron. 36. 15. Ierem. 25. 3. 4. to the vineyards] that is, the Churches▪ or places where the Gospel had been planted: so the house of Israel, was the Lord's Vineyard, Isaiah 5. 7. The Chaldee also expoundeth this of the house (or place) of assembly, for learning God's Law. the tender grape] the first small-grape; of this; see Song. 2. 13. 15. open it self] that is, appear and so give a sweet smell; the Greek interpreteth it, flourish: it meaneth the first appearance of fruit before the grapes be anything near ripe; a token that the Spring is come, and that Summer is nigh; as Song. 2. 12. 13. The Chaldee Paraphrast applieth it to the time of Israel's redemption. pomegranates] or, pomegranate-tres, such do signify the particular persons in the Churches, full of grace and good works; See Song. 4. 13. there will 〈◊〉 give my loves] The Spouse promiseth to give unto Christ the fuition of her graces and fruits of her faith, confession, thanks, good works, &c. there in the Vineyards of the Churches, in the society of the Saints: For the Lord keepeth his Vineyard and watereth it every moment; he causeth them that come of Jacob to take root; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit, Isaiah 27. 3. 6. And I will bring forth (saith the Lord) a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains; and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. There shall the house of Israel all of them in the land serve me; there will I accept them; and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your oblations, with all your holy things, I will accept you with your sweet savor, &c. Isaiah 65. 9. Ezek. 20. 40. 41.
Vers. 13. The Mandrakes] Dudaim (which the [unspec 13] Greek also called Mandragoraes or Mandrakes) have allusion in name to Dodim, loves, forementioned: and Dod that is, Beloved, as she after calleth Christ. Mandrakes grew in the field, and were found in the days of wheat harvest, as the history showeth in Gen. 30. 14. &c. It appeareth by 〈◊〉 ▪ chels desire there of them, & by the smell that here they are said to give, that they were very lovely and pleasant, (differing from the Mandrakes that grow in these parts.) The Chaldee paraphrast calleth it Balsemon, Balsam. give a smell] or, an odour, that is, are fragrant and yield a pleasant savor: so the Uines are said before to give a smell, Song. 2. 13. and the Spikenard of the Spouse, Song. 1. 12. at our-doors] or; by our doors: which seemeth to be opposed unto the fields where Mandrakes grew (as after new fruits are opposed unto the old:) signifying that both at home and abroad near & far, the fame and odour of graces in God's people, spread it self. For a thing is said to be at the doors when it is nigh at hand; Mat. 24. 53. precious things] or dainties, pleasant fruits, & delightful graces, see the notes on Song. 4. 13. 16. new and old] signifying here by variety and plenty, Lev. 26. 10. and old fruits are oft times better then new, as Luk. uk. 5 39. So • ow the state of the Church (instructed unto the Kingdom of heaven) is like the householder which bringeth forth out of his treasury, things new and old, Matt. 13. 52. laid them up] or hidden▪ treasured, stored-up, to be reserved & safely kept. The Chaldee paraphraseth thus: Now rise (O King Christ) receive the Kingdom 〈◊◊〉 have laid up for thee. As the goodness of God is great, which he hath laid up for them that fear him, Psal. 31. 20. so all the goodness and fruits of▪ grace that flow from his people▪ are unto his honor and praise, consecrated unto him. For of him, and through him, and for him are all things: to him 〈◊〉 glory forever, Amen. Rom: 11. 3 • .
CHAPTER VIII.
WHo will give thee, as a brother [unspec 1] to me; sucking the breasts of my mother: I would find thee without, I would kiss thee; also, they should not despise me, I would lead thee, [unspec 2] I would bring thee into my mothers house, thou shouldest instruct me: I would cause thee to drink, of spiced wine; of the juce, of my Pomegranate. His left hand, under mine head; and his right- hand, embrace me. [unspec 3]
I adjure you, ô daughters of Jerusalem: why should ye stir, and why [unspec 4] should ye stir-up the Love, until it please▪
Who is this, that cometh-up out of the wilderness; that leaneth, upon her [unspec 5] Beloved? Under the apple-tree, I stirred up; there, thy mother painfullybrought thee forth, there, she painfullybrought forth that bare thee. Set me, [unspec 6] as a seal, upon thine heart; as a seal, upon thine 〈◊〉 ; for love, is strong as death, zeal, is hard as hell: the coals thereof are coals of fire, the flame of Yah. Many waters, cannot quench [unspec 7] love; neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house, for love; contemning they would contemn it.
We have a little sister, and she hath [unspec 8] no breasts: what shall we do for our sister, in the day when she shall be spoken of▪ If she be a wall; we will [unspec 9] build upon her, a palace of silver: and if she be a door▪ we will inclose her, with boards of Cedar. I am a wall, and [unspec 10] my breasts as to w 〈…〉 : then was I in his eyes, as one that findeth peace.
〈…〉 on had a Vineyard, in Baalhath on▪ [unspec 11] he gave the Vineyard, to keepers: every man shall bring for the fruit thereof, a thousand (shekels) of silver▪ 〈◊〉 My Vineyard which is mine, is [unspec 12] before 〈…〉 , ô So 〈◊〉 ▪ and two hundred, to those that keep the 〈◊〉 thereof.
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, [unspec 13] the companions attending to thy voice 〈◊〉 thou me to hear.
He my beloved, and be thou like [unspec 14] to a Roe, or to a 〈◊〉 of the Harts; upon, the mountains of spices.
CHAPTER VIII.
Annotations.
WHo will give thee] that is, O if some would give thee; or, O that thou wert: a form of [unspec 1] wishing often used in the Scripture; see Deut. 5. 29. Psal. 14. 7. The faithful here desire the brotherhood, love and communion of Christ, for their further comfort, and that they might manifest their love and obedience unto him. as a brother] loving affected, conjoined, familiar and conversant with me. Brotherhood, signifieth near conjunction and consociation, whether by bond of nature, or otherwise by agreement and covenant, Zach. 11. 14 Wherefore things without life, coupled together, are called man and his brother; or, Woman and her sister; Exod. 25. 20. and 26. 3. and they that are companions in like estate (though differing i • nature) are brethren; as Job was a brother to dragons, and a companion to Owls, Job 30. 29. and a man in quality, condition or action like another, is called his brother, Prov. 18. 9. Gen. 49. 5. and when Solomon persuadeth his son to affect, love, and associate himself unto Wisdom, he biddeth him say unto her, Thou arr my sister, Prov. 7. 4. Although therefore Christ in his humanity was the brother of his people, taking part of the same flesh and blood with them, Heb. 2. 14. yet is he chiefly called our brother, because we are all of one Father by the Spirit of sanctification, Heb. 2. 11. 12. Matth. 12. 50. And this seemeth to be the desire of the godly here, that Christ would vouchsafe to enter into covenant with them, by his Word and Spirit, and to accompany them with his grace, for their mutual comfort, and fruition each of others love: that he would show himself as a brother, lovingly affectioned, merciful and compassionate in their troubles and miseries; as a brother is borne for adversity, Prov. 17. 13. sucking] or, that sucked the breasts of my mother, that is, every way most nearly conjoined, as having both one father and one mother, for so the band or kindred is more near, then if they had one father only, as Abraham said, she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, Gen. 20. 12. Wherefore the child followed the mother, if she were a free or a bondwoman, the child was likewise, Exod. 21 4. Gal. 4. 22. 30. And between brethren of the same mother, the affections and love are most vehement; as Joseph's carriage towards Benjamin manifesteth, Gen. 43. 29. 30. 34. The mother here is Jerusalem which is above, which is the mother of us all, and signifieth the New Testament or Covenant of grace and freedom, Gal. 4. 26. 24. To 〈◊〉 the breasts of this mother, is to participate of her grace and consolations, Esa. 66. 10. 11. and 60, 16. and Christ is then said to suck these breasts, when the Covenant or Testament is by him confirmed and stablished to and with his people, openly professed, and the communion of graces mutually doth grow. Which communion is figuratively signified by eating, drinking, sucking, supping together and the like. Song 5. 1. Luk. 22. 15. 16 John. 6. 51. Rev. 3. 20. The Hebrews in then Chaldee paraphrase give this exposition; In that time, the King Christ shall be revealed unto the Congregation of Israel; and the sons of Israel shall say unto him; Come, be thou with us for a brother, and let as go up to Jerusalem; and we will suck with thee, the senses (or meanings) of the Law, as a sucking child sucketh the breasts of his mother. It may also be observed, that things are sometime said to be done unto Christ, which are done unto his people, Matth. 25. 35.—40. Acts 9. 4. 5. Colos. 1. 24. As therefore Christians, when they are begotten or converted unto Christ by the Gospel, have Christ formed in them, Gal. 4. 19. so when such are nourished with the sincere milk of the word, (as 1 Pet. 2. 2.) it may be said that Christ himself is nourished in them; for he and his people are one body, and mystically called Christ, 1 Cor. 12. 12. Thus the things here spoken of as to be done unto Christ, may be fulfilled by the be▪ getting, nourishing and cherishing of the elect, when the Covenant of life and peace is made, continued and confirmed among them. I would find thee without] Her fervent love and desire of Christ's communion and brotherly grace, is here accompanied with a promise of all careful and loving duty, acceptation and obedience on her part. For to find him without (or in the street,) where the Wisdom of God crieth, and teacheth, Pro. 1. 20. Luk. 13. 26. signifieth her ready mind to go forth to meet him (as the virgins should to the Bridegroom, Matth. 25. 6.) and both lovingly & boldly to entertain and welcome him, by receiving and obeying his Gospel, as the sequel Shew 〈…〉 . See also Song 3. 2. 4. would kiss thee] a sign of love, honor, and of obedience; as all are exhor 〈…〉 d to kiss the son, Psal. 2. 12. See Song 1. 2. they should not despise me] that is, men should not, or, I should not be despised, for so this manner of speech often importeth, as is noted on Gen. 16. 4. Persons are despised or contemned, when either they do, or are thought to do, that which is not honest or comely, Gen. 38. 23. 2 Sam. 6. 16. or, when they miss of their purpose, and are laughed to 〈◊〉 with contempt, Esa. 37. 22. Neither of these should befall her, doing but her duty in 〈◊〉 and modest sort, and obtaining Christ whom her soul desired. What the state of a people is without Christ, and how subject they are to shame and reproach; the Lord himself showeth in Esa. 54. 1. 4. 6. But them that honor God, he will honor; and they that despise him, shall be lightly-esteemed, 1 Sam. 2. 30. and if any man serve Christ, 〈◊〉 will the Father honor, John. 12. 26.
Vers. 2. I would leads thee] to weet, with honor [unspec 2] and solemnity, with joy and gladness: for Kings and great personages are said to be sed & brought along, Esa. 60. 11. Psal. 45. 15. 16. Here, that which the faithful desire & receive of God & of Christ, to be led and to be brought to his holy mountain, 〈◊〉 . 43. 3. they promise to do unto Christ: but the Lord doth it by the sight of his Word and Spirit, Esa. 63. 14. Psal, 143. 10. they do it unto 〈◊〉 , by earnest prayers stirring-up themselves to take hold on him, Esa. 64. 1. 7. my mothers house] the state of Ecclesiastical policy, and public assembly, figured by the house or Temple of God in Jerusalem of old, (unto which the Chaldee paraphrase here referreth it,) but is fulfilled in Christian Churches, which are God's house and temple now, Heb. 3▪ 6. 2 Cor. 6. 16. especially in that Jerusalem, which is the mother of us all, Gal. 4. 26. See Song 3. 4. thou should instruct me] or, shalt teach, shalt learn me, speaking to Christ, whose instruction she would gladly receive. Thus also the Greek interpreteth it, thou shalt teach me; and the Chaldee, thou shalt teach me to fear before the Lord. It may also be referred to the mother aforesaid, she that instructeth her; but the former seemeth most agreeable, and showeth both her desire, and the end of bringing Christ unto her home, that she might be further taught and built up by the doctrines of his Gospel. And thus it is prophesied, how in the last days, many people should say, Come and let us go up, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths, &c. Esa. 2. 2. 3. Mich. 4. 1. 2. of spiced wine] wine sweeted with a mixture, or confection of spices; such (in the Law) were put into the holy incense, and oil, Exod. 30. 34. 35. 23. 25. such were also used at the burial of the dead, 2 Chronicles 16. 14. and for banqueting, as this place showeth. the juice] or, the new-liquor, the sweet-wine, which hath the name of treading or pressing out of the pomegranates or grapes. Hereby she signifieth that the word should not be fruitless in her; but that she would honor Christ with her graces, and render unto him such fruits of faith, as should be sweetened & spiced with his own Spirit in her, & wrung out of her by the same, whiles she hath fellowship in his afflictions. For when Christ administereth the comforts of his Word and Spirit, he giveth us wine to drink, Prov. 9. 1. 5. Esa. 55. 1. 3. and when we bring forth the fruits of his Spirit, and with them do glorify him, and edify our brethren, he counteth himself refreshed as with wine, and taketh pleasure in his people. See Song 4. 10. and 5. 1. This juice and wine, spiced with the truth, faith, grace, and spirit of the Lord; is contrary to that cup in the woman's hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication, the heresies, idolatries, and other fruits of the flesh, with which 〈◊〉 , the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk; Rev. 17. 2. 4.
Vers. 3. under mine head] understand it prayer-wise as before, let it be under: or, should be under my [unspec 3] head. The Spouse privy to her own infirmities, and desirous of strength and comfort from Christ; 〈…〉 eth that she may be sustained by him, and find rest to her soul in the feeling of his love, whose grace is sufficient for her, whose strength is made per 〈…〉 weakness; 2 Cor. 12. 9. See before in Song 26. where the like words are used.
Vers. 4. I adjure you] or, I charge you by an oath. 〈…〉 here enjoying Christ, desireth the continuance [unspec 4] of his grace, and chargeth her friends that they should by no means, disquiet, provoke or grieve him: as she had adjured them twice before, Song 2. 7. and 3. 5. See the annotations there. why should ye stir] that is, do not stir, for it will not be for your profit▪ before it was said, if ye stir, in the like sense, and there (in Song 2. 7. and 3. 5.) the Roes, and Hinds of the field were mentioned, which are not here.
Vers. 5. Who is this] this woman. This either implieth [unspec 5] the springing up of a new Church, conducted by Christ through the wilderness of this world: or, if it be understood of the former, it showeth the admiration of the daughters of Jerusalem, at her increase, strong faith, patience, holy order, &c. whiles she followeth and relieth upon Christ. So before, in Song 3. 6. the wilderness] the people's of this world, out of which the people of God are chosen, and called, Ezek. 20. 35. John. 15. 19. It signifieth also her former misery, under persecution; or under the bondage of sin and Satan, from which she escapeth by Christ; for the wilderness was a dry and thirsty land, a land of drought, and of the shadow of death; Ezek. 19. 13. Ier. 2. 6. that leaneth] or, leaning, cleaving to, adjoining, associating her self: it is a word, not elsewhere used in Scripture, and is borrowed from the Arabian language: the Greek translateth it, confirming, or strengthening her self. It signifieth her weakness in her self, unable to sustain her steppes: but her strength in Christ her beloved, on whom she leaning by faith, is confirmed against all doubts, fears, dangers, difficulties, temptations, and by her union with him, is made partaker of all grace and comfort; for he that is joined to the Lord, is one Spirit, 1 Cor. 6. 17. and is by him made perfect, stablished, strengthened, settled; as 1 Pet. 5. 10. This grace is foretold by the Prophet, according to God's first dealing with Israel, when he put his holy Spirit within his people, and led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness; they stumbled not. As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord quietly led him: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name: Esa. 63. 11. 13. 14. I stirred thee up] or, I raised thee up. They by the words of the Spouse, speaking again to her Beloved; whom she stirred or raised up as out of sleep, by her earnest prayers, as in Psal. 44. 24. Stir up, why sleepest thou Lord? And they that give themselves to prayer, are said also to stir up themselves, Esa. 64. 7. This raising up, was under the Apple tree, the tree of life and grace, whose shadow and fruit had been delightful and sweet unto her; and to which tree, Christ himself was likened, Song 2. 3. So she by faith taking hold on the covenant of grace & promises of life in Christ, called on his name in her for owes, and stirred him up for her help & comfort. there] under the Apple tree, the faith and hope of salvation and life. thy mother] the faithful company, or the primitive Church, who brought forth Christ into the world, by preaching, professing, practicing and suffering for his Gospel. painfully brought thee forth] travelled of thee with sorrow▪ The bringing forth of Christ into the world, by the preaching and witnessing of the Gospel, (that the child might be borne unto us, Esa. 9. 6.) is set forth by the similitude of a woman in her painful-travel, Rev. 12. 1. 2. Gal. 4. 19. For as child-birth is accompanied with many pangs and sorrows, like bands that contstrain forcibly: so is the bringing forth of Christ into the hearts and minds of men, that they may believe in him, performed with much labor, sorrow and difficulty; In much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tossings to and fro, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, &c. 2 Cor. 6. 4. 5. and 4. 8. 11. Wherefore the Church signifying her sorrows, for the deliverance and salvation of her children, saith, Like as a woman with child that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth, &c. Esa. 26. 17. 18.
Vers. 6. Set me] or, Put me as a seal upon thine [unspec 6] heart. The Spouse desireth of Christ, assurance and confirmation of his love towards her; that she may be graven as the engraving of a scale or signet, upon his heart. This hath reference to the high Priest of old, who having the names of the twelve Tribes of Israel, graven upon twelve precious stones, like the ingravings of a signet (or seal) is said to bear the names of the sons of Israel, in the Breast-plate of judgment upon his heart; for a memorial before the Lord continually; Exod. 28. 21. 29. So she desireth Christ to be her merciful and faithful high Priest, in things pertaining to God, Heb. 2. 17. that he would have a continual care of her salvation, mindful of her himself, and making a memorial of her before God his Father; and that this affection of love, might not vanish away, but be as a deep impression in his heart forever. For a seal is used for a ratifying and confirming that which is spoken, that it may not be disanulled, Neh. 9. 38. Rom. 4. 11. And this God signified to Zerubbabel saying, I will set thee as a seal; for I have chosen thee; Hag. 2. 23. and again it is said, The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal; the Lord knoweth them that are his: 2 Tim. 2. 19. a seal upon thine arm] The high Priest bare the names of the Tribes, not only upon his heart; but the same names he also bare (engraven like a seal) upon his shoulders before the Lord for a memorial, Exod. 28. 11. 12. And the Lord promising the daughter of Zion, that he would not forget her to have compassion on her, saith: Behold I have graven thee upon the plames of my hands; thy walls, are continually before me, Esa. 49. 15. 16. But as the heart signifieth inward love, so the arm of Christ signifieth his outward manifestation of love, by helping, bearing and supporting her in all her infirmities, through his power: wherefor it is said, Thou redeemest thy people with the arm, Psal. 77. 16. and, thou hast scattered thine enemies, with the arm of thy strength, Psal. 89. 11. and unto Jerusalem he saith, Behold the Lord will come with strong (hand) and his arm shall rule for him: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the Lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, Esa. 40. 10. 11. love is strong as death] as death is strong, and overcometh the strongest man, Psal. 89. 48. so the love which I bear towards thee, desiring to be united unto thee, is a strong affection which cannot be subdued in me by any trouble or temptation. zeal] or, gealousie: zeal is love inflamed and • ervent: and is used sometime in good part, as John. 2. 17. sometime in the evil, called bitter zeal (or envying) I am. 3. 14. so is gealousie, 2 Cor. 11. 2. Here it seemeth to be meant of godly zeal, or gealousie, wherewith her heart was also affected towards Christ. hard as hell] cruel, fierce and inexorable, as is hell it self, that is, the grave or state of death, whereof see the notes on Gen. 37. 35. that as death and the grave devoureth all, so love and jealous-zeal consumeth and eateth up, not sparing: for the love of Christ constraineth, 2 Cor. 5. 14. and the zeal for his glory, eateth up the godly, Psal. 69. 9. the coals] the fiery coals, arrows, or fiery darts: properly the word signifieth that which flieth and burneth; & is applied sometimes to plagues & judgments, Deut. 32. 24. sometimes to arrows, Psal. 76. 3. here, to burning coals or darts of love, that pierce and inflame the heart, and cannot be quenched. flame of Yah] the consuming flame of God: Shalhebeth-jah, noteth a vehement or consuming flame of Yah (the Lord:) as the piercing and devouring lightning: but meaneth the fire of his Spirit, which is compared unto fire, Matth. 3. 11. for the power and efficacy thereof in the hearts of the children of God.
Vers. 7. many waters] By waters and floods are often [unspec 7] meant, afflictions, troubles, wars, persecutions, temptations, wherewith the faith, love, patience of Christ's people are exercised & tried; Psal. 69. 2. Esa. 8. 7. 8. and 59. 19. Dan. 9. 26. and 11. 12. So here is signified that the love of Christ wherewith the minds of his people are inflamed, is such, as cannot be quenched with any calamities. And thus it is said, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (as it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep of slaughter:) nay in all these things we 〈◊〉 more then conquerors, through him that loved us 〈◊〉 I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor 〈…〉 nor Principalities, nor powers, nor things present, 〈◊〉 things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of 〈◊〉 which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8. 〈…〉 all the substance] or, all the riches (wealth) 〈…〉 ver, gold, &c. that is in his house. 〈◊〉 they would contemn it] that is, it would utterly (or altogether) be contemned; or, he would wholly be contemned. As the love between Christ and his Church cannot be separated, being united by the Holy Ghost so neither can love, nor other grace of God be bought for money, but is the free gift of God bestowed on whom he pleaseth▪ Act. 8. 18. 19. 20. Rom. 9. 11.—16. So wisdom cannot be go 〈…〉 for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof, &c. John. 28. 15.—19. Prov. 8. 11. 19.
Vers. 8. We have a little sister] The godly here [unspec 8] consult about a new Church arising, whom they call a sister; in respect of the unity of faith; little (or small) as being young, newly converted, and nothing populous, without breasts, as having yet no stablished ministry, (for such is the state of the Churches in their beginning, as appeareth by Act. 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5.) so that her children could not suck out the sincere milk of the word, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations, 1 Pet. 2. 2. Esa. 66. 11. for she was not yet come to the estate of Israel whose breasts were fashioned, and the Lord entered into covenant with her, and she became his, Ezek. 16. 7. 8. when she shall be spoken of] or, wherein speech shall be of her: when the fame of her calling and conversion shall come abroad, what furtherance shall we yield, to increase, settle, stablish her in the truth. This showeth the duty of love from one Church to another, in communicating their graces each to other, and praying one for another. See an example in Act. 11. 19. 22. 23. This Hebrew phrase of speech to be had of her (or in her,) may be understood two ways, for or against her: for her, when treaty shall be of her espousals unto Christ; thus David sent and spake of (or with) Abigail, to take her to him to wife, 1 Sam. 25. 39. against her, as the people spake against God, and against Moses, Numb. 21. 5. and Princes speak against me, Psal. 119. 23. For no sooner do a people turn to the Lord, but the wicked do oppose in word and work. And thus the Hebrews in their Chaldee Paraphrase expound it here, What shall we do for our sister, in the day when the nations shall speak to go up against her, unto war?
Vers. 9. If she be is wall] The answer to the thing proponed, made (as some think) by Christ, to [unspec 9] which the Chaldee paraphrast agreeth, saying, Michael the Prince of Israel will say: or, by other her sister churches, desirous to procure her good. a wall] that is, strong and well grounded in the truth; and so become a city, which is often described by walls, gates, bars, &c. 2 Chron 8. 5. and 14. 7. Revel, 21. 12. Spiritually it meaneth her faith and hope of salvation in Christ, grounded on the doctrine of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve Apostles of Christ, Rev. 21. 14. 19. as, Thou shalt call thy walls salvation, Esa. 66. 18. and, we have a strong city, salvation will God appoint for walls and bulworkes, Esa. 26. 1. Moreover, when God signified the strength and courage of his Prophet against their enemies, he faith, I will make thee unto this people, a fenced brazen wall; and they shall fight against thee shall not prevail, • er. 15. 20. we will b 〈…〉 d] Here, by we, may be implied the Trinity in the Godhead, as Gen. 1. 26. Song 〈◊〉 . 11. or, we may mean Christ inwardly & effectually by his grace, and his people (her sisters) outwardly and ministerially by the word of the Gospel. a palace] or, 〈…〉 le, a tower, a fair and orderly building; such as were wont est times to be set on strong walls of cities: and this being of silver, noteth the purity, excellency and durableness of this palace, adorned with the graces of God's word and Spirit, that so she might be built for an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. 2. 22. and be able to resist the forces of her enemies. and if she be a door] if she go forward in the faith and practice of the Gospel, that she be not only built up as a wall, but as a gate and door, fully edified; as at the repairing of Jerusalem, when they sanctified the gates, and set up the doors of it, Nehem. 3. which gates, doors, bars, &c. were for the safeguard of the inhabitants, and shown their care to resist and keep out the enemies, (as appeareth by the contrary in Ier. 49. 31.) as also to open, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truths may enter in, Esa. 26. 2. Psal. 118. 20. Therefore Angels are at the gates of the heavenly City, to conduct God's people into it, Revel. 21. 12. 27. and 22. 14. we will inclose her] or, we will fence her about, with board of Cedar; which is fair, strong and durable, and of sweet savor: of such the Temple was built, 1 King. 6. 15.—18.
V. 10. I am a wall] or, I became a wall; that is, I grew [unspec 10] up and waxed strong in the faith & love of Christ. The little sister showeth her readiness to receive and increase in the doctrine of the Gospel my breasts as towers] my breasts are fashioned, Ezek. 16. 7. the ministry of the word established in me, to nourish up children unto Christ. The similitude of towers, noteth also the strength, power, and glory of the administration of the Gospel: and the open preaching of it out of pulpits of high places, that all may hear. For Migdal, a tower, is used for a pulpit, in Neh. 8. 4. in his eyes] in Christ's sight. findeth peace] We all in our natural corruption are enemies to God, Rom. 5. 10. but being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 5. 1. for the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever, Esa. 32. 17. and this peace is enjoyed by the Holy Ghost, Rom. 8. 6. 9. and it is opposed to all the troubles, temptations, persecutions and afflictions in this life and world, John. 16. 33. and is that which guardeth our hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus, Phil. 4. 7.
Vers. 11. Solomon had a Vineyard, &c.] These [unspec 11] words may be understood as spoken by Christ, or by his Spouse forementioned. If by Christ, then it is a comparison between Solomon with his vine-yard, and Christ with his. That Solomon (as his father David, 1 Chro. 27. 27.) could not himself look to his Vineyards, but appointed officers to look unto them, who yielded him a yearly tribute, and had themselves a part of the profit for their labor: but Christ (who is always with his Church, Matth. 28. 20. and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candle sticks, Revel. 2. 1.) looketh to his Vineyard himself, that unto him, all the fruit and benefit thereof belongeth alone. If it be spoken by his Spouse (which I rather incline unto,) then it showeth a greater care and diligence in her now then in former times, when she confessed, that she kept not the Vineyard which was hers; that is, which was committed to her custody, Song 1. 6. So by Solomon, she meaneth Christ, by the Vineyard, his church in general; for the house of Israel was the Lord's Vineyard, Esa. 5. 7. Baal hamon] that is by interpretation, the master (or owner) of a multitude; meaning hereby either the world, among the multitudes whereof Christ hath his Church; or in respect of the much fruit which it yielded unto God, or should yield, being situate in a fertile place, which he had blessed with his grace; such as in Isaiah. 5. 1. is called the horn of the son of oil, that is, a very fruitful hill. he gave the Vineyard] that is, he let it out, in farm; as it is said, There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, &c. and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: Mat. 21. 33. Thus the Apostle saith to the Church of Corinth, We are laborers together with God, ye are God's husbandry, 1 Cor. 3. 9. a thousand shekels of silver] or, a thousand silverlings, meaning silver shekels: signifying hereby the great fertility of this Vineyard, that afforded so much to the owner, besides the laborers reward. So in Esa. 7. 23. threatening to make the most fruitful place desolate, he saith, Where there were a thousand vines, at a thousand silverlings (or silver shekels) it shall be for briars and thorns.
Vers. 12. My vineyard which is mine] that is, understanding [unspec 12] it to be spoken by the Spouse, as in Song 1. 6. which is committed to my care and keeping. is before me] that is, I always look unto it, care for it, and am diligent to manure and dress it. As, all his judgments were before me; and his statutes I departed not from them; 2 Sam. 22. 23. to thee O Solomon] that is, thou shalt have thy full due for the fruit of thy vineyard, which is a 1000. silverlings, verse. 11. See Math. 21. 41. 200. to those that keep the fruit] that is, thy laborers shall receive also according to the agreement, everyone for his work: see Mat. 20. 1. 2. &c. So the Apostle saith, Every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labor; 1 Cor. 3. 8.
Vers. 13. Thou that dwellest] or, O inhabitresse: [unspec 13] Christ speaketh to his Spouse, dwelling in the gardens, that is, in the Churches; teaching her continual duty, both to her neighbors, in constant witnessing of the truth; and to himself, in prayer and thanksgiving. the companions attending] or, do attend to thy voice. By companions, he seemeth to mean her fellow Christians, partakers of the same faith, spirit and grace: 2 Pet. 1. 1. By voice he understandeth the doctrine of the Church, whereunto all ought to attend. cause thou me to hear] to weet, thy voice; as he expressed before; in Song 2. 14. Let me hear thy voice; that is, thy prayers, praises, and thanksgivings: teaching her to call upon and to serve him continually. Or, cause to hear me, that is, preach me to thy companions that attend to thy voice; let thy doctrines be my Gospel, not men's traditions. These are the two main and permanent duties of all God's churches; that their doctrine be the true and uncorrupt word of Christ; & their prayers & service be directed to him alone, who is ready to hear and help in all time of need. To these two, prayer and the Ministry of the Word, the Apostles gave themselves continually, Act. 6. 4.
Vers. 14. Flee my Beloved] The prayer of the Spouse unto Christ, desiring the end of his Kingdom in this world, where he with his people are persecuted and afflicted; and the translating thereof into the highest heavens. For Christ now reigneth in the midst of his enemies, Psal. 110. 2. and so must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet: and at the end he shall deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, 1 Cor. 15. 24. 25. Then the dead in Christ arising first, they also that live and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord, 1 Thes. 4. 16. 17. This day she desireth with speed: for though it be usually called the day of Christ's coming (or appearing,) yet because he shall not come here to remain, but to carry his elect away out of this world, she useth the word Flee, or Depart away. The Hebrews in their Chaldee paraphrast, though they apply not this to the end of the world, yet so speak as believing that Christ should ascend into heaven and from thence succor his church on earth; saying: At that time shall the Elders of the Congregation of Israel say, Flee thou O my Beloved, the Lord of the world, from this unclean earth, and let thy Majesty dwell in the highest heavens: and in tim • of tribulation when we shall pray before thee, be like a Roe, &c, or like a Fawne of the Harts, which when it fleeth, looketh behind it, so look thou upon us, and have respect to our tribulation and our affliction from the highest heavens, until the time that thou shalt take pleasure in us, and redeem us, and bring us unto the mountain of Jerusalem; and there the Priests shall burn before thee, the incense of sweet spices. be thou like] or, liken (resemble) thyself to a Roe; that is, be swift and make hast to flee away: see the notes on Song 29. 17. fawn of the Harts] that is, a young Hart. on the mountains of spices] This referred to the Roe or Hart, showeth that they used to flee for their succor to mountains where spices grew, as in Song 2. 17. she mentioned the mountains of Bether. Or, referring it to Christ himself, it may mean the very heavens, called mountains of spices, for the height and pleasures which are there at the right hand of God forever. And it may be interpreted, O thou that art on the mountains of spices, that is, in heaven; as, Hosanna in the highest, Matth. 21. 9. that is, thou which art in the highest heavens. Thus as this Song began with desire of Christ's first coming to kiss her with the kisses of his mouth, by preaching his Gospel: so it endeth with desire of his second coming, to remove his Church out of all misery, into the place of endless and incomprehensible glory, And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and let him that heareth, say, Come: and Christ himself saith, Surely, I come quickly, Amen; Even so, Come Lord Jesus, Revel. 22. 17 20.