Apple-trees. The spouse, submitting to God's will, is content to suffer. (Worthington) --- She addresses her beloved, and as he had praised her, under the similitude of a delightful garden, she invites him into it. (Calmet) --- I, &c. Christ again approves of her patience, and invites the saints to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Knocking. The spouse had retired to rest, as her beloved delayed longer than usual. But love is ever on the watch. (Calmet) --- She wished to meditate, but is called upon to assist others, and excited by Christ's own example. (Worthington) --- Dew. Having been out in the evening, preceding this fou... [ Continue Reading ]
_Garment. By this is designated the tunic, which was undermost. (Haydock) --- Feet. People in that climate had their feet bare in the house, and even on journies only wore sandals: so that frequent washing was requisite, Genesis xviii. 4., and 1 Timothy v. 10. These excuses were vain, and Christ wou... [ Continue Reading ]
_Touch. Of me, (Cassiodorus) or rather of the door or window. I was grieved that I had made him wait so long. (Calmet) --- Hebrew, "were moved for him." Protestants' marginal note, "or (as some read) in me." Pagnin prefers this; Septuagint and Montanus the former explanation of halaiv. (Haydock) ---... [ Continue Reading ]
_Arose. The Church employs herself in active life, still retaining a desire to return to contemplation, ver. 8. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Love. She seems insensible to the insults received. (Calmet) --- The Church prays to the saints on earth, and in heaven. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ruddy. Or shining. Et color in niveo corpore purpureus. The divine and human nature, or the conception and sufferings of Christ are thus described. (Calmet) --- The spouse gives this admirable description of her beloved. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Gold. God is the head of Christ, (1 Corinthians xi. 3.) and is most pure. (N.[Menochius?]) --- The guards of Solomon were powdered with gold dust. (Josephus, Antiquities) --- Branches. Elatæ, or fruits of the male palm-tree. (Theodoret) (Pliny, [Natural History?] xiii. 4.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Set by. Protestants, " as sweet flowers." --- Choice. Literally, "the first," ver. 5. (Haydock) --- The modesty and words of Christ excited admiration, 1 Peter ii. 21., and John vii. 46. (Calmet) --- He exhorted sinners to repent, and rebuked the obstinate. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hyacinths. Or purple veins. (Calmet) --- Protestants, "hands are as gold rings set with the beryl." Hebrew, "full of Tharsis," (Haydock) or precious stones, (Menochius) from that country, (Exodus xxviii.) with which his rings were ornamented. (Calmet) --- Sapphires. His belt or garment is thus orna... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER V. _ Lovely. Hebrew and Septuagint, " desires. " (Menochius) --- The beauty of Christ is chiefly interior; and all must aim at this perfection, who would be his spouses, Psalm xliv. 3. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Seek. The fervent resolve to seek Christ, wherever he may be. (Worthington) --- His praises excite many to love him. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]