Song of Solomon 4:3

Song 4:3. "Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet." There is probably a special respect to the speech of the saints in prayer, which is dyed in the blood of Christ, and by this means becomes pleasant and acceptable, and of an attractive influence, like a scarlet cord to draw down blessings. The prayers of saints are lovely and prevalent only through the incense of Christ's merits.

Song 4:3. "Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded for an armory, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men." This probably represents faith, for it is that by which the church is united to her head. For Christ is her head; or if we look at ministers as a subordinate head, yet they are so no otherwise than as they represent Christ, and act as his ministers, and the same that is the union of believers to Christ in their union to ministers, and in receiving them they receive him. It is by the same faith whereby they receive Christ, and obey his word, that they receive and obey the instructions of ministers, for their instructions are no other than the word of Christ by them. Faith is the church's life, and strength, and constant support, and supply, as the neck is to the body. Faith is the church's shield; Ephesians 6:16.; it is the church's armory furnishing her with shields, because it provides them out of Christ's fulness which is contained in the promises.

Song 4:5