_The affections between Christ and his spouse are as strong and lively here, in this closing chapter of the song, as ever, and rather more so._ (1.) _The spouse continues her importunity for a more intimate communion and fellowship with him,_ Song of Solomon 8:1. (2.) _She charges the daughters of J... [ Continue Reading ]
O THAT THOU WERT AS MY BROTHER— _O that thou wert as my_ infant _brother, sucking my mother's breasts!_ New Translation.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO WOULD INSTRUCT ME— literally, _Thou shouldest be constantly with me:_ so Houbigant. The next clause refers to the Hebrew custom of mixing aromatic drugs with their wine. Russel in one place observes, that there are three sorts of pomegranates at Aleppo, the sour, the sweet, and another betwixt b... [ Continue Reading ]
I CHARGE YOU, O DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM, &C.— We have in this day's eclogue a further account of the love of Christ towards his church; as well as a description of the church's graces. The church professes her faith and longing desire after Christ, together with the satisfactions of his love to her.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO IS THIS THAT COMETH UP, &C.?— The seventh and last day's eclogue begins here.... [ Continue Reading ]
SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART, &C.— See Exodus 13:9. The meaning is, "Place me so that I may never slip out of thy memory or affection. This request I make out of fervent love, which is strong or irresistible as death; especially when heightened by jealousy, or a fear of losing the beloved objec... [ Continue Reading ]
IF SHE BE A WALL, &C.— _If she be a wall, we will build upon her two silver towers._ The meaning of the passage is, "We will take care of her in proportion as she is capable of receiving or profiting by our bounty, like as men are accustomed to build upon good foundations." The orientals delight thu... [ Continue Reading ]
MY VINEYARD, WHICH IS MINE— _My vineyard which before brought me in a thousand pieces, is now thine, O Solomon; and there are two hundred pieces for those who look after the fruit thereof._ By _pieces of silver_ here are understood _shekels,_ supposed to be in value about two shillings and four penc... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MOUNTAINS OF SPICES— That is, _the mountains where spices grow;_ such as those mentioned, chap. Song of Solomon 4:6 and chap. Song of Solomon 2:17 and some have thought that it should be rendered here, as in the last place, the mountains of בשׂמים _Besamim._ What these mountains were we are now... [ Continue Reading ]