Commentary Critical And Explanatory On The Whole Bible

Pr 7:1-27. The subject continued, by a delineation of the arts of strange women, as a caution to the unwary.

1-4. Similar calls (Pr 3:1-3; 4:10, &c.).

2. apple ... eye -- pupil of eye, a custody (Pr 4:23) of special value.

3. Bind ... fingers -- as inscriptions on rings.

5. The design of the teaching (compare Pr 2:16; 6:24).

6. For -- or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent.

window -- or, "opening"

looked -- literally, "watched earnestly" (Jud 5:28).

casement -- or, "lattice."

7. simple -- as in Pr 1:4.

void of, &c. -- (Compare Pr 6:32).

8. her corner -- where she was usually found.

went ... house -- implying, perhaps, confidence in himself by his manner, as denoted in the word

went -- literally, "tread pompously."

9. The time, twilight, ending in darkness.

black ... night -- literally, "pupil," or, "eye," that is, middle of night.

10. attire -- that of harlots was sometimes peculiar.

subtile -- or, "wary," "cunning."

11, 12. loud -- or, "noisy," "bustling."

stubborn -- not submissive.

without ... streets, ... corner -- (Compare 1Ti 5:13; Tit 2:5).

13-15. The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast (Le 3:9, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.

16, 17. my bed -- or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.

17. bed -- a place for sleeping.

18-20. There is no fear of discovery.

20. the day appointed -- perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Pr 7:19).

21. caused ... yield -- or, "inclines."

flattering -- (Compare Pr 5:3).

forced him -- by persuasion overcoming his scruples.

22. straightway -- quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

23. Till -- He is now caught (Pr 6:26).

24. The inferential admonition is followed (Pr 7:26, 27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.

26, 27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.