Song of Solomon 7

Song of Solomon 7:1

How beautiful] This beautifulnesse is ascribed, with admiration, to sundry parts of her; and to her whole person oftentimes.

O Princes daughter] 1 John III. 1. John I. 12. 2 Cor. VI. 18.

Song of Solomon 7:5

the King is held in the galleries] Christ himself. Yea, and no earthly King but would finde in his heart to be tied to these walks, and to be held, as it were, prisoner in the sight of thee and thy bravery, Ps. . 4, 5. and XXVII. 4. being so astonished, and never satisfied with the sight of thee, and thy beauty, and so over-valuing it above his own, and all other earthly glory whatsoever.

Song of Solomon 7:6

How faire] Such passionate admiration of her, proceeds from his wonderful love to her; agreeing well to that saying, Esay LXII. 4, 5. and LXV. 19. Zeph. III. 17. And cannot but procure some suitable reciprocal love to him, Ezra IX. 13, 14. 2 Cor. V. 14.

Song of Solomon 7:7

Palme-tree] The Embleme and symbol of constancie, and fruitfulnesse, patience, and victory, Psalme XCII. 12, 13. Apoc. VII. 9, 10.

Song of Solomon 7:8

go up to the Palme-tree] He will familiarly dwell with his Church; and with the boughs and branches thereof; purging and pruning them, and making them fruitful.

and the smell of thy nose] Or nostrils; the breath that thence proceedeth, shall be sweet, odoriferous, and grateful: to those at least that have their inward senses habitualy and spiritualy exercised.

Song of Solomon 7:9

causing the lips] Hyperbolicaly, but excellently expressing the vertue and efficacie, the power and vigour of the Word and Gospel, preached under the similitude of the best wine, and the operation of it. They that have tasted of the power of the good Word of God, and of the world to come, cannot forbear to declare and speak of it to ll the world, Acts IV. 20. and II. 4, 11, 14.

Song of Solomon 7:10

I am my Beloveds The Churches renewed speech and profession, upon Christs so great commendations of her, and affections towards her, notwithstanding her former faylings and imperfections. She growes up to this confident assurance.

Song of Solomon 7:11

Come] She is emboldened hereupon to these Petitions following; that he will accompany her to visit the particular Churches, that his spirit and care may joyne together, to prosper hers, for the good of all the Churches. She will not now go any way, ot do any thing without him and his companie. She had lately felt the sorrow and smart of his absence from her, of her being without him, and his presence. She is minded now, as Bark was, Judg. IV. 8.

Song of Solomon 7:12

my loves] The fruition of my graces, the fruits of my faith, hope, love, good works, thanksgivings, &c. She will detaine nothing that is hers from the love and service of Christ, but resigne all unto him, who is worthy alone to enjoy all.

Song of Solomon 7:13

The mandrakes] See the Annotations on Gen. XXX. 14.

at our gates, &c.] This may seeme to allude to the order of strawing the wedding-house doores with sweet smelling flowers: or of laying up of fruits in gate-houses and garners.

for thee] All for Christ. He gives all to them, all his offices and efficacies; all his merits and graces; what he did, and suffered, was for them: and they returne all to him, all that they are, and have all that they do and suffer, all their good works and services, as fruits of his owne Graces in them, they ascribe and devote unto him, Psal. CXV. 1. that he may be Ali in All.

In this last Chapter, the Church proceeds to her dearest wishes for and after Christ, How she faine would have him, and use him; in the three first verses. And in the next verse, she againe chargeth others not to disturbe or displease him.