Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Introduction

Contrast with the bride's state by nature (Isa 1:6) her state by grace (Sol 4:1-7), "perfect through His comeliness put upon her" (Eze 16:14; Joh 15:3). The praise of Jesus Christ, unlike that of the world, hurts not, but edifies; as His, not ours, is the glory (Joh 5:44; Rev 4:10-11). Seven features of beauty are specified (Sol 4:1-5) ("lips" and "speech" are but one feature, Sol 4:3), the number for perfection. To each of these is attached a comparison from nature: the resemblances consist not so much in outward likeness, as in the combined sensations of delight produced by contemplating these natural objects. doves'--the large melting eye of the Syrian dove appears especially beautiful amid the foliage of its native groves: so the bride's "eyes within her locks" (Luk 7:44). MAURER for "locks," has "veil"; but locks suit the connection better: so the Hebrew is translated (Isa 47:2). The dove was the only bird counted "clean" for sacrifice. Once the heart was "the cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Grace makes the change. eyes-- (Mat 6:22; Eph 1:18; contrast Mat 5:28; Eph 4:18; Jo1 2:16). Chaste and guileless ("harmless," Mat 10:16, Margin; Joh 1:47). John the Baptist, historically, was the "turtledove" (Sol 2:12), with eye directed to the coming Bridegroom: his Nazarite unshorn hair answers to "locks" (Joh 1:29, Joh 1:36). hair . . . goats--The hair of goats in the East is fine like silk. As long hair is her glory, and marks her subjection to man (Co1 11:6-15), so the Nazarite's hair marked his subjection and separation unto God. (Compare Jdg 16:17, with Co2 6:17; Tit 2:14; Pe1 2:9). Jesus Christ cares for the minutest concerns of His saints (Mat 10:30). appear from--literally, "that lie down from"; lying along the hillside, they seem to hang from it: a picture of the bride's hanging tresses. Gilead--beyond Jordan: there stood "the heap of witness" (Gen 31:48).