THE
SONG OF SOLOMON

1 Or, The High Song. Hebr. The Song of songs, that is, a very fair and exceeding, excellent song. See the annotation at Gen. 9 on verse 25.

2 Other, which concerns Solomon. Understanding by Solomon Jesus Christ, of Whom Solomon was a type in his royal dignity and glory, as also in wisdom and in the instruction of the people.

3 Namely, my Bridegroom Jesus Christ. They are the words of the bride, that is, of the church of Jesus Christ.

4 That is, let Him show or manifest His love unto me. Other, Oh, that my bridegroom would kiss me! To kiss one another is at all times held to be a token of love, friendship and courtesy; in token whereof men were also used to kiss one another, Exod. 4:27; 18:7; Rom. 16:16; 1 Thes. 5:26. Christ kisses His bride, that is, His church or chosen ones, when He manifests unto them and causes them to feel that great and wonderful love which He bears unto them. We kiss Christ, when we, with an upright faith, hearty love and childlike fear and reverence, acknowledge Him to be our Lord and Savior, and do entirely submit ourselves unto Him, and obey Him, Psalm 2:12.

5 In the plural, whereby is expressed the riches of the manifold graces and mercies which Christ shows to His elect, Eph. 1:7, 8, 9, etc.

6 Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals unto believers the love which He bears unto them by His Word. Therefore it is said in Psalm 45:2 that His lips are very pleasant or gracious. See Cant. 5:13, 16; Isa. 50:4. Peter says likewise: Lord, …, thou hast the words of eternal life.

7 That is, kindness, loveliness. Hebr. loves. Now the bride, that is, the church of God, speaks here unto Christ, her Bridegroom. Understand here by the word loves the transcendent love and affection, together with the benefits and favors which Christ shows unto His elect.

a Cant. 4:10.

8 By the word wine one has to understand here all earthly comforts and delights. Compare Judges 9:13; Psalm 104:15.

9 Understand sweet smelling oils, precious ointments or balms. Spiritual gifts are often compared hereunto, as Psalm 45:7; Isa. 61:1; 1 John 2:27.

10 Understand the Name, Person and the soul-saving office of Christ, such as are revealed unto us in the Gospel.

11 Solomon seems to have respect here at the Name Messiah, that is, Christ, Anointed, Who was anointed with the Holy Ghost, not only for Himself, but this holy balm has issued forth from Him, Who is our Head, upon us His members. See Psalm 133:2; John 1:16. This Name, after Christ’s ascension into heaven, is spread far abroad, for, all Christians have their name from Christ.

12 That is (as is stated in verse 4), the upright love Thee. The elect are more than once compared in Scripture to virgins, as in Mat. 25:1; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 14:1, 4, 5, and that in this respect, because the children of God must closely watch their conscience that they are not defiled with sin and the world, as an honest virgin must look to her honor and chastity.

13 That is, incline mine heart and mind that it may adhere unto Thee by faith and love. For, this drawing is not done with outward force and strength, but by the word of preaching outwardly and by the powerful working of the Spirit of Christ inwardly, whereby the understanding of the children of God is so enlightened and our will so reformed and amended, that we willingly and joyfully follow, yea, run after our blessed Lord and Bridegroom Jesus Christ. See Isa. 40:31; Jer. 31:3; John 6:44, 45; 12:32; Philip. 2:13; Heb. 12:1, 2.

14 Understand hereby the King Christ, the King of righteousness and of peace, Heb. 7:2, of Whom Melchizedek and Solomon were types.

15 By these chambers are meant the mysteries of the Kingdom of Christ, which in the Old Testament were covered under the shadows of the ceremonies of the law; but now we behold in the New Testament the clarity of the Lord as in a mirror, 2 Cor. 3:18. See also Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:9, 10, 16; 2 Cor. 1:20; Heb. 8:10, 11. Or, understand by the chambers the Kingdom of heaven, in which are many mansions, John 14:2, which we already possess and enjoy by faith, Eph. 2:6.

16 Namely, I and my maidens or companions, that is, all believers. She wants to say: The more we increase in the knowledge of Thee and in the taste of Thy grace and mercy, the more we shall be confirmed and strengthened in spiritual joy.

b 1 Peter 1:8.

17 O King, and in thee, that is, because of Thee.

18 That is, we shall extol and proclaim the grace of Christ, Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9. See also Psalm 45:17; 71:16; Isa. 12:3, 4; 63:7.

19 She wants to say: Lord, we shall magnify and praise Thy grace and favor with more joy and delight than worldlings take in earthly things. For, the peace of God passes all understanding. See Psalm 4:7.

20 Hebr. the rightnesses or uprightnesses, that is, those who are endued with uprightness, who in verse 3 are called virgins, namely those, in whom there is found no guile, Psalm 32:2; John 1:47.

21 Understand here by the blackness the outward deformity of the state of the church, occasioned both by tyrannies and persecutions, also by reason of the heresies, schisms and offences that do befall the same. See Psalm 119:83; Lam. 4:8; 5:10.

22 The church of Christ is lovely, because she is cleansed and purified by the blood and the Spirit of Christ, 1 Cor. 6:11, so that in that respect she shines and is fair as the doves, Psalm 68:13. See likewise Psalm 45:13, 14, etc.

23 That is, ye faithful children of God. Jerusalem that is above, is the mother of us all, Gal. 4:26. Thus are also particular churches and Christians called here daughters of Jerusalem and virgins, 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 14:4. In Psalm 45:12, 13 the church is called the king’s daughter. Such are here comforted and strengthened against the scandals of the cross, and the infirmities which do accompany the cross in this world.

24 Understand here by the tents of Kedar the posterity of Kedar, the second son of Ishmael, Gen. 25:13, who dwelt in tents, having no settled habitation or dwelling place, but they wandered to and fro throughout Arabia, from one place to the other. See the annotations at Psalm 120 on verse 5, and 6. The children of God are likewise, according to the world and outward appearance, neither beautiful nor comely; they likewise have no abiding city here, but look for the heavenly Jerusalem.

25 As if she said: I am truly as the tents of Kedar, but likewise as beautiful as the curtains of Solomon (of which beauty see Josephus, Antiq. lib. 8, cap. 2); for, the children of God are inwardly beautified and adorned with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, as are, godliness, the love of God and of our neighbor. Other, as the pavilions of Solomon, which outwardly (by reason of rain, wind and the scorching of the sun) were not very beautiful, but inwardly were exceeding fair and beautiful.

26 The meaning is: Do not look upon my outward baseness or deformity, and despise me not for it, but look upon my inward beauty.

27 Or, because the sun hath shined upon me. Hebr. the sun hath looked upon me. Understand here by the sun (which makes them black upon whom it shines) persecutions and afflictions, as Mat. 13:6, 21.

28 Here is mention made of false brethren, as Psalm 69:8; Isa. 48:1, 2; Acts 20:30, who indeed boast that the church is their mother, but in vain, seeing they have not God for their Father. See Deut. 32:5; John 8:44.

29 Namely, kindled with anger, that is, they grieved and vexed me. The enmity and persecution of false brethren is (2 Cor. 11:26) counted among the most grievous afflictions and crosses which befall Christians. See Gal. 2:4.

30 By vineyards are sometimes meant in Scripture the assemblies of people, as well of the good as of the evil ones. Of the first, namely, of the assembly of good men, see Psalm 80; Isa. 5:1, 7; Matthew 20. Of the second, namely, of the assembly of evil or wicked men, see examples in Deut. 32:32; Rev. 14:18. Some do understand here by the vineyards the falsified churches in general, and hypocritical members in particular, whereunto her mother’s sons or children sought to bring her, willing that she should give heed to the traditions and commandments of men. See Mark 7:13; Acts 15:1, 10; Gal. 6:12, 13; Col. 2:20, 21, 22, 23. However, the church complains here that she is oftentimes so far overpowered by false brethren that her own rulers and overseers do rather defend and protect the goats than the true sheep, the heretics and schismatics rather than the orthodox; from which nothing but great calamity and destruction of the church can arise.

31 That is, I have not minded it as I ought to have done, being hindered and kept back, either by reason of mine own infirmity or by reason of tyranny and persecution. Others take these words thus: as if the bride (or teachers of the primitive church) would say: I was appointed to have the oversight of other churches; I have left the primitive church which I had planted, and other churches have been planted by me throughout the entire world. The primitive church, which was planted at Jerusalem, I could not keep there, nor tarry with it, by reason of the persecution by the Jews and other tyrants.

32 Or, Make me acquainted. Here the bride speaks again unto her Bridegroom, and she requests of Him the spirit of discernment that she may not be deceived or seduced by false teachers. For, there shall come false prophets, who shall say: Here is Christ, there is Christ, Mark 13:21. And sometimes God hides His face, Deut. 32:20, and says in Zech. 11:9: I will not feed you.

c Deut. 12:5.

d Cant. 3:1, 2, 3.

33Christ is the Supreme or Chief Shepherd of the sheep, Psalm 23:1, Who is promised in Ezek. 34:23, 24. The prophets, apostles and all true teachers are His ambassadors or messengers, whom He sends forth to feed in His Name His sheep in the pastures of life, John 21:15, 16, 17. The church inquires here most earnestly where she may find rest and pasture at noon, that is, in the hottest time of persecution, of heresies and schisms, when the sheep are ready to faint by reason of the heat of the cross. Compare Isa. 49:10; John 16:33.

34 That is, why shouldest Thou suffer me to be as a woman who is covered by reason of grief and heaviness, when I wander up and down in a sad and sorrowful way, for not being able to find Thee? The covering of the face is a sign, either of grief or of shame. Therefore the bride here desires to know where her Bridegroom feeds His sheep, that she might forthwith join herself unto them or unto Him, so that, wandering up and down, she would not be despised or be gone astray. Other, as one that turneth aside to the flocks of thy companions? As if she said: If I would do this (through want of Thy gracious presence), I might come to be deceived, because there are many who bear the name of Thy companions, ministers or friends Mat. 24:5, 24; 2 Peter 2:1, 2), whereas indeed they are Thine enemies and diverters from Christ, 2 Cor. 11:3. This happened to the Galatians, Gal. 1:6, 7. All those who have not their abode in the inheritance of the Lord, they are in danger of lapsing into the worship and service of other gods. See 1 Sam. 26:19.

35 Other, Seeing thou knewest it not, namely, where I do feed My sheep. This is an answer of Jesus Christ to the previous question of His bride in verse 7, reproving in a friendly and loving way her ignorance in this needful and weighty matter. Other, If thou knowest it not for thee or for thyself, as if He would say: Seeing thou art ignorant of thyself, therefore I will instruct thee.

e Cant. 5:9; 6:1.

36 Hebr. thou fair among woman, that is, thou, that art fairest. Thus the angel speaks unto the blessed virgin Mary: “… blessed art thou among women”, Luke 1:28, 42, that is, the most ever blessed one, or, more blessed than other women. Thus the lion is said to be strong among the beasts, that is, the strongest, Prov. 30:30. See the annotation there. The church of God is called the fairest, because by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ she is washed and cleansed from all her sins, Eph. 5:26, 27, and endued with all manner of excellent spiritual virtues, although by nature she is in her own self deformed and contemptible, Ezek. 16:3, 4. See in this chapter verses 5, 15, 16.

37 As if He said: Give heed to the examples of the holy patriarchs and others of Mine elect who are graced with honorable testimonies in Holy Scriptures, Hebrews 11. Imitate their faith and their works. Follow them who, from the beginning of the world, have known and followed Me, considering the issue of their walking and conversation, Heb. 11:1, 2, etc.; 12:2; 13:7. See also Jer. 6:16; 1 Cor. 11:1.

38 Understand here by the flock and kids those Christians, who join themselves to the church of God, John 21:15, 16; 1 Peter 2:25. The Bridegroom will have that the bride, that is, the church, shall receive them and shall take care of them, that they be fed and nourished with spiritual food.

39 That is, bring thy flocks into the pasture and fold, which the prophets and apostles have followed and shown, and which they have left to the church in their writings. See Psalm 77:20; 78:70, 71, 72; 2 Peter 1:19; 3:2.

f Cant. 2:2, 10, 13; 4:1, 7; 5:2; 6:4; John 15:14, 15.

40 In different places of Holy Scriptures there is mention made of the goodly horses and the strength of the chariots of Egypt, as Exod. 14:17; 2 Chron. 9:28; Isa. 31:1; Ezek. 17:15. The church of Christ is compared unto these, both in respect of her beauty, and also in respect of her strength and power, which she has received from Christ to vanquish and subdue her enemies, 2 Cor. 10:4. Among this cavalry shines forth especially the holy prophets and apostles; wherefore Elijah is called the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof, 2 Kings 2:12, and likewise Elisha, 2 Kings 13:14; because they were able to effect more by their prayers than a great strength or power of chariots and horsemen. See Rev. 19:14, 15.

g Ezek. 16:11, 12, 13.

41 The Hebrew word for rows, which is found here and in verse 11 as borders, signifies properly turtledoves, as Leviticus 12 and elsewhere. Yet here it signifies a certain ornament belonging to women, being like unto turtledoves which are adorned about the neck in a small necklace. Thus fair are the cheeks of the bride of Christ, inasmuch as He has washed and cleansed them with His blood and adorned them with precious pearls of spiritual gifts, especially with humility and meekness, which are precious in the sight of God, 1 Peter 3:4.

42 The christian virtues are suitably compared here to strings or chains of pearl, because the fruits of regeneration are all fastened and linked together as with a string or chain, Prov. 1:9; 20:15.

43 This is spoken in the Name of the Holy Trinity, for they, who keep the commandments of Christ, are beloved of the Father and of the Son, John 14:21, 23, and the Holy Ghost shall likewise abide with them forever, John 14:16.

44 Or, knobs, or pimples, or small buttons. Understand hereby all manner of christian virtues, whereof many are recited in Gal. 5:22, 23; Col. 3:12.

45 Or, As long as, etc. Here the bride speaks again to her maidens or virgins, commending to them her Bridegroom.

46 By the king here is understood Christ, the King of all kings, as verse 4.

47 See 1 Sam. 16 on verse 11. By the table here is meant the heavenly glory, wherein Christ has entered by His suffering. See Mat. 8:11; 26:29; Luke 24:26; Rev. 3:20. Here the bride wishes to say: While Christ Jesus is in heavenly glory, compassed about by those who sit roundabout with Him at His table in His Kingdom, thus my spikenard, etc.

48Spikenard is a very precious herb, the oil whereof they were wont to pour upon princes and great men, or excellent persons, as they sat at table. See Mark 14:3, 8; John 12:3, 7. Hereunto the Holy Ghost is compared by reason of His sweet smelling gifts, which were more abundantly poured forth after Christ’s ascension than in former times, John 7:39.

49 That is, the Holy Ghost, Whom He sends unto me from the Father, comforts me in all tribulation. Others take those words in this sense as if the bride said: I diligently apply myself to the doing of good works, which may be pleasing and acceptable unto the King; the gifts, which I received of Him, I employ well; I hide them not, but let them give their smell, that is, bring forth good works which are acceptable unto God, and wherein the King takes pleasure and delight.

50 That is, the remembrance of Christ’s love, which He is manifesting unto me in and by His bitter suffering, is unto me as a sweet and pleasant nosegay or bouquet of myrrh to cheer and comfort my heart. Myrrh is a very good and pleasant spice, perfume or gum, which was in former times used to perfume the garments or apparel of princes and other ways. See the annotation at Exod. 30 on verse 23; Psalm 45:8. Being mingled with wine, it makes a very pleasant drink, to comfort and strengthen the heart, and to purge the blood, as Pliny testifies. It was also used in a mixture with other spices for the embalming of dead bodies, John 19:39. In brief, it is a noble herb, which deserves to be presented unto kings as a special gift or present. See Gen. 37:25; 43:11; Mat. 2:11. Therefore, no wonder that the love of Christ is compared unto it.

51 Hereby is intimated that the church of God will continually keep and preserve the remembrance of her Bridegroom, especially during the dark night of persecutions and tribulations, comforting and strengthening herself therewith, Eph. 3:17.

52Camphire, or, Cypres is a certain plant which brings forth a sweet smelling fruit or gum, like unto a flourishing vine branch, as Hieronymus witnesses. Some perceive that thereby is meant a natural cluster of grapes, called by the name of Cypres (in Hebrew kopher), because the grapes of Engedi had the taste of cyprus, which herb grew in abundance thereabouts. See the herbariums. However it be, thereby is understood an exceeding pleasant fruit, whereunto the Lord Christ is compared, by reason of His sweet smelling merits and soul saving gifts. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins, 1 John 1:7. He is the Propitiation for our sins, 1 John 2:2.

h henna, Egyptian privet

53 See of this city the annotation at 1 Sam. 23 on verse 29.

54 The beauty, which the church of God has, is of free grace, being obtained and purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, and by His righteousness. See Cant. 4:1.

55 The reduplication of the words serves to strengthen and encourage the church of God the more against the persecutions of her enemies.

56 That is, single and chaste. See Cant. 4:1. Hereby is signified the spiritual purity, simplicity and chastity of the church of Jesus Christ, whose eyes are only fixed on Him and look for salvation and eternal life in Him alone. See Psalm 123:1, 2; Mat. 10:16. Yet some do understand here by eyes the ministers and elders, or overseers of the church, and the instructors of those who are ignorant, who ought to have the most quick-sighted eyes in the congregation. See also Num. 10 on verse 31; Job 29:15; Psalm 32:8; Cant. 4:1.

i Cant. 4:1; 5:12.

57Christ is fair or beautiful by nature, for He is the Lamb without spot or blemish, Exodus 12, but the bride is fair or beautiful by grace, by means of the merits and satisfaction of Christ, John 1:16.

58 That is, not surly or proud. He invites us in a most friendly and loving manner, saying: Come unto me ye that are burdened and heavy laden, I will refresh you, Mat. 11:28.

59 That is, there are daily many spiritual children born in Thy church, of the immortal or incorruptible seed of Thy Word, 1 Peter 1:23. Therefore the church is called the mother of us all, Gal. 4:26.

60 The church commends her habitation or dwelling to invite and bring others to it. She calls the assembly of believers’ houses, in the plural, because there are many particular churches. By the beams is understood the doctrine of the prophets and apostles, for thereby the church is tied fast together in Christ as the Foundation, Eph. 2:20. These beams are of cedar, that is, strong and incorruptible, for the Word of God remains forever, Isa. 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25. Of the durability of cedar wood see Judges 9 on verse 15. Christ, speaking of the stability and durability of His church, says: The gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Mat. 16:18.

61 Or, walking places, or, galeries, as Gen. 30:38, 41. See the 25th annotation at Cant. 7 on verse 5.

62 This wood is very pleasant; therefore Christ is rightly compared to it. Other, of boratin, called in Latin, bruta, which is a tree similar to the fir tree, of a very pleasant smell, Plinius, Naturalis historia, lib. 12, cap. 17. The Hebrew word, used here in the text, is found nowhere in Scripture, save only here.