Bible Commentaries
Song of Solomon 7

Introduction

A.M. 2990. B.C. 1014.

A further description of the church’s graces, Song of Solomon 7:1-7 . His design to visit the church, with the blessed effect thereof, Song of Solomon 7:8 , Song of Solomon 7:9 . She professes her faith and desire, Song of Solomon 7:10 . She invites him to communion with her, Song of Solomon 7:11 . The end thereof, Song of Solomon 7:12 , Song of Solomon 7:13 .

Verse 1

Song of Solomon 7:1. How beautiful are thy feet, &c. The bridegroom, who spake the last words, here continues his speech, and breaks forth into a particular description and commendation of the spouse, partly from the parts of her body, and partly from her ornaments. With respect to which the same thing is to be observed which was remarked concerning her description of the bridegroom, namely, that there is no necessity of a distinct application of every particular article of it, the design being only this, to describe the beauty and glory of the church, under the representation of a beautiful and noble woman. This also is observable, that in the description of Christ, she begins at the head, and so goeth downward, (Song of Solomon 5:11, &c.,) but Christ, in the description of the spouse, proceeds from the feet upward. With shoes Shoes were anciently evidences of a free and comfortable state, whereas slaves and mourners used to go barefoot.

Verse 4

Song of Solomon 7:4. Thine eyes like the fish-pools Full, and clear, and quiet, and pleasant; in Heshbon A pleasant and well-watered city beyond Jordan; as the tower of Lebanon Which was, in all probability, built by Solomon in the mountain of Lebanon, the northern border of the land of Israel; and therefore a very fit place for a watch-tower; which looketh toward Damascus There was another tower or building, in or near Jerusalem, which was called the house of the forest of Lebanon, 1 Kings 7:2.

Verses 5-6

Song of Solomon 7:5-6. Thy head is like Carmel Eminent and pleasant to the eye, and fruitful as mount Carmel was: which may denote that her mind was replenished with knowledge, and other excellent gifts of the Holy Ghost. The hair of thy head like purple Which colour was anciently much esteemed. The king is held in the galleries In which he walks, and, having once espied thee, is unable to take off his eyes from thee. How fair, &c ., for delights For those various and lovely features which are in thee.

Verses 7-8

Song of Solomon 7:7-8 . Thy stature is like to a palm-tree Tall and straight, or upright. And he seems to mention the palm-tree rather than any other, because it is constantly green and flourishing, and grows upward in spite of all pressures. I said Within myself, I resolved; I will go up to the palm tree Climb up, that so I may take hold of the boughs, which do not grow out of the sides, as in other trees, but only at the top of it. I will take hold, &c. Partly to prune and dress them, and partly to gather the fruit. The smell, &c. Of thy breath; which is often called the breath of a man’s nostrils.

Verse 9

Song of Solomon 7:9. The roof of thy mouth Thy speech, the palate being one of the principal instruments of speech; like the best wine Grateful and refreshing; for my beloved Who reapest the comfort and benefit of that pleasure which I take in thee. Causing the lips, &c., to speak The most dull, and stupid, and sleepy persons to speak.

Verses 10-11

Song of Solomon 7:10-11. I am my beloved’s This and the following verses contain the words of the bride, in answer to the bridegroom’s endearing expressions delivered in the foregoing verses. Let us go forth into the field That, being retired from the crowd, we may more freely and sweetly converse together.

Verse 12

Song of Solomon 7:12. Let us get up early The church having lost her beloved, by her former laziness, now doubles her diligence; to the vineyards To particular congregations. Let us see if the vines, &c. Let us inquire into the success of our labours, what souls are brought in and built up, and how they prosper and grow in grace. There will I give thee my loves There I will discover the fervency of my affections to thee, and maintain communion with thee in thy holy ordinances.

Verse 13

Song of Solomon 7:13. The mandrakes This Hebrew word is used Genesis 30:14-15, and the signification of it is very much doubted and disputed by interpreters. The word here signifies sweet and pleasant flowers, and therefore if it be understood of mandrakes, they were of another sort than ours, as flowers of the same kind, in several climates, have very different natures and qualities. At our gates Brought thither by divers persons to congratulate our nuptials. New and old fruits Fruits of this year and of the former; which seems to be meant of the various fruits and operations of the Spirit, and degrees of grace in several believers.