Song of Solomon 8:9. If she be a wall, &c.— If she be a wall, we will build upon her two silver towers. The meaning of the passage is, "We will take care of her in proportion as she is capable of receiving or profiting by our bounty, like as men are accustomed to build upon good foundations." The orientals delight thus to express themselves by parables or comparisons. read more
9. wall . . . door—the very terms employed as to the Gentile question (Acts 14:27; Ephesians 2:14). If she be a wall in Zion, founded on Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:14- :), we will not "withstand God" (Acts 11:17; Acts 15:8-11). But if so, we must not "build" (Acts 11:17- :) on her "wood, hay, stubble" (Acts 11:17- :), that is, Jewish rites, c., but "a palace of silver," that is, all the highest privileges of church communion (Galatians 2:11-18 Ephesians 2:11-22). Image from the splendid turrets... read more
Memories. The Close5. The chorus enquire who this happy bride may be. And the bridegroom points her to the apple-tree where he had once found her asleep, and to the spot where she was born. These are lovers’ reminiscences, sweet to them, trivial to others.6, 7. Her passionate clinging to him, and her assertion of the irresistibleness, the indestructibleness, the unselfishness of genuine love.6. She would fain be as inseparable from him as the seal-cylinder, which men wore on a cord round the... read more
(9) If she be a wall.—The wall and door are emblems of chastity and its opposite. The palace of silver some commentators explain by reference to the custom (among the Druses) of wearing an ornament like a horn on the head. But this is unlikely. The metaphors of the wall and door are naturally expanded. If the maiden grows up virtuous and inaccessible to seduction we will build upon her a palace of silver, i.e., we will so provide for her in marriage that from her may spring an illustrious... read more
The First and Greatest Commandment Song of Solomon 8:3 I. See how every power of the mind is embraced by, and concerned in, this love: how the head and the heart, knowledge and feeling, the understanding and the will, are all swallowed up by it. And yet, the very text tells us which is of more value in the Lord's sight. Just as the Seraphim, that are on fire with love, hold a more exalted estate than the Cherubim, that are perfect in knowledge so here 'His left hand should be under my head,... read more
MYSTICAL INTERPRETATIONSTHUS far we have been considering the bare, literal sense of the text. It cannot be denied that, if only to lead up to the metaphorical significance of the words employed, those words must be approached through their primary physical meanings. This is essential even to the understanding of pure allegory such as that of "The Faerie Queene" and "The Pilgrim’s Progress"; we must understand the adventures of the Red Cross Knight and the course of Christian’s journey before... read more
CHAPTER 8 The last chapter of the Song is a review of the whole. There is unquestionably a recapitulation of the entire book. The bride’s desires are once more given to be loved and caressed by Him. For the last time we have the charge to the daughters of Jerusalem and once more the coming is announced. “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness leaning upon her Beloved?” She returns with Him. The Beloved is mentioned seven times in the book. There is the voice of the Beloved (Song of... read more
8:9 {f} If she [is] a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she [is] a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.(f) If she is sure and fast, she is fit for her husband to dwell in. read more
Acts 4:0 , SCENE 1 This subsection corresponds to the afternoon of the fourth day, and carries us through chapter 6. The occasion looks like a formal visit of the bridegroom, with his courtiers, to the bride and her maids of honor. The place is a room in her future palace. Solomon begins his praises (Song of Solomon 6:4-12 ), when the bride rises to retire, but the courtiers beg her to remain (Song of Solomon 6:13 ). The ladies inquire, “What will ye see in the Shulamite?” or “Why do ye desire... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Song of Solomon 8:9
If she be a wall. Spoken by another brother: i.e. like a wall that keeps out all intruders. palace = turret, or battlement. a door: i.e. accessible to any one. boards = planks, or panels. read more