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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Song of Solomon 8:8-12

A brief dialogue commencing with a question and answer probably made by brothers of the bride concerning a younger sister who will soon be old enough to be asked in marriage. The answer is given in the form of a parable: “If she be a wall,” i. e., stedfast in chastity and virtue, one on whom no light advances can be made, then let us honor and reward her. This fortress-wall shall be crowned as it were with a tower or battlement of silver. But “if she be a door,” light-minded and accessible to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Song of Solomon 8:8

Song of Solomon 8:8. We have a little sister These are still the words of the bride. The present church, which was that of the Jews, speaks of another future church, which was to consist of the Gentiles, which she calls little, because she was the younger sister, and then, as a church, scarce had a being. And she calls her her sister, partly because she was such in the foreknowledge and purpose of God, their common Father, though, at present, in a great measure, a stranger to him; and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Song of Solomon 8:9

Song of Solomon 8:9. If she be a wall, &c. This and the following verse are certainly very obscure, and it is, perhaps, impossible to ascertain the precise signification of each of the terms or clauses used in them. The general meaning, however, of this verse is thought to be, that Christ engages himself to provide for her, in a way which should best suit with her condition. If the Gentiles, when they are converted, shall be like a wall, strong and firm in faith; we my Father and I,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:5-14

At home with family and friends (8:5-14)The final poem sees the lovers walking along the road on their way home (5a). As they approach the house, the girl is reminded that the place where they fell in love was the garden of the home where her lover was born (5b). She then praises the power of love that binds her to him. True love demands total possession of each by the other. It is indestructible and beyond value (6-7).The girl recalls the words of her older brothers when she was only in her... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Song of Solomon 8:8

We have. One of the brothers now speaks. We have a little sister = Our sister is still young. she hath no breasts. The idiom for not yet marriageable. This is what the brothers had once said in earlier days. The reference here is "not obscure" when we note who the speakers are, and when they said this. spoken for. i.e. demanded [in marriage]. Compare 1 Samuel 13:9 ; 1 Samuel 25:39 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Song of Solomon 8:8

THE SONG OF THE LITTLE SISTER"We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts;What shall we do for our sisterIn the day when she shall be spoken for?If she be a wall,We will build upon her a turret of silver,And if she be a door,We will enclose her with boards of cedar.I am a wall, and my breasts like the towers thereofThen was I in his eyes as one that found peace."The paragraphing we have followed here is that of the Revised Standard Version. It is not clear who the "little sister" may be.... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Song of Solomon 8:9

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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Song of Solomon 8:8

8. The Gentile Church ( :-). "We," that is, the Hebrew Church, which heretofore admitted Gentiles to communion, only by becoming Judaic proselytes. Now first idolatrous Gentiles are admitted directly ( :-). Generally, the saint's anxiety for other souls (Mark 5:19; John 4:28; John 4:29). no breasts—neither faith nor love as yet (see on John 4:29- :), which "come by hearing" of Him who first loved us. Not yet fit to be His bride, and mother of a spiritual offspring. what shall we do—the chief... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Song of Solomon 8:9

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

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