Like to a palm tree - Which is remarkably straight, taper, and elegant. And thy breasts to clusters of grapes - Dates are the fruit of the palm tree; they grow in clusters; and it is these, not grapes, which are intended. read more
I will go up to the palm tree - I will take hold on the boughs of this tree, and climb up by them, in order to gather the clusters of dates at the top. The rubric here in the old MS. interprets this of the cross of Christ. read more
The roof of thy mouth like the best wine - The voice or conversation of the spouse is most probably what is meant. Causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak - As good wine has a tendency to cause the most backward to speak fluently when taken in moderation; so a sight of thee, and hearing the charms of thy conversation, is sufficient to excite the most taciturn to speak, and even to become eloquent in thy praises. read more
I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me - It is worthy of remark that the word which we translate his desire is the very same used Genesis 3:16 ; : Thy desire, thy ruling appetite, תשוקתך teshukathech , shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. This was a part of the woman's curse. Now here it seems to be reversed; for the bride says, I am my beloved's, and his desire or ruling appetite and affection, תשוקתו teshukatho , is עלי ali , Upon Me. The old MS.... read more
Let us go forth into the field - It has been conjectured that the bridegroom arose early every morning, and left the bride's apartment, and withdrew to the country; often leaving her asleep, and commanding her companions not to disturb her till she should awake of herself. Here the bride wishes to accompany her spouse to the country, and spend a night at his country house. read more
Let us get up early to the vineyards - When in the country, we shall have the better opportunity to contemplate the progress of the spring vegetation; and there she promises to be peculiarly affectionate to him. read more
The mandrakes give a smell - See the note on Genesis 30:14 , where the mandrake is particularly described; from which this passage will receive considerable light. The reader is requested to consult it. All manner of pleasant fruits - Fruits new and old; flowers and herbs of every kind which the season could yield. The literal sense, allowing for the concealing metaphors, is, I believe, of a widely different nature from what is generally given. But this must be left to the reader's... read more
The fairness of love. The commendations of the bride's beauty, which occur in the early verses of this chapter, lead up to the exclamation—so much in harmony with the whole spirit of the Canticles—concerning the fairness, the pleasantness, the delightsomeness, of true love. I. THE BEAUTY AND GOOD SERVICE OF LOVE , AS A SENTIMENT IN THE HUMAN HEART AND AS A BOND IN HUMAN SOCIETY . As distinguished from mere carnal passion, that conjugal love which... read more
( Song of the bridegroom rejoicing over the bride. ) How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. I said, I will climb up into the palm tree, I will take hold of the branches thereof: let thy breasts be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy breath like apples; and thy mouth like the best wine, that goeth down smoothly for my beloved, gliding through the lips of them that are asleep. The... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 7:6
How fair and how pleasant - Thou art every way beautiful, and in every respect calculated to inspire pleasure and delight. read more