1:6 Look not upon me, because I [am] {i} black, because the {k} sun hath looked upon me: {l} my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; [but] my own vineyard have I not {m} kept.(i) Consider not the Church by the outward appearance.(k) The corruption of nature through sin and afflictions.(l) My own brethren who should have most favoured me.(m) She confesses her own negligence. read more
For the following we are indebted to “An Exposition and Vindication of Solomon’s Song” by James Strong, S. T. D., who combines the literal and allegorical modes of interpretation the idea that the poem celebrates the royal marriage, and is also symbolic of the relation of Jehovah and His people in both dispensations. The details apply to the former, while the spiritual conceptions are foreshadowed in the latter. Hebrew wedding festivities usually lasted a week, the marriage being consummated at... read more
The Song of Songs Song of Song of Solomon 1:0 "The Song of Songs" means the supreme song, the very best song of the kind ever known or ever sung. We have the expression "King of kings," "Lord of lords," indicating supremacy; supremacy, if it be possible, of a superlative kind; an undisputed and eternal primacy. The Hebrew delights in this kind of expression, multiplication of words, even to redundance of assurance. This is, therefore, not only a song, it is the Song of songs, the music of... read more
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. If, as some have thought, the Gentile Church is here particularly referred to, who being converted from heathenism and idolatry, to the knowledge and enjoyment of the covenant God in Christ, may be said to have been gathered from a dark estate, there will be an uncommon degree of beauty in the... read more
Liest. Hebrew, "makest thy flock to rest." (Protestants) (Haydock) --- Mid-day. She represents herself and her beloved as guarding flocks, which were usually driven into some shady place during the heat of the day, when the shepherds took their innocent recreations. --- Wander. (Septuagint; Protestants) But marginal note has, "as one that is veiled," which was the mark of a common woman, Genesis xxxviii. 14. The Gentile Church is eager to be guided by the one true Shepherd, and adheres to him... read more
2-6 The church, or rather the believer, speaks here in the character of the spouse of the King, the Messiah. The kisses of his mouth mean those assurances of pardon with which believers are favoured, filling them with peace and joy in believing, and causing them to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost. Gracious souls take most pleasure in loving Christ, and being loved of him. Christ's love is more valuable and desirable than the best this world can give. The name of Christ is not now... read more
The Song of Solomon Chapter 1. The Church's Longing for Christ. v. 1. The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's. This superscription clearly names Solomon as the author of the prophetic poem contained in this book, and the many references throughout the book fully substantiate his authorship. v. 2. Let Him kiss me with the kisses, with one of the kisses, of His mouth; for Thy love is better than wine, that is, sweeter and more pleasant in every way. v. 3. Because of the savor of Thy good... read more
I. 1 THE SONG OF SONGS, WHICH IS BY SOLOMONFIRST SONGThe first time the lovers were together at the royal palace (in or near) Jerusalem(Song of Solomon 1:2 to Song of Solomon 2:7)FIRST SCENE:Shulamith and the Daughters of Jeruzsalem(Song of Solomon 1:2-8)Shulamith2 1Let him kiss me with kisses2 of his mouth,3for better is thy love than wine!3 In fragrance thine unguents are good;45an unguent6 poured forth is thy name,7therefore virgins love thee.Shulamith and the Daughters of Jerusalem (in... read more
No Book has been provocative of more controversy than this. The question at issue is as to its place and value in Holy Scripture. While there are different varieties of each, the interpretations may be divided into two main classes, the material and the mystical. Without staying to deal with the many interpretations of either kind, may it not be true that the gravest mistake has been to imagine that either method in itself exhausts the meaning? On the extreme left are those who declare it to... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Song of Solomon 1:1-17
Annotations SONG OF SONGS In studying this Love Song the primary application to the remnant of Israel must not be lost sight of. It is to be kept in mind that we are on Jewish ground and that the perfect assurance of that perfect love, which we know as members of His body, is lacking. The deeper spiritual applications which the individual believer may make in heart communion with the Lord, must be left to each person. In a certain sense we are here in the “Holiest” of all, for love-communion... read more