1:2 Let {a} him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love [is] better than wine.(a) This is spoken in the person of the Church, or of the faithful soul inflamed with the desire of Christ, whom she loves. 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
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Thus the song, opens: and there can be no hesitation to discover the singer, namely, the Church. It is she which begins it. But Reader! do not imagine, that because the Church opens this Song, that thereby is meant to intimate love begins first in the human breast. No! thou blessed Jesus! thy love is first in the field; and if we do love thee, it is because thou hast first loved us. 1 John 4:19 . Hadst thou not... read more
Ointments. The bosom used to be perfumed. (Atheneus xv. 5., and xv. 14.) --- Thy name. Thou thyself. The preaching of the gospel produced a wonderful change in the world, 2 Corinthians ii. 15. (Calmet) --- The Church honours the name of Jesus on the second Sunday after the Epiphany. (A. Butler, p. 130.) (Haydock) --- Thee. The martyrs and Christian virgins are inflamed with divine love. 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