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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Song of Solomon 1:2-6

The spouse, in this dramatic poem, is here first introduced addressing herself to the bridegroom and then to the daughters of Jerusalem. I. To the bridegroom, not giving him any name or title, but beginning abruptly: Let him kiss me; like Mary Magdalen to the supposed gardener (John 20:15), If thou have borne him hence, meaning Christ, but not naming him. The heart has been before taken up with the thoughts of him, and to this relative those thoughts were the antecedent, that good matter which... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Song of Solomon 1:7-11

Here is, I. The humble petition which the spouse presents to her beloved, the shepherdess to the shepherd, the church and every believer to Christ, for a more free and intimate communion with him. She turns from the daughters of Jerusalem, to whom she had complained both of her sins and of her troubles, and looks up to heaven for relief and succour against both, Song 1:7. Here observe, 1. The title she gives to Christ: O thou whom my soul loveth. Note, It is the undoubted character of all true... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 1:6

Look not upon me ,.... Meaning not with scorn and disdain because of her meanness; nor as prying into her infirmities to expose her; nor with joy at her trials and afflictions; neither of these can be supposed in the daughters of Jerusalem addressed by her: but rather, not look on her as amazed at her sufferings, as though some strange thing had befallen her; not at her blackness only, on one account or another, lest they should be stumbled; but at her beauty also; because I am black ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 1:7

Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth ,.... With all her heart, cordially and sincerely; for, notwithstanding her sinful compliance with others, and neglect of her own affairs, she had not lost her love to Christ; and, being sensible of her sin and folly, whereby she was deprived of his company, and communion with him, applies to him to guide, direct, and restore her wandering soul; and particularly inform her where , says she, thou feedest ; that is his flock, like a shepherd: for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 1:8

If thou know not ,.... Or, "seeing thou knowest not" F13 אם "quandoquidem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. ; the saints in this imperfect state know but in part, are ignorant of many things, and in some measure of themselves; for though they know much of the sinfulness and deceitfulness of their hearts, yet they know not all; and of their imperfection and weakness, yet not the whole of it; and some render the words, "if thou know not to thee", or, "for thyself", as Ainsworth; or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 1:9

I have compared thee, O my love ,.... The church having taken the direction of Christ, had now found him, and was with him; and when for her encouragement and comfort he greets her as his love, an appellation very usual among lovers; and in the chastest sense between husband and wife; the church was Christ's love, being both the object and subject of it; to whom he had showed love, and whose love was shed abroad in her heart; or "my friend" F20 רעיתי "amica mea", Pagninus, Montanus,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 1:6

Because the sun hath looked upon me - The bride gives here certain reasons why she was dark complexioned. "The sun hath looked upon me." I am sunburnt, tanned by the sun; being obliged, perhaps, through some domestic jealously or uneasiness, to keep much without: "My mother's children were angry; they made me keeper of the vineyards." Here the brown complexion of the Egyptians is attributed to the influence of the sun or climate. My mother's children were angry with me - Acted severely.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 1:7

Tell me - where thou feedest - This is spoken as if the parties were shepherds, or employed in the pastoral life. But how this would apply either to Solomon, or the princes of Egypt, is not easy to ascertain. Probably in the marriage festival there was something like our masks, in which persons of quality assumed rural characters and their employments. See that fine one composed by Milton, called Comus. To rest at noon - In hot countries the shepherds and their flocks are obliged to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 1:8

If thou know not - This appears to be the reply of the virgins. They know not exactly; and therefore direct the bride to the shepherds, who would give information. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 1:9

I have compared thee - to a company of horses - This may be translated, more literally, "I have compared thee, to my mare, in the chariots or courses of Pharaoh;" and so the versions understood it. Mares, in preference to horses, were used both for riding and for chariots in the East. They are much swifter, endure more hardship. and will go longer without food, than either the stallion or the gelding. There is perhaps no brute creature in the world so beautiful as a fine well-bred horse or... read more

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