Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

The church glorieth in Christ.

Before CHRIST

[blocks in formation]

7 Behold his bed, which is Solo- | hair is as a flock of goats, || pear from mount Gilead.

are

about 1014. mon's; threescore valiant men about it, of the valiant of Israel. 8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

Or, a bed.

9 King Solomon made himself || a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.

10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.

II Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

[blocks in formation]

perfume was so rich, as to exceed in value and fragrancy all the powders of the merchant. Burder.

10. the midst thereof &c.] The words may be rendered, "the middle of it" (that is, the couch of the palanquin or litter) "spread with love by the daughters of Jerusalem;" that is, with needlework or loomwork, wrought by the daughters of Jerusalem in token of their love and regard to Solomon. The Jewish women were famous for these curious works. See Judges v. 30; Prov. xxxi. 22. 24. Parkhurst.

11. the crown wherewith his mother crowned him] It was usual with many nations to put crowns or garlands on the heads of new-married people. It seems from this passage, that among the Jews this ceremony was performed by one of the parents. Among the Greeks, the bride was crowned by her mother. With the Greeks and Romans, the nuptial crowns were only chaplets of leaves and flowers. With the Hebrews they were sometimes also of richer materials, as gold, silver, &c. according to the rank of the persons. Bp. Percy.

Chap. IV. ver. 1.. thy hair is as a flock of goats,] Thy hair is as fine as that of a flock of goats: it seems to be a comparison with the hair of the Eastern goats, which is of a delicate silky softness, and bears a great resemblance to the fine curls of a woman's hair. Bochart. Some of them had a fleece so fine, that it was almost as soft as silk; such as was that spun by the women for the use of the tabernacle, Exod. xxxv. 26. To this hair allusion seems here to be made in respect to its softness, as well as length and thickness. Bp. Patrick.

that appear from mount Gilead.] The sense of the whole may be, "Thy hair is like a flock of ascending goats, which is seen from mount Gilead;" and the

[blocks in formation]

Before CHRIST about 1014.

b Chap. 6.5, 6.

of, &c.

2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came | Or, that eat up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.

3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.

4 Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

5 Thy two breasts are like two c Chap. 7. 3. young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

+ Heb.

6 Until the day + break, and the d Chap. 2. 17. shadows flee away, I will get me to breathe. the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

7 e Thou art all fair, my love; e Eph. 5. 27. there is no spot in thee.

8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the

top of Shenir f and Hermon, from the f Deut. 3. 9. lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

point of comparison may chiefly turn on the head being covered with fine flowing locks, as mount Gilead was with the shaggy herd, reaching in an extended line from its foot to its summit. Michaelis.

2. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep] By this comparison are admirably expressed the evenness, whiteness, just proportions, and unbroken series of the set of teeth. Bp. Lowth.

3. Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet,] That is, thin and slender, and of a bright red colour, giving sweetness and grace to the discourse. Bp. Lowth.

thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate] Rather, Thy cheeks are like a piece of pomegranate within thy locks: expressing that her cheeks, partially shaded by her hair, looked more beautiful, like the seeds of the pomegranate (whose colour is mixed white with red) in the midst of the divided rind. Bp. Lowth.

4. Thy neck is like the tower of David] Her neck, tall and slender, erect, and moulded according to the most elegant proportions, and adorned with gold and jewels, is happily compared with a tower of well known elegance and distinction in the citadel of Zion, adorned with every variety of splendid armoury. Bp. Lowth.

6.—to the mountain of myrrh, &c.] Myrrh and frankincense were among the most valued perfumes of the East. The bridegroom therefore concludes his compliments on the bride's person, by comparing her to an entire heap of those precious essences. Bp. Percy.

8. Come with me my spouse,] Here begins a new representation, the style of the bridegroom being altered towards the bride, whom he had before called by the name of "love," but now for the first time addresses under that of "spouse." Bp. Patrick.

- from the top of Amana,] Amana was a part of

Christ sheweth his love to the church. SOLOMON'S SONG.

Before

CHRIST

He awaketh the church.

9 Thou hast || ravished my heart, | into his garden, and eat his pleasant about 1014. my sister, my spouse; thou hast ra- fruits. vished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

Or, taken away my heart.

10 How fair is thy love, my sister, g Chap. 1. 2. my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

+ Heb. barred.

11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of

Lebanon.

12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; Or, cypress. || camphire, with spikenard,

14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

16 ¶ Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come

mount Libanus; Shenir and Hermon were parts of the same ridge of mountains. Bp. Patrick. This invitation of the bridegroom is not to be taken literally, but the words are to be understood in a figurative sense. He invites the bride to his arms, as to a place of safety, and encourages her to look down in security amidst any dangers with which she was threatened. Lebanon, Amana, Shenir, and Hermon, were all places where some dangers were to be apprehended; and it is an usual beauty in poetry, to represent a general idea by particulars that largely partake of it. Bp. Percy. 9. —my sister, my spouse ;] Or, perhaps, more literally, "my sister spouse." "Sister seems here used as a term of endearment. Bp. Percy.

[ocr errors]

with one of thine eyes,] The words may be translated, "with one glance of thine eyes." Bp. Percy.

with one chain of thy neck.] The Latin translation is not inelegant, "with one curl or ringlet of thy neck." Bp. Percy.

11. Thy lips,-drop as the honeycomb :] Expressing her sweet and melting words; a metaphor common to Greek and Oriental writers. Bp. Percy.

like the smell of Lebanon.] The trees which grew upon mount Lebanon produced many aromatick gums and spices, and frankincense among others. Bp. Patrick. 12. — a fountain sealed.] This alludes no doubt to what was sometimes practised in the East, in order to secure the water of fountains to the proper owners. Parkhurst.

13. Thy plants are &c.] The bridegroom, having in the foregoing sentence called the bride an "inclosed garden," here carries on the metaphor, and compares her virtues and accomplishments to all the choicest productions of an Eastern orchard. Bp. Percy.

[ocr errors][merged small]

1

CHAP. V.

Christ awaketh the church with his calling. 2 The church having a taste of Christ's love is sick of love. 9 A description of Christ by his graces.

Before CHRIST

about 1014.

AM come into my garden, my I sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, || drink Or, and be abundantly, O beloved.

2¶I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved || for him.

5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh,

[blocks in formation]

drunken with loves.

| Or, (as some read) in ; me.

Parkhurst.

and aloes,] By "aloes" here seems plainly meant the lign-aloes or wood-aloes, the finest sort of which is the most resinous of all the woods, with which we are acquainted. Its scent, while in the mass, is very fragrant and agreeable. The smell of the common aloe wood is also pleasant, but not so strongly perfumed as the former. Parkhurst.

Chap. V. ver. 1. I am come into my garden, &c.] The bridegroom here returns an answer to the invitation of the bride in the latter part of the foregoing chapter; and testifies his acceptance by coming to taste and feast upon the fruit of his garden; and, after the manner of those countries, he calls his friends and companions to be partakers of it with him. His receiving fruit from the garden is expressed by these words, "I have gathered my myrrh," &c. Then follows the feast, (which they always made when they gathered the fruits of the earth,) in these words; "I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey," &c. Honey is mentioned in preference to other things, because in Eastern countries it was a principal and favourite food, as appears from its having been among the presents sent to Joseph, when governour of Egypt, Gen. xliii. 11, and among those brought to David by the great men of his country, 2 Sam. xvii. 29. As honey comprehends all the royal dainties which were to be eaten, so the wine and milk mentioned comprehend all the liquors given at the feast. Bp. Patrick.

2. - my undefiled:] Rather, "My perfect one;" so the Hebrew word properly signifies, one possessed of all accomplishments, both of mind and body. Bp. Percy.

A description of Christ

[blocks in formation]

CHAP. V, VI.

myrrh.

by his graces.

Before

about 1014.

and my fingers with sweet smelling like lilies, dropping sweet swelling CHRIST
myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
6 I opened to my beloved; but my
beloved had withdrawn himself, and
was gone: my soul failed when he
spake: I sought him, but I could not
find him; I called him, but he gave

[blocks in formation]

14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

16 His mouth is most sweet: Heb. His palate. yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

11. His head is as the most fine gold,] Though the colour, which, he says, were much esteemed in Syria; ancients prized golden or flaxen locks, yet this cannot and to this perhaps allusion is made; or perhaps the be the sense here, as his hair is said to be black. The comparison may be not to the colour, but to the odoriexpression probably alludes to the custom which then ferous sweetness of the lily. 'Dropping sweet smellprevailed of using a powder of a golden colour, as also ing myrrh;" that is, from which words flow, more pregolden ornaments in the hair. Dr. Durell. Allusion cious and more pleasant than the richest and most may perhaps be made to the Eastern custom of tinging fragrant myrrh. Bp. Patrick, Parkhurst. Allusion seems the hair and face with a vegetable substance called to be made to honeydrops, observable in invertedhenna, which gives them a yellowish or golden tinc-flowered lilies, similar to the standing sweet dew on ture. Michaelis. Or it is only a metaphorical expres- the crown imperial, now common among us. Sir T. sion to denote consummate excellence and beauty. Sanctius.

12. His eyes are as the eyes of doves &c.] In the original, "his eyes are like doves." The most common pigeon in the East is of a deep blue colour; and the meaning here seems to be, "his eyes are like blue pigeons by the foam of waters;" by which the blue iris of the eye, surrounded by the white, is compared to a pigeon amidst the white foam of waters. But, as if the foam of water was not sufficient to satisfy the poet, it is added, "washed in milk," "dipping themselves in milk," thus further contrasting the blue centre of the eye with the surrounding white. Fragments to Calmet. 13. His cheeks are as a bed of spices,] The word spices," sometimes signifies odoriferous plants and flowers of the garden. Perhaps then it may here mean, "roses;" and the words may convey a comparison of the pleasing ruddiness which health diffused over his cheeks to the colour of a bed of roses.

translated 66

Harmer.

his lips like lilies,] According to some, this comparison is made from the fineness and delicate softness of his lips; but Pliny mentions lilies of a deep red VOL. II.

Brown.

14. His hands are as gold rings] His hands are as gold finely turned, beset with a chrysolite. Bp. Percy. Or the meaning may be, that "he had on his fingers golden rings, set with a chrysolite." Bp. Patrick.

bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.] Perhaps, "is as an ivory plate, enclosed with sapphire," meaning to express the white skin covered with a purple robe. Michaelis.

15. His legs are as pillars of marble,] Alluding perhaps to the strength and firmness of his stature; or else to the colour of the garments. Bp. Patrick.

his countenance is as Lebanon,] Of the two celebrated mountains in Judea, Lebanon and Carmel, the former was celebrated for its height, ruggedness, and the abundance of its vast and towering cedars; the latter for its richness and fertility, abounding with vineyards, olive grounds, and corn fields. Hence the former is here employed to express masculine dignity, as the latter is (chap. vii. 5,) to convey an idea of female beauty. Bp. Lowth.

Chap. VI. ver. 4. — beautiful,

P

as Tirzah,] Tirzah

The graces of the church.

Before

CHRIST

[blocks in formation]

as Tirzalı, comely as Jerusalem, ter- and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded.

about 1014. rible as an army with banners.

Or, they have puffed

me up.

b Chap. 4. 1, 2.

5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them.

7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.

8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

9 My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?

11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley,

was a beautiful situation in the tribe of Judah, chosen by Jeroboam for the seat of his kingdom. The name implies "a delightful city." Bp. Patrick.

- comely as Jerusalem,] Jerusalem was esteemed the most charming place in all Palestine, and is called by Jeremiah, "the perfection of beauty," Lam. ii. 15. Bp. Percy.

- terrible as an army with banners.] These words may be rendered, "dazzling as bannered hosts." The word translated "terrible," properly signifies "amazing," exciting awe and consternation. Bp. Percy. Some refer the expression to the gravity, or rather severity, of her countenance, which forbade all near approaches to so great a beauty. Bp. Patrick.

8. There are threescore queens, &c.] It is the common opinion that Solomon here alludes to the number of his own wives, and that he composed this song before he multiplied his wives to the prodigious extent related at 1 Kings xi. 1, &c. But it is more probable that he alludes generally to the custom of other princes in the East, who, besides their principal wives that were solemnly espoused and endowed, had also others who were called concubines. The terms "threescore" and "fourscore" are probably used for an uncertain number. Bp. Patrick.

12.- ever I was aware,] The meaning of this verse seems to be, that the spouse, hearing such high commendations of herself, both from the bridegroom, and from the persons mentioned at ver. 10, says with great humility, that she was not conscious to herself of such perfections, (for so the first words appear to signify in the Hebrew, "I did not know it," or "I did not think so,") but is incited thereby to make the greatest speed, so as to preserve the character which he had given her; and to go along with him into his garden, (which she had neglected before, ver. 2,) there to give a good account of her proficiency. For which purpose she seems on a sudden to take leave of her friends, (who had cha

Before CHRIST about 1014.

12 Or ever I was aware, my soul + Heb. made me like the chariots of Ammi- I knew not.

[blocks in formation]

Or, set me on the chariots of my willing people.

11 Or, of Mahanaim.

mixture.

2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not † liquor: thy belly + Heb. is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.

3 Thy two breasts are like two a Chap. 4. 5. young roes that are twins.

4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Hesh

ritably accompanied her to seek him,) that she might for some time enjoy his society alone; which is the ground of their calling upon her to return, in the next verse. This is the best account I can give of these two last verses. It is supposed that Ammi-nadib was some great captain, who industriously pursued his victories or advantages with very swift chariots. Bp. Patrick.

Chap. VII. ver. 1. — thy feet with shoes,] Rather perhaps, "thy feet within thy sandals." The Hebrew women were remarkably nice in adorning their sandals, and in having them fit so neatly as to display the fine shape of the foot. Thus Judith's sandals are mentioned, together with the bracelets and other ornaments of jewels, with which she set off her beauty when she went to captivate the heart of Holofernes, (Judith x. 4,) and it is expressly said, that "her sandals ravished his eyes," chap. xvi. 9. Bp. Percy.

the joints] The Greek translators render this word, "the whole proportion," or "model." The expression here seems to refer to the clothing which the bride wore; which agrees with the words which follow, "the work of the hands of a cunning workman." Bp. Patrick.

2.. an heap of wheat set about with lilies.] It was usual with the Jews, when their wheat had been threshed out and fanned, to lay it in heaps, (Ruth iii. 7; Hagg. ii. 16,) and, as their threshing-floors were in the open air, in order to keep off the cattle, they stuck them round with thorns, (Hos. ii. 5, 6.) These, in compliment to the spouse, are here converted into a fence of lilies. Or we may suppose that Solomon here alludes to a custom, which they might have in Palestine, of strewing flowers round the heaps of corn after it was winnowed. Bp. Percy.

4.- thine eyes like the fishpools] "Thine eyes are clear and serene as the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim," (which was one of the gates of

[blocks in formation]

6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!

7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of

grapes.

Before CHRIST about 1014.

The love of the church to Christ. 13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.

CHAP. VIII.

1 The love of the church to Christ. 6 The
vehemency of love. 8 The calling of the
Gentiles. 14 The church prayeth for
Christ's coming.

THAT thou wert as my bro

8
tree, I will take hold of the boughs
thereof: now also thy breasts shall be
as clusters of the vine, and the smell
of thy nose like apples;

I said, I will go up to the palm Other, that sucked the breasts of

9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the Or of the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

↑ Heb.

straightly.

ancient.

b Chap. 2. 16. & 6. 3.

10 q I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages.

12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape + Heb. open. appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my

loves.

[merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors]

7.- thy stature is like to a palm tree,] The palm tree is remarkable for its slenderness and height. At present there are but few palms to be seen in Judea; but formerly, it is probable, they were very abundant, as they are stamped on the Roman coins which belonged to this country, and are much spoken of by Roman writers, when they treat of this country. Harmer.

8. I said, I will go up to the palm tree,] The comparison is made to the palm tree, because that tree rises straight as well as high, and therefore sets forth that part of comeliness which consists in stature. Sir T. Brown has ingeniously observed, that the expression “I will go up, and take hold of the boughs," is peculiarly appropriate, since the palm tree bears its boughs only at the upper part. Some understand by the words which we translate "clusters of grapes," dates, which are the fruit of the palm. Bp. Patrick. The word for "boughs" is rendered in the Latin translation "fruits," and, in the Greek, to the same sense, "tops," since the clusters or fruit in the palm tree really grow on the top

of the stalk. Parkhurst.

9. the roof of thy mouth &c.] The word literally

c Gen. 30. 14.

my mother! when I should find thee
without, I would kiss thee; yea, † I + Heb. they
should not be despised.

should not despise me.

2 I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of a spiced wine of the a Prov. 9. 2. juice of my pomegranate.

[ocr errors]

3 His left hand should be under b Chap. 2. 6. my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, + that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.

Chap. 2. 7. + Heb. why

& 3. 5.

should ye stir up, or, why, d Chap. 3. 6.

5 d Who is this that cometh up from &c. the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.

signifies, "thy palate," which is here figuratively put for "thy speech," which issues thence. Bp. Percy.

13. The mandrakes give a smell,] The Hebrew word, translated "mandrakes," occurs only here and at Gen. xxx. 14. Conjectures about its meaning have been most various.

at our gates] It has been supposed that this passage relates to the custom of decking the gates of new-married persons with festoons of fruits and flowers. Or perhaps the meaning may be, "in our hoards." As the gates in Judea were usually large buildings, it is not improbable that the repositories for fruit were either over them, or near them. Bp. Percy.

Chap. VIII. ver. 2. to drink of spiced wine] This is thought to allude to a custom of the parties drinking wine from the same cup in one part of the marriage ceremony. We know that spiced wine was a great delicacy in the East. It was not peculiar to the Jews; the Romans lined their vessels with odoriferous gums, to give the wine a warm bitter flavour; and it is said, that the Poles and Spaniards have a similar method of giving their wines a favourite relish. The word rendered "juice" by our translators, is properly new wine or must; and "the juice of the pomegranate" is either new wine made acid with the juice of pomegranates, which the Turks about Aleppo still mix with their dishes for this purpose; or rather wine made of the juice of pomegranates, of which Sir J. Chardin says, they still make considerable quantities in the East. Harmer.

« AnteriorContinuar »