Song of Solomon 4

In this 4th chapter, the Bridegroom refers to the natural perfection of the Bride to illustrate spiritual perfection. we read in Ephesians 3.17-19: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, the length, and depth and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Also in chapter 5.25: "Even as Christ also loved the ecclesia, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious ecclesia, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

There are seven details given of the Bride's person denoting perfection and completeness. "Thou art fair". This general assertion is repeated, making it emphatic and showing its genuineness, and is followed by the statement that her eyes are like doves' eyes within her looks of hair, likened to a flock of goats that feed upon mount Gilead (Carmel). Doves' eyes show a mournful expression, suggesting the sorrows of a contrite heart. The mind is revealed through the eyes, Jesus said, "The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light" (Matthew 6.22).

We quote the following from the 'Land and the Book'. "Thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks, which are as a flock of goats that appear from Mount Gilead. That is, her looks (not the doves' eyes) are jet, glossy black, like the Syrian goats: but all Oriental poets are fond of doves." The dove is connected scripturally with the day of salvation and reconciliation. Hair represents a multitude, and long, well-washed hair speaks of obedience. They come up from Mount Gilead: "I will feed you in a good pasture" (Ezekiel 34.14).

"Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn which came up from the washing." In Ephesians 5.26 we read, "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Clean teeth would point to thorough mastication, and so the Bride would receive the blessing of God. We read in II Peter 1.8 "For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet and thy speech is comely." A thread of scarlet was placed in the window by Rahab which brought her salvation and redemption. The Apostle Paul, referring to our redemption, writes "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13.15). And again in Colossians 3.16: "Admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord".

"Thy temples (the seat of thought) are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy looks." The fruit of the Spirit is the "inward adorning", "hidden within her locks", "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is of great price in the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (I Peter 3.3-4).

"Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, Whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighy men". The neck, straight and strong, connects the head and the other organs of the body. The passing of the blood from the heart to the head depends upon a well-formed neck. King David's spears and shields were hung in the temple of the Lord. (II Kings 11.10). The Apostle in I John 5.4 wrote, "For this is the victory that overcometh the world (our enemy) even our faith," This is the shield of faith, "wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6.16). They were shields of faith which hung in the temple, in David's armoury. The names of those who waxed valiant in fight are inscribed and enumerated in Hebrews 11. "These all obtained a good report through faith".

"Two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies". In chapter 2.16, Jesus (the Bridegroom) is said to feed among the lilies. Here we have a picture of peace and fellowship. Feeding together upon the Word of God. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted

that the Lord is gracious" (I Peter 2.23). Again in Ephesians 4.3: ”Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

"I, (the Bridegroom) will get me to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense" and there I will tarry, even until the day break, and the shadows flee away. Jesus is in heaven, as our High Priest and Mediator, receiving our prayers and praise, and presenting them before our Heavenly Father. We also will get ourselves to the mountain of myrrh and frankincense. Myrrh was used for purification, frankincense for perfume (Song of Solomon 3.6). Incense was burned upon the altar of incense and it represented the time of prayer. In Revelation 8.3 we read: "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar." Through the Word, the Bride will be made white and clean, fit for the Bridegroom. Through the many temptations which the Bride endures, she is purified. Her prayers ascend unto the throne of grace as sweet-smelling incense where her Lord dwells. He hears her prayers, sees all her troubles and is ready to succour her in all her temptations.

"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee". "Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord will not impute sin." "To present him faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy". Again in Ephesians 5.27: "That he might present it to himself a glorious ecclesia, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

"Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon; look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards." The summit of Amana is identical with the summit of Shenir and Hermon. Shenir was the Amoritish name of Hermon (Deuteronomy 3.9). The connection with the lions' dens and leopards seems to suggest a warning to the Bride (His spouse) from the Bridegroom to "Come away" from the dangers of the present evil world.

"Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse." "As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee" (Isaiah 62.5). Again we are reminded of the words of Jesus in John 15.11: "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." Jesus will rejoice over those who will constitute His Bride. "He Shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied" (Isaiah 53.11). "Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister (Matthew 12.50) my spouse" (my bride). The word "spouse" is used for the first time in this fourth chapter.

"With one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck". One eye is very often covered over by the dress of Eastern women. One chain refers to a necklace. In Proverbs 1.8—9 we read: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck". Again in Proverbs 25.12: "As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear". The dress of an Eastern Bride is described in Ezekiel 16.11-12.

This verse is practically a repetition of Song of Solomon 1.2-3. "The smell of thine ointments (characteristics) is better than all spices."

"Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb; honey and milk are under thy tongue". What a contrast to the lips and tongues of the wicked! In Romans 3.13 we read: "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips." Before the honey drops from our lips there must have been the diligent gathering in of the honey from flower to flower, and this must be done by feeding upon the Word of God. In Proverbs 24:13-14 we read: "My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste; So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be out off."

"The smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon" (cedar trees). In Hosea 14.5-7 we read, "I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon... and his smell as Lebanon... the scent thereof shall be as the Wine of Lebanon." These promises apply to Israel as a nation - how much more to the Bride?

We are informed that Christ's spouse, his sister, his Bride, is likened to a garden of fruit, flowers and spices - to paradise. Such a garden would be a delight to the senses of sight and smell: an inclosed (bolted, well fastened) garden, well watered with spring water and a sealed fountain, a garden fountain, a well of living water and flowing streams from Lebanon (verse 15, R.S.V.) The plants of paradise, the trees and all the chief spices, symbolise the Bride and her characteristics, the fruits of the Spirit. There is also the need for divers winds to be allowed to blow upon the trees of righteousness that they may bear these fruits of the Spirit and the spices at the appointed season, the cold wind from the north, the warm wind from the south, both doing their part in bringing the fruit and spices to perfection under Divine control. The Bride, the ecclesia, must draw water from the Word and must experience winds of adversity. Then they will be like the cedars of Lebanon and the beautiful flowers of paradise planted by the waters diffusing fragrance around. "Let my beloved (kinsman) come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits."