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Song of Solomon
Please select a chapter from the list below:
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| This book is a Divine allegory, which represents the
love between Christ and his church of true believers, under figures taken from the relation and affection that subsist between a bridegroom and
his espoused bride; an emblem often employed in Scripture, as describing the nearest, firmest, and
most sure relation: see Psalm 45; Isaiah 54:5,6; 62:5; Jeremiah 2:2;
3:1; also in Ezekiel, Hosea, and by our Lord himself, Matthew 9:15;
25:1: see also Revelation 21:2,9; Ephesians 5:27. There is no character in the church of Christ, and
no situation in which the believer is placed, but what may be traced in this book, as humble inquirers will
find, on comparing it with other Scriptures, by the assistance of God the Holy Spirit, in answer to their
supplications. Much, however, of the language has been misunderstood by expositors and translators.
The difference between the customs and manners of Europe, and those of the East, must especially
be kept in view. The little acquaintance with eastern customs possessed by most of our early
expositors and translators, has in many cases prevented a correct rendering. Also, the changes in our
own language, during the last two or three centuries, affect the manner in which some expressions are
viewed, and they must not be judged by modern notions. But the great outlines, rightly interpreted, fully
accord with the affections and experience of the sincere Christian.
-Matthew Henry's Commentary |