Song of Solomon 4: A Celebration of Love and Intimacy
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.
Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.
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.
Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
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.
Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.
How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
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.
A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,
Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.
Here is, I. A commendation of the beauty of the church by her spouse, representing the great delight the Lord Jesus takes in his church, because she is his, and he has formed her for himself, that she may be unto him for a name and a praise. He here praises her, 1. For her eyes (Song of Solomon 4:1), her guides and those that look out for her, ministers and people. They are like doves’ eyes, fair and innocent, clear and chaste, full of love and tenderness, as doves’ eyes are, and fixed upon Christ, and the things above, as the eyes of a dove that is true to its mate. They are within her locks, that is, modest and bashful, and do not wander. 2. For her hair, which is like a flock of goats that appear from Mount Gilead, Song of Solomon 4:1. Her hair is the multitude of professors that are joined to the church, not shorn or polled, but long and thick. These are compared to a flock of goats, a considerable number of them, and feeding together in the green pastures of Gilead, upon the high mountains. They are hairy, and rough, like goats’ hair, in their profession, zealous and courageous for God. They appear, that is, they are open professors, known and read of all men. 3. For her teeth, which are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing, whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them, Song of Solomon 4:2. By the teeth of the church are meant her ministers, whose business it is to prepare food for the souls of men, to divide the word aright, and to feed them with knowledge and understanding. These are here praised for their purity and piety: They are like sheep that are even shorn, that have lately come up from the washing, that is, they are holy and clean, and live a life of self-denial, are mortified to the world, and are ready to be offered up in the service of Christ. For their concord and unity: They are even, all of a length, and none gets the start of the other. For their fruitfulness in their office: Every one bears twins, is instrumental in the conversion of souls, and the building up of saints; and none is barren or unfruitful. 4. For her lips, which are like a thread of scarlet, Song of Solomon 4:3. The lips of the church are the public profession and acknowledgment which all her members make of Christ and his truth, and the comfort and counsel they communicate to those that are in sorrow and distress. This is like a thread of scarlet, denoting the preciousness of it; it is as good as the life-blood of the church; and the strength and beauty of it, for scarlet is a lively colour; and the righteousness of Christ, for scarlet was the colour of the sin-offering, and Christ’s blood is the tongue of the church, by which she speaks to God. And her speech is comely; it becomes her to speak aright, according to the oracles of God. 5. For her temples, which are like a piece of a pomegranate within her locks, Song of Solomon 4:3. This denotes the strong and gracious resolutions that are taken up in the hearts of God’s people, and the lively, quick, thoughts that are there concerning spiritual things, which are within her locks, kept close, and not communicated to any but those that are members of the church, who alone are fit to be told the secrets of God’s wisdom. 6. For her neck, which is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men, Song of Solomon 4:4. The neck is that by which the head and the body are joined together; it denotes the ministry of the word, which is appointed for the edifying of the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:12. This is like the tower of David, straight and strong, and not to be broken. It is builded for an armoury, furnished with the whole armour of God, that those who go forth to war may find weapons there, Ephesians 6:13. There hang upon it a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men, that is, great numbers of eminent ministers, ready to defend the gospel, and the church, against all the attacks of the enemy; for the word of God is armour of proof to all believers. 7. For her breasts, which are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies, Song of Solomon 4:5. The breasts are the ordinances of the church, which are breasts of consolation to all believers, Isaiah 66:11. These are like two young roes, lovely and beautiful, and like twins, exactly agreeing with each other; they feed among the lilies, in the gardens of Christ, where the word of God is purely preached, and the sacraments duly administered. 8. For the beauty and perfection of the whole church, Song of Solomon 4:7. Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee. Christ is pleased to pass by many spots that are in particular believers, and to say that, upon the whole, his church is fair, and there is no spot in her, nothing that can justly be found fault with; for she is his choice, and precious in his sight, and he has cleansed her with the washing of water by the word, that he might present her to himself a glorious church, Ephesians 5:26, 5:27.
II. An invitation which Christ gives to his church to come off from the world and to be with him, Song of Solomon 4:8. Because she was so amiable, he was very desirous of her company. Observe, 1. How he sends for her: Come with me from Lebanon, from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon. These were all high mountains, noted places, from which he invites her to retire. Lebanon was north, Amana east, Hermon south. He calls her from the highest places, where she was in the greatest danger of being proud, and from the most pleasant places, where she was in the greatest danger of being secure, to come off from the world, and to leave it all behind her, in affection, and to live above it. Note, It is the call of Christ to all his disciples to come with him from the world, to sit with him in heavenly places, to be dead to the world, and to be willing to leave it. 2. What reason he gives for this call: From the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards. These wild beasts haunted those high mountains; and therefore he calls his spouse from them, to deliver her from danger. While we are in the world we are in the midst of lions and leopards, that seek to devour us; and therefore it is our wisdom to retire from it, and keep at a distance from the roaring lion that goes about seeking to devour.
III. An expression of the great delight Christ takes in his church, and the affection he has for her, Song of Solomon 4:9-11. Here is a wonderful instance of the condescension of Christ, that he should be so much in love with his church. Observe, 1. How her love has gained his heart: Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse. Christ and his church are not only betrothed, but married together; he is her brother, and she is his sister. He repeats it, to express the certainty of it, and his pleasure in it. “Thou hast ravished my heart; thou hast stolen it from me; thou hast surprised me into love.” The heart of Christ is a strong castle, and strongly guarded, but the love of his church has broken through all the guards, and seized it for itself. Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. The first look of faith, like the first spark of love, is very powerful. One eye, fixed upon Christ as our Lord and our God, and weeping for sin, does the business; one chain of thy neck, one grace, that hangs about the neck, is very pleasing to Christ. 2. How pleasing her graces are to him (Song of Solomon 4:10): How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is thy love than wine! The love of the church to Christ, as it is the fruit of his grace, so it is pleasing to him. It is fair, it is comely in his eyes. It is better than wine, more cheering to him than the best cordials; for he loves those that love him. How much better are thy perfumes than all spices! The prayers of the saints are compared to incense (Revelation 8:3), which is here called perfume, and is more grateful to Christ than all the spices that were used in the most precious incense. 3. How pleasant her words are to him, and all her communications (Song of Solomon 4:11): Thy lips, O my spouse! drop as the honeycomb; the kisses of thy mouth (Song of Solomon 1:2), and all thy words, are sweet and delightful to him. And the reason is, because honey and milk are under thy tongue, that is, what she says is very nourishing and strengthening to those that hear her. She speaks the language of Canaan, has her conversation in heaven, and that is meat and drink to all about her. And the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon, that is, all that she does is pleasing to Christ; her works are fragrant, and a sweet savour to God, done in faith and love.
IV. A further declaration of the peculiar relation that is between Christ and his church, and the great delight he takes in it, Song of Solomon 4:12-15. 1. The church is here described as choice and precious, and carefully to be preserved for Christ only: A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. She is a garden, a place that is pleasant and fruitful; she is Christ’s garden, set apart for his use, and he takes great delight in it. She is a garden enclosed, paled about, that no common foot may tread it down, that is, distinguished from the rest of the world, and fortified against the pollutions of it. She is a spring shut up, a fountain sealed, that her graces and comforts may be reserved for Christ only, and not be prostituted to any base or common use; that she may not love the world, nor have her affections drawn away from Christ. 2. She is described as fruitful, and abounding in spiritual blessings (Song of Solomon 4:13): Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits. Believers are the plants of the Lord, planted in his vineyard, and are to be fruitful in the works of righteousness. The church is an orchard, full of these plants, abounding in the fruits of the Spirit, in all pleasant fruits. She has pomegranates, that is, precious and delightful truths, mixed with her fruits. She has camphire, with frankincense, and all the chief spices, that is, she abounds in all graces, which are as spices, very precious and of a sweet smell in the nostrils of Christ. 3. She is described as a fountain, always full, and always flowing (Song of Solomon 4:15): A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. The church is a fountain of gardens, that is, she is the spring and original of all graces and comforts, which flow through the gardens of particular believers, to make them fruitful. She is a well of living waters, which Christ himself is the spring of, John 4:14. And these living waters flow in streams from Lebanon, that is, from the height of the church, which is established upon the top of the mountains, and fed with the snow-waters of divine grace.
V. A mutual invitation given and accepted between Christ and his church, Song of Solomon 4:16. 1. The church invites Christ into his garden: Awake, O north wind! and come, thou south! blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. The church here desires the quickening influences of the Spirit of Christ, to make her graces more lively and active, and to draw forth the exercise of them. The north wind, though cold, is a searching wind, and awakens the graces; the south wind, though warm, is a cherishing wind, and draws forth the spices. Both are necessary to the health and fruitfulness of the garden; and therefore she prays for both. Note, The graces of the saints are like spices, that have a sweet smell, but they do not send forth their smell till they are stirred; and therefore we must pray that the Spirit of God would stir up our graces, that they may be exercised, and that we may be filled with all the fruits of righteousness. She prays that the spices thereof may flow out, that is, that the savour of her graces may be diffused, for the honour of Christ, and the good of others. 2. Christ accepts the invitation: Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Christ is well pleased with the desires of his church towards him, and is ready to answer them. He comes into his garden, to delight himself in the graces and services of his people. He eats his pleasant fruits, for he is pleased with the fruits of righteousness, which they bring forth through his grace. Note, There is mutual pleasure and delight between Christ and his church. He is her beloved, and she is his; he is her guest, and she is his garden.
Song of Solomon 4 is a beautiful and intimate portrayal of love within the context of marriage. It is a chapter filled with admiration, affection, and the joy of consummating a committed relationship. This chapter offers a glimpse into the sacredness of marital intimacy and the delight that a husband and wife can find in one another.
The Bride's Beauty Celebrated (Song of Solomon 4:1-7)
The groom begins by lavishing praise upon his bride, celebrating her beauty in vivid and poetic language. He finds her to be utterly captivating. Her eyes, hair, teeth, lips, and neck are all described with adoration (Song of Solomon 4:1-4). He declares, "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." (Song of Solomon 4:7). This section highlights the importance of appreciation and affirmation within marriage. It is a reminder that spouses should cherish and admire one another, focusing on their beauty, both inner and outer.
Matthew Henry sees these descriptions as allegorical, representing the beauty and purity of the church. The bride's eyes are like doves, fair and innocent; her hair is like a flock of goats, numerous and zealous; her teeth are like sheep, pure and unified. These metaphors emphasize the church's devotion, strength, and unity in serving God.
The Captivating Power of Love (Song of Solomon 4:8-11)
The bride has captured the groom's heart entirely. He emphasizes this sentiment by stating it twice (Song of Solomon 4:9). Their love is all-encompassing, engaging all their senses (Song of Solomon 4:9-11). He finds her love better than wine and her perfumes more fragrant than spices. This section speaks to the intoxicating and delightful nature of true love. It shows how love can fill our lives with joy and pleasure, enriching our experiences and strengthening our bond with our spouse.
Tony Evans points out that this couple is naked and unashamed. This highlights the vulnerability and openness that should exist within a marriage.
A Garden Enclosed: Purity and Pleasure (Song of Solomon 4:12-16)
Solomon describes his bride as "a garden enclosed…a spring shut up, a fountain sealed" (Song of Solomon 4:12). This imagery symbolizes her virginity and purity before marriage. She was "locked" until the right time, and now she is open to her husband's enjoyment. She invites him into her garden (Song of Solomon 4:16), signifying her willingness to share her life and body with him.
The groom accepts her invitation, and his delight is described as enjoying the finest pleasures: myrrh, spices, honey, wine, and milk (Song of Solomon 4:16, which continues into Song of Solomon 5:1). This portrays the depth of pleasure and satisfaction that can be found in marital intimacy.
Matthew Henry expands on this imagery, noting that the enclosed garden represents the church, set apart for Christ's use. The spring shut up and fountain sealed symbolize the graces and comforts reserved for Christ alone. The church is also depicted as a fruitful orchard, filled with the plants of the Lord, abounding in the fruits of the Spirit.
God's Blessing on Marital Joy (Song of Solomon 5:1)
A narrator, possibly representing God, enters the scene, encouraging the couple: "Eat, friends! Drink, be intoxicated with caresses!" (Song of Solomon 5:1). This reminds us that God is pleased when a husband and wife find joy and pleasure in one another's company.
Tony Evans emphasizes that the Bible is not prudish about sex. While sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, it is not something to be ashamed of. God intends for married couples to adore one another sexually; it is His gift to them.
Song of Solomon 4 offers a beautiful and affirming view of marital love and intimacy. It encourages couples to cherish one another, celebrate their beauty, and find joy in their physical and emotional connection. It also reminds us that God is the author of love and that He delights in seeing couples thrive in their relationship.
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.
Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.
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.
Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
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.
Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.
How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
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.
A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,
Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.
Here is, I. A commendation of the beauty of the church by her spouse, representing the great delight the Lord Jesus takes in his church, because she is his, and he has formed her for himself, that she may be unto him for a name and a praise. He here praises her, 1. For her eyes (Song of Solomon 4:1), her guides and those that look out for her, ministers and people. They are like doves’ eyes, fair and innocent, clear and chaste, full of love and tenderness, as doves’ eyes are, and fixed upon Christ, and the things above, as the eyes of a dove that is true to its mate. They are within her locks, that is, modest and bashful, and do not wander. 2. For her hair, which is like a flock of goats that appear from Mount Gilead, Song of Solomon 4:1. Her hair is the multitude of professors that are joined to the church, not shorn or polled, but long and thick. These are compared to a flock of goats, a considerable number of them, and feeding together in the green pastures of Gilead, upon the high mountains. They are hairy, and rough, like goats’ hair, in their profession, zealous and courageous for God. They appear, that is, they are open professors, known and read of all men. 3. For her teeth, which are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing, whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them, Song of Solomon 4:2. By the teeth of the church are meant her ministers, whose business it is to prepare food for the souls of men, to divide the word aright, and to feed them with knowledge and understanding. These are here praised for their purity and piety: They are like sheep that are even shorn, that have lately come up from the washing, that is, they are holy and clean, and live a life of self-denial, are mortified to the world, and are ready to be offered up in the service of Christ. For their concord and unity: They are even, all of a length, and none gets the start of the other. For their fruitfulness in their office: Every one bears twins, is instrumental in the conversion of souls, and the building up of saints; and none is barren or unfruitful. 4. For her lips, which are like a thread of scarlet, Song of Solomon 4:3. The lips of the church are the public profession and acknowledgment which all her members make of Christ and his truth, and the comfort and counsel they communicate to those that are in sorrow and distress. This is like a thread of scarlet, denoting the preciousness of it; it is as good as the life-blood of the church; and the strength and beauty of it, for scarlet is a lively colour; and the righteousness of Christ, for scarlet was the colour of the sin-offering, and Christ’s blood is the tongue of the church, by which she speaks to God. And her speech is comely; it becomes her to speak aright, according to the oracles of God. 5. For her temples, which are like a piece of a pomegranate within her locks, Song of Solomon 4:3. This denotes the strong and gracious resolutions that are taken up in the hearts of God’s people, and the lively, quick, thoughts that are there concerning spiritual things, which are within her locks, kept close, and not communicated to any but those that are members of the church, who alone are fit to be told the secrets of God’s wisdom. 6. For her neck, which is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men, Song of Solomon 4:4. The neck is that by which the head and the body are joined together; it denotes the ministry of the word, which is appointed for the edifying of the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:12. This is like the tower of David, straight and strong, and not to be broken. It is builded for an armoury, furnished with the whole armour of God, that those who go forth to war may find weapons there, Ephesians 6:13. There hang upon it a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men, that is, great numbers of eminent ministers, ready to defend the gospel, and the church, against all the attacks of the enemy; for the word of God is armour of proof to all believers. 7. For her breasts, which are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies, Song of Solomon 4:5. The breasts are the ordinances of the church, which are breasts of consolation to all believers, Isaiah 66:11. These are like two young roes, lovely and beautiful, and like twins, exactly agreeing with each other; they feed among the lilies, in the gardens of Christ, where the word of God is purely preached, and the sacraments duly administered. 8. For the beauty and perfection of the whole church, Song of Solomon 4:7. Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee. Christ is pleased to pass by many spots that are in particular believers, and to say that, upon the whole, his church is fair, and there is no spot in her, nothing that can justly be found fault with; for she is his choice, and precious in his sight, and he has cleansed her with the washing of water by the word, that he might present her to himself a glorious church, Ephesians 5:26, 5:27.
II. An invitation which Christ gives to his church to come off from the world and to be with him, Song of Solomon 4:8. Because she was so amiable, he was very desirous of her company. Observe, 1. How he sends for her: Come with me from Lebanon, from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon. These were all high mountains, noted places, from which he invites her to retire. Lebanon was north, Amana east, Hermon south. He calls her from the highest places, where she was in the greatest danger of being proud, and from the most pleasant places, where she was in the greatest danger of being secure, to come off from the world, and to leave it all behind her, in affection, and to live above it. Note, It is the call of Christ to all his disciples to come with him from the world, to sit with him in heavenly places, to be dead to the world, and to be willing to leave it. 2. What reason he gives for this call: From the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards. These wild beasts haunted those high mountains; and therefore he calls his spouse from them, to deliver her from danger. While we are in the world we are in the midst of lions and leopards, that seek to devour us; and therefore it is our wisdom to retire from it, and keep at a distance from the roaring lion that goes about seeking to devour.
III. An expression of the great delight Christ takes in his church, and the affection he has for her, Song of Solomon 4:9-11. Here is a wonderful instance of the condescension of Christ, that he should be so much in love with his church. Observe, 1. How her love has gained his heart: Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse. Christ and his church are not only betrothed, but married together; he is her brother, and she is his sister. He repeats it, to express the certainty of it, and his pleasure in it. “Thou hast ravished my heart; thou hast stolen it from me; thou hast surprised me into love.” The heart of Christ is a strong castle, and strongly guarded, but the love of his church has broken through all the guards, and seized it for itself. Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. The first look of faith, like the first spark of love, is very powerful. One eye, fixed upon Christ as our Lord and our God, and weeping for sin, does the business; one chain of thy neck, one grace, that hangs about the neck, is very pleasing to Christ. 2. How pleasing her graces are to him (Song of Solomon 4:10): How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is thy love than wine! The love of the church to Christ, as it is the fruit of his grace, so it is pleasing to him. It is fair, it is comely in his eyes. It is better than wine, more cheering to him than the best cordials; for he loves those that love him. How much better are thy perfumes than all spices! The prayers of the saints are compared to incense (Revelation 8:3), which is here called perfume, and is more grateful to Christ than all the spices that were used in the most precious incense. 3. How pleasant her words are to him, and all her communications (Song of Solomon 4:11): Thy lips, O my spouse! drop as the honeycomb; the kisses of thy mouth (Song of Solomon 1:2), and all thy words, are sweet and delightful to him. And the reason is, because honey and milk are under thy tongue, that is, what she says is very nourishing and strengthening to those that hear her. She speaks the language of Canaan, has her conversation in heaven, and that is meat and drink to all about her. And the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon, that is, all that she does is pleasing to Christ; her works are fragrant, and a sweet savour to God, done in faith and love.
IV. A further declaration of the peculiar relation that is between Christ and his church, and the great delight he takes in it, Song of Solomon 4:12-15. 1. The church is here described as choice and precious, and carefully to be preserved for Christ only: A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. She is a garden, a place that is pleasant and fruitful; she is Christ’s garden, set apart for his use, and he takes great delight in it. She is a garden enclosed, paled about, that no common foot may tread it down, that is, distinguished from the rest of the world, and fortified against the pollutions of it. She is a spring shut up, a fountain sealed, that her graces and comforts may be reserved for Christ only, and not be prostituted to any base or common use; that she may not love the world, nor have her affections drawn away from Christ. 2. She is described as fruitful, and abounding in spiritual blessings (Song of Solomon 4:13): Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits. Believers are the plants of the Lord, planted in his vineyard, and are to be fruitful in the works of righteousness. The church is an orchard, full of these plants, abounding in the fruits of the Spirit, in all pleasant fruits. She has pomegranates, that is, precious and delightful truths, mixed with her fruits. She has camphire, with frankincense, and all the chief spices, that is, she abounds in all graces, which are as spices, very precious and of a sweet smell in the nostrils of Christ. 3. She is described as a fountain, always full, and always flowing (Song of Solomon 4:15): A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. The church is a fountain of gardens, that is, she is the spring and original of all graces and comforts, which flow through the gardens of particular believers, to make them fruitful. She is a well of living waters, which Christ himself is the spring of, John 4:14. And these living waters flow in streams from Lebanon, that is, from the height of the church, which is established upon the top of the mountains, and fed with the snow-waters of divine grace.
V. A mutual invitation given and accepted between Christ and his church, Song of Solomon 4:16. 1. The church invites Christ into his garden: Awake, O north wind! and come, thou south! blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. The church here desires the quickening influences of the Spirit of Christ, to make her graces more lively and active, and to draw forth the exercise of them. The north wind, though cold, is a searching wind, and awakens the graces; the south wind, though warm, is a cherishing wind, and draws forth the spices. Both are necessary to the health and fruitfulness of the garden; and therefore she prays for both. Note, The graces of the saints are like spices, that have a sweet smell, but they do not send forth their smell till they are stirred; and therefore we must pray that the Spirit of God would stir up our graces, that they may be exercised, and that we may be filled with all the fruits of righteousness. She prays that the spices thereof may flow out, that is, that the savour of her graces may be diffused, for the honour of Christ, and the good of others. 2. Christ accepts the invitation: Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Christ is well pleased with the desires of his church towards him, and is ready to answer them. He comes into his garden, to delight himself in the graces and services of his people. He eats his pleasant fruits, for he is pleased with the fruits of righteousness, which they bring forth through his grace. Note, There is mutual pleasure and delight between Christ and his church. He is her beloved, and she is his; he is her guest, and she is his garden.
Song of Solomon 4 is a beautiful and intimate portrayal of love within the context of marriage. It is a chapter filled with admiration, affection, and the joy of consummating a committed relationship. This chapter offers a glimpse into the sacredness of marital intimacy and the delight that a husband and wife can find in one another.
The Bride's Beauty Celebrated (Song of Solomon 4:1-7)
The groom begins by lavishing praise upon his bride, celebrating her beauty in vivid and poetic language. He finds her to be utterly captivating. Her eyes, hair, teeth, lips, and neck are all described with adoration (Song of Solomon 4:1-4). He declares, "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." (Song of Solomon 4:7). This section highlights the importance of appreciation and affirmation within marriage. It is a reminder that spouses should cherish and admire one another, focusing on their beauty, both inner and outer.
Matthew Henry sees these descriptions as allegorical, representing the beauty and purity of the church. The bride's eyes are like doves, fair and innocent; her hair is like a flock of goats, numerous and zealous; her teeth are like sheep, pure and unified. These metaphors emphasize the church's devotion, strength, and unity in serving God.
The Captivating Power of Love (Song of Solomon 4:8-11)
The bride has captured the groom's heart entirely. He emphasizes this sentiment by stating it twice (Song of Solomon 4:9). Their love is all-encompassing, engaging all their senses (Song of Solomon 4:9-11). He finds her love better than wine and her perfumes more fragrant than spices. This section speaks to the intoxicating and delightful nature of true love. It shows how love can fill our lives with joy and pleasure, enriching our experiences and strengthening our bond with our spouse.
Tony Evans points out that this couple is naked and unashamed. This highlights the vulnerability and openness that should exist within a marriage.
A Garden Enclosed: Purity and Pleasure (Song of Solomon 4:12-16)
Solomon describes his bride as "a garden enclosed…a spring shut up, a fountain sealed" (Song of Solomon 4:12). This imagery symbolizes her virginity and purity before marriage. She was "locked" until the right time, and now she is open to her husband's enjoyment. She invites him into her garden (Song of Solomon 4:16), signifying her willingness to share her life and body with him.
The groom accepts her invitation, and his delight is described as enjoying the finest pleasures: myrrh, spices, honey, wine, and milk (Song of Solomon 4:16, which continues into Song of Solomon 5:1). This portrays the depth of pleasure and satisfaction that can be found in marital intimacy.
Matthew Henry expands on this imagery, noting that the enclosed garden represents the church, set apart for Christ's use. The spring shut up and fountain sealed symbolize the graces and comforts reserved for Christ alone. The church is also depicted as a fruitful orchard, filled with the plants of the Lord, abounding in the fruits of the Spirit.
God's Blessing on Marital Joy (Song of Solomon 5:1)
A narrator, possibly representing God, enters the scene, encouraging the couple: "Eat, friends! Drink, be intoxicated with caresses!" (Song of Solomon 5:1). This reminds us that God is pleased when a husband and wife find joy and pleasure in one another's company.
Tony Evans emphasizes that the Bible is not prudish about sex. While sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, it is not something to be ashamed of. God intends for married couples to adore one another sexually; it is His gift to them.
Song of Solomon 4 offers a beautiful and affirming view of marital love and intimacy. It encourages couples to cherish one another, celebrate their beauty, and find joy in their physical and emotional connection. It also reminds us that God is the author of love and that He delights in seeing couples thrive in their relationship.