
Text -- The Song of Songs 1:15 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: Sos 1:15 - -- This is the speech of Christ. The words are doubled to manifest his fervent affection for her.
This is the speech of Christ. The words are doubled to manifest his fervent affection for her.

Wesley: Sos 1:15 - -- Which are mild and harmless, chaste and faithful. And by the eyes he seems to design both her outward behaviour, and the inward disposition of her min...
Which are mild and harmless, chaste and faithful. And by the eyes he seems to design both her outward behaviour, and the inward disposition of her mind.
JFB: Sos 1:15 - -- He discerns beauty in her, who had said, "I am black" (Son 1:5), because of the everlasting covenant (Psa 45:11; Isa 62:5; Eph 1:4-5).

JFB: Sos 1:15 - -- Large and beautiful in the doves of Syria. The prominent features of her beauty (Mat 10:16), gentleness, innocence, and constant love, emblem of the H...
Clarke -> Sos 1:15
Clarke: Sos 1:15 - -- Thou hast doves’ eyes - The large and beautiful dove of Syria is supposed to be here referred to, the eyes of which are remarkably fine.
Thou hast doves’ eyes - The large and beautiful dove of Syria is supposed to be here referred to, the eyes of which are remarkably fine.
TSK -> Sos 1:15
TSK: Sos 1:15 - -- thou art fair : Son 1:8, Son 4:1, Son 4:7, Son 4:10, Son 5:12, Son 7:6
my love : or, my companion, Mal 2:14
thou hast : Son 4:1, Son 5:12; 2Co 11:2, 2...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Poole -> Sos 1:15
Poole: Sos 1:15 - -- Behold, thou art fair: this is the speech of Christ. The words are doubled, partly to note the certainty of the thing, notwithstanding her mean and m...
Behold, thou art fair: this is the speech of Christ. The words are doubled, partly to note the certainty of the thing, notwithstanding her mean and modest opinion of herself; and partly to manifest his high esteem and fervent affection for her, and to assure her that, notwithstanding all her infirmities, he was very well pleased with her.
Thou hast doves’ eyes which are,
1. Comely and pleasant.
2. Modest and humble, not lofty, as the looks of some other creatures are.
3. Mild and harmless, not fierce and fiery, not looking and watching for prey, as the eyes of ravenous birds are.
4. Chaste and faithful, looking only to their mates; so that if any of them cast a lustful eye upon another, her companions are enraged against her, and quickly tear her in pieces ; as some natural historians write. And such are the church’ s eyes said to be. And by the eyes he seems to design partly her looks and outward behaviour or conversation, and partly and chiefly the inward disposition of her mind, which is commonly discovered, and in Scripture is oft signified, by the eye; in which sense we read of an evil eye, Pro 23:6 Mat 6:23 , of a bountiful eye , Pro 22:9 , of a single eye , Luk 11:34 , of a proud or lofty look , all which signify such tempers of men’ s minds.
Haydock -> Sos 1:15
Haydock: Sos 1:15 - -- Behold. The spouse makes a return of praise, and thanksgiving for her repose, to Christ. (Worthington) ---
The corporal beauty of Solomon or of ou...
Behold. The spouse makes a return of praise, and thanksgiving for her repose, to Christ. (Worthington) ---
The corporal beauty of Solomon or of our Saviour is not fully ascertained; but their inward perfections are often proclaimed. ---
Flourishing. Hebrew, "green." Septuagint, "shaded." (Esther i. 5.) ---
This bed was the womb of the blessed Virgin [Mary], the cross, or any faithful soul. St. Bernard says it is a monastery, retired and adorned with all virtues. (Calmet)
Gill -> Sos 1:15
Gill: Sos 1:15 - -- Behold, thou art fair, my love,.... These are the words of Christ, commending the beauty and comeliness of the church, expressing his great affection...
Behold, thou art fair, my love,.... These are the words of Christ, commending the beauty and comeliness of the church, expressing his great affection for her, and his high esteem of her; of her fairness and beauty; see Gill on Son 1:5; see Gill on Son 1:8; of the title of Christ's love, as given her by him; see Gill on Son 1:9; a "behold" is prefixed to this account her, as a note of attention, to consider her complete comeliness in Christ, and not pore on her own blackness; and as a note of admiration, that she who was so black and uncomely in herself should be so fair and beautiful in his eyes, through his blood, righteousness, and grace; and as a note of asseveration, assuring her of the truth of it, which she might be apt to call in question; and, to prevent which, it is also repeated,
behold, thou art fair; exceeding fair, really so, both inwardly and outwardly; both with respect to justification and sanctification;
thou hast doves' eyes; or "eyes like doves" d; these are taken notice because much beauty lies in the eyes, either in the size or colour of them e; similes taken from doves are frequently used in this sacred poem, both with respect to the bride and bridegroom; see Son 2:14; and it may easily be observed, that this creature furnishes much matter for poets f, which they apply to lovers: and here the eyes of the bride are compared to the eyes of doves; meaning either the ministers of the Gospel, who are to the church what eyes are to the body; are set in the more eminent part in the church, to order, guide, and direct the members of it; to watch over them, lest any hurt come to them, and give warning of danger; to hold forth the word of light to them, and instruct them how to behave in the church and in the world: and they may be compared to the eyes of doves, for their clearness and perspicuity in discerning Gospel truths; and for their sincerity and simplicity, uprightness and faithfulness, in preaching them; and for the dove like gifts of the Spirit, whereby they are qualified for it; and for, their meekness and humility; or rather the eyes of her understanding are meant, being spiritually enlightened; and particularly the eye of faith by which believers take a view of Christ, of his glory, fulness, and suitableness, and look to him alone for life and salvation. And it may be compared to the eyes of doves for the clearness and quickness, of it, being the evidence of things not seen; and, for its singleness and chastity, the dove looks only to its mate, and destroys those that look with lustful eyes on others g; believers, being espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ, look only to him as their beloved, to him only for acceptance, righteousness, pardon, and eternal life; and for its modesty and humility, excluding all boasting in the creature, and giving all glory to Christ; and for its beautifulness in the sight of Christ, so that he is even ravished with it, Son 4:9.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Sos 1:1-17
TSK Synopsis: Sos 1:1-17 - --1 The church's love unto Christ.5 She confesses her deformity,7 and prays to be directed to his flock.8 Christ directs her to the shepherd's tents;9 a...
MHCC -> Sos 1:9-17
MHCC: Sos 1:9-17 - --The Bridegroom gives high praises of his spouse. In the sight of Christ believers are the excellent of the earth, fitted to be instruments for promoti...
Matthew Henry -> Sos 1:12-17
Matthew Henry: Sos 1:12-17 - -- Here the conference is carried on between Christ and his spouse, and endearments are mutually exchanged. I. Believers take a great complacency in Ch...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Sos 1:15
Keil-Delitzsch: Sos 1:15 - --
In this ardour of loving devotion, she must appear to the king so much the more beautiful.
15 Lo, thou art fair, my love.
Lo, thou art fair; thine...
Constable: Sos 1:2--3:6 - --II. THE COURTSHIP 1:2--3:5
Perhaps the outstanding characteristic of this first major section of the book is the...

Constable: Sos 1:12--2:8 - --1. Mutual admiration 1:12-2:7
In this section the love of Solomon and his beloved continues to i...
