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Text -- The Song of Songs 1:9 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
The Beautiful Mare and the Fragrant Myrrh
1:9 The Lover to His Beloved: O my beloved, you are like a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Pharaoh the king who ruled Egypt when Moses was born,the title of the king who ruled Egypt in Abraham's time,the title of the king who ruled Egypt in Joseph's time,the title of the king who ruled Egypt when Moses was born,the title of the king who refused to let Israel leave Egypt,the title of the king of Egypt whose daughter Solomon married,the title of the king who ruled Egypt in the time of Isaiah,the title Egypt's ruler just before Moses' time


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Song | Personification | PAPYRUS | PALESTINE, 3 | MARE | HORSE | Fellowship | COMPARE | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Sos 1:9 - -- For strength and courage, to overcome all thine enemies. For horses are famous for that property, and the strength of the battle was then thought to c...

For strength and courage, to overcome all thine enemies. For horses are famous for that property, and the strength of the battle was then thought to consist much in horses, and chariots, especially in a company or multitude of them. And the church in this book is represented not only as fair and beautiful, but also as terrible to her enemies.

JFB: Sos 1:9 - -- Celebrated for beauty, swiftness, and ardor, at the Red Sea (Exo 14:15). These qualities, which seem to belong to the ungodly, really belong to the sa...

Celebrated for beauty, swiftness, and ardor, at the Red Sea (Exo 14:15). These qualities, which seem to belong to the ungodly, really belong to the saints [MOODY STUART]. The allusion may be to the horses brought at a high price by Solomon out of Egypt (2Ch 1:16-17). So the bride is redeemed out of spiritual Egypt by the true Solomon, at an infinite price (Isa 51:1; 1Pe 1:18-19). But the deliverance from Pharaoh at the Red Sea accords with the allusion to the tabernacle (Son 1:5; Son 3:6-7); it rightly is put at the beginning of the Church's call. The ardor and beauty of the bride are the point of comparison; (Son 1:4) "run"; (Son 1:5) "comely." Also, like Pharaoh's horses, she forms a great company (Rev 19:7, Rev 19:14). As Jesus Christ is both Shepherd and Conqueror, so believers are not only His sheep, but also, as a Church militant now, His chariots and horses (Son 6:4).

Clarke: Sos 1:9 - -- I have compared thee - to a company of horses - This may be translated, more literally, "I have compared thee, to my mare, in the chariots or course...

I have compared thee - to a company of horses - This may be translated, more literally, "I have compared thee, to my mare, in the chariots or courses of Pharaoh;"and so the versions understood it. Mares, in preference to horses, were used both for riding and for chariots in the East. They are much swifter, endure more hardship. and will go longer without food, than either the stallion or the gelding

There is perhaps no brute creature in the world so beautiful as a fine well-bred horse or mare; and the finest woman in the universe, Helen, has been compared to a horse in a Thessalian chariot, by Theocritus. Idyl. 18: ver. 28: -

Ὡδε και ἁ χρυσεα Ἑλενα διαφαινετεν ἡμιν

Πιειρη, μεγαλη, ἁτανεδραμεν ογμος αρουρᾳ

Η καπῳ κυπαρισσος, η ἁρματι Θεσσαλος ἱππος

"The golden Helen, tall and graceful, appears as distinguished among us as the furrow in the field, the cypress in the garden, or the Thessalian horse in the chariot.

This passage amply justifies the Hebrew bard, in the simile before us. See Jer 6:2.

Defender: Sos 1:9 - -- The bridegroom is speaking in Son 1:8-10. Comparing the Shulamite to a "company of horses" was a reference to her strength and grace, as well as her b...

The bridegroom is speaking in Son 1:8-10. Comparing the Shulamite to a "company of horses" was a reference to her strength and grace, as well as her beauty."

TSK: Sos 1:9 - -- O my : Son 2:2, Son 2:10, Son 2:13, Son 4:1, Son 4:7, Son 5:2, Son 6:4; Joh 15:14, Joh 15:15 to a : 1Ki 10:28; 2Ch 1:14-17; Isa 31:1

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Sos 1:9-14 - -- This and the next Cant. 1:15\endash 2:7 sections are regarded by ancient commentators (Jewish and Christian) as expressing "the love of espousals"Je...

This and the next Cant. 1:15\endash 2:7 sections are regarded by ancient commentators (Jewish and Christian) as expressing "the love of espousals"Jer 2:2 between the Holy One and His Church, first in the wilderness of the Exodus, and then in the wilderness of the world Eze 20:35-36.

Son 1:9

Or, to a mare of mine in the chariots of Pharaoh I liken thee, O my friend. (The last word is the feminine form of that rendered "friend"at Son 5:16.) The comparison of the bride to a beautiful horse is singularly like one in Theocritus, and some have conjectured that the Greek poet, having read at Alexandria the Septuagint Version of the Song, may have borrowed these thoughts from it. If so, we have here the first instance of an influence of sacred on profane literature. The simile is especially appropriate on the lips, or from the pen, of Solomon, who first brought horses and chariots from Egypt 1Ki 10:28-29. As applied to the bride it expresses the stately and imposing character of her beauty.

Son 1:10, Son 1:11

Rows ... borders - The same Hebrew word in both places; ornaments forming part of the bride’ s head-dress, probably strings of beads or other ornaments descending on the cheeks. The introduction of "jewels"and "gold"in Son 1:10 injures the sense and destroys the climax of Son 1:11, which was spoken by a chorus (hence "we,"not "I,"as when the king speaks, Son 1:9). They promise the bride ornaments more worthy and becoming than the rustic attire in which she has already such charms for the king: "Ornaments of gold will we make for thee with studs (or ‘ points’ ) of silver."The "studs"are little silver ornaments which it is proposed to affix to the golden (compare Pro 25:12), or substitute for the strung beads of the bride’ s necklace.

Son 1:12-14

The bride’ s reply Son 1:12 may mean, "While the king reclines at the banquet I anoint him with my costliest perfume, but he has for me a yet sweeter fragrance"Son 1:13-14. According to Origen’ s interpretation, the bride represents herself as anointing the king, like Mary Joh 12:3, with her most precious unguents.

Spikenard - An unguent of great esteem in the ancient world, retaining its Indian name in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. It is obtained from an Indian plant now called "jatamansi."

Son 1:13

Render: A bag of myrrh is my beloved to me, which lodgeth in my bosom.

Son 1:14

Camphire - Rather, כפר kôpher ,"from which "cyprus"is probably derived (in the margin misspelled "cypress "),the name by which the plant called by the Arabs "henna"was known to the Greeks and Romans. It is still much esteemed throughout the East for the fragrance of its flowers and the dye extracted from its leaves. Engedi was famous for its vines, and the henna may have been cultivated with the vines in the same enclosures.

Poole: Sos 1:9 - -- I have compared thee Heb. I have made thee like ; which may be understood either, 1. Verbally, by comparing. Or, 2. Really, by making a real resem...

I have compared thee Heb. I have made thee like ; which may be understood either,

1. Verbally, by comparing. Or,

2. Really, by making a real resemblance in quality or condition. To a company of horses in Pharaoh’ s chariots ; either,

1. For comeliness; for a horse is a very stately and beautiful creature, and the Egyptian horses were preferred before others, 1Ki 10:28 Isa 31:1 , and Pharaoh’ s own chariot horses were doubtless the best of their kind. Or,

2. For excellent order and usefulness, as those horses did equally and orderly draw the chariot, and carried Pharaoh with ease and speed whither he designed to go. Or rather,

3. For strength and courage, to overcome all thine enemies. For horses are famous for that property, Job 39:21 , &c. And the strength of the battle was then thought to consist very much in horses, Pro 21:31 , and chariots, and especially in a company or multitude of them. And the church in this book is represented not only as fair and beautiful, but also as terrible to her enemies, Son 6:10 . Compare Rev 19:11,14 .

PBC: Sos 1:9 - -- The King is now beginning to describe His Beloved. He likens her to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots, thus attributing to her the majesty a...

The King is now beginning to describe His Beloved. He likens her to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots, thus attributing to her the majesty and power, and beauty that is in the beholding of them. He describes her cheeks and neck as comely with jewels and chains of gold. This reminds us of the beauty that we have for ashes, {Isa 61:3} and that we stand as a bride adorned for her Husband with beautiful garments. How beautiful are the children of God when they adorn such garments! The practical thought throughout the Song is the description of His beloved, and her description of Him as of mutual love and admiration. Oh that we would let our wives and husbands know how much they mean to us, and how beautiful they are in precise descriptions. Note that not one word of ill intent is ever given to describe the King or His beloved. What a lesson that we should learn! It is not with hurtful words that we gain affection, but by truth and the pouring forth of our soul and heart to our beloved mates. The Virgins (attendants to the bride) are describing that they will make her bands of gold with studs of silver, further adding tribute to her beauty. If all of the attendants to the bride would attribute her due beauty and be about the work of adding to her beautiful garments, the Church of God would be much more beautiful to those that gaze upon her in the world. So many of God’s children try to take away from the beauty of her garments instead of adding to them, thus rendering her less attractive in the world’s eyes.

Haydock: Sos 1:9 - -- As, &c. Hebrew, "with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold." (Protestants) --- Septuagint here read like the Vulgate c instead of b ...

As, &c. Hebrew, "with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold." (Protestants) ---

Septuagint here read like the Vulgate c instead of b before thurim, which signifies chains, (ver. 10.; Haydock) as well as turtles. We cannot say that this bird has cheeks. (Calmet) ---

It is an emblem of the Church mourning, and ever true to her beloved, (Origen, &c.) who bestows a variety of graces on different people, 1 Corinthians xii. 4. (Calmet)

Gill: Sos 1:9 - -- I have compared thee, O my love,.... The church having taken the direction of Christ, had now found him, and was with him; and when for her encouragem...

I have compared thee, O my love,.... The church having taken the direction of Christ, had now found him, and was with him; and when for her encouragement and comfort he greets her as his love, an appellation very usual among lovers; and in the chastest sense between husband and wife; the church was Christ's love, being both the object and subject of it; to whom he had showed love, and whose love was shed abroad in her heart; or "my friend" t, another name used among lovers; there is a mutual friendship between Christ and his people; they are Christ's friends, and he is theirs, Son 5:1. The Septuagint render it "my neighbour", whom Christ loves as himself; and they dwell near each other; he dwells in them, and they in him, Joh 6:56; and here are compared by him

to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots; or "I have likened thee", or reckoned thee like u; formed such an image of thee in my mind, with regard to some peculiar excellencies in her which agreed therewith: or to "my mare" w, as some translate the word, which ran in one of his chariots, called Pharaoh's chariot; because perhaps it was made a present of to him by Pharaoh king of Egypt, his father in law, for which he had a particular regard, as Alexander for his Bucephalus; nor is such a comparison of a woman a disagreeable one, since, as Marckius observes, many women have had their names from the horse, because of some celebrated excellency in them x; and Theocritus y compares Queen Helena to a Thessalian horse in a chariot; and it is thought he took the hint from this song, as admiring it; so, by others z, persons are compared to mares for their beautiful form. Christ's church and people be compared to "the horse" for their strength, majesty, and comeliness; they are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and of an undaunted courage in bearing hardships, reproaches, and persecutions for his sake, and in fighting the Lord's battles; and are stately and majestic, especially a company of them in Gospel order, Son 6:4; and are very comely and beautiful in their trappings, clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and the graces of his Spirit; and to a "company" of them, a collection of goodly ones, as Egyptian ones, reckoned the best; and those in Pharaoh's chariot best of all; choice, costly, well fed, and well taken care of; and not wild and loose, but coupled and joined together in a chariot, all drawing one way. Christ's church and people are a choice and select company, distinguished from others by the grace of God; cost a great price, the blood of Christ; are well fed with the finest of the wheat; and are under the care both of angels and Gospel ministers; and look very beautiful as under the yoke of Christ, and joined together in Gospel bonds, being of the same faith and judgment; drawing one way, striving together for the faith of the Gospel, and endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Sos 1:9 Heb “among the chariot-horses” or “among the chariots.” The noun רֶכֶב (rekhev) has a wide range...

Geneva Bible: Sos 1:9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's ( q ) chariots. ( q ) For your spiritual beauty and excellency there was no worl...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

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 - --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 1:7-11 - -- Here is, I. The humble petition which the spouse presents to her beloved, the shepherdess to the shepherd, the church and every believer to Christ, ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Sos 1:9-11 - -- Solomon, while he was absent during the first scene, is now present. It is generally acknowledged that the words which follow were spoken by him: 9...

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 1:2-11 - --A. The Beginning of Love 1:2-11 In the NASB, NIV, and NKJV the translators identified the speakers in th...

Constable: Sos 1:9-11 - --3. Solomon's praise 1:9-11 1:9-10 Here Solomon reassured his love. Stallions, not mares, pulled chariots. A mare among the best of Pharaoh's stallions...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: The Song of Songs (Book Introduction) The Song of Solomon, called in the Vulgate and Septuagint, "The Song of Songs," from the opening words. This title denotes its superior excellence, ac...

TSK: The Song of Songs 1 (Chapter Introduction) Son 1:1, The church’s love unto Christ; Son 1:5, She confesses her deformity, Son 1:7, and prays to be directed to his flock; Son 1:8, Christ di...

Poole: The Song of Songs 1 (Chapter Introduction) SONG OF SOLOMON Before I come to the explication of this book, some things must be premised concerning it. 1. That it was of Divine inspiration is...

MHCC: The Song of Songs (Book Introduction) 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 a...

MHCC: The Song of Songs 1 (Chapter Introduction) (Son 1:1) The title. (Son 1:2-6) The church confesses her deformity. (Son 1:7, Son 1:8) The church beseeches Christ to lead her to the resting-place...

Matthew Henry: The Song of Songs (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Song of Solomon All scripture, we are sure, is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable f...

Matthew Henry: The Song of Songs 1 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter, after the title of the book (Son 1:1), we have Christ and his church, Christ and a believer, expressing their esteem for each othe...

Constable: The Song of Songs (Book Introduction) Introduction Title In the Hebrew Bible the title of this book is "The Song of Songs." ...

Constable: The Song of Songs (Outline) Outline I. The superscription 1:1 II. The courtship 1:2-3:5 A. The begin...

Constable: The Song of Songs Song of Solomon Bibliography Baxter, J. Sidlow. Explore the Book. 6 vols. London: Marshall, Morgan, and Scott, ...

Haydock: The Song of Songs (Book Introduction) SOLOMON'S CANTICLE OF CANTICLES. INTRODUCTION. This book is called the Canticle of Canticles, that is to say, the most excellent of all cantic...

Gill: The Song of Songs (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE SONG OF SOLOMON This book is entitled, in the Hebrew copies, "Shir Hashirim", the Song of Songs. The Septuagint and Vulgate Lat...

Gill: The Song of Songs 1 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON 1 In this chapter, after the general title of the book, Son 1:1, the church expresses her strong desires, and most ...

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