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Text -- The Song of Songs 2:1-4 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
The Lily among the Thorns and the Apple Tree in the Forest
2:1 The Beloved to Her Lover: I am a meadow flower from Sharon, a lily from the valleys. 2:2 The Lover to His Beloved: Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens. 2:3 The Beloved about Her Lover: Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
The Banquet Hall for the Love-Sick
2:4 The Beloved about Her Lover: He brought me into the banquet hall, and he looked at me lovingly.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Sharon a region of large coastal plain in northern Palestine,rich coastal plain in North Palestine (IBD),the unsettled plains country (IBD)


Dictionary Themes and Topics: THORN IN THE FLESH | Song | Sharon | SHADE; SHADOW; SHADOWING | Rose | Righteous | Personification | PALESTINE, 3 | Lovers | LILY | Jesus, The Christ | Fellowship | FOREST | ENSIGN | Baer | BANQUET | BANNER | Apple | APPLE; APPLE-TREE | APPLE TREE, APPLE | 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 2:1 - -- These are the words of the bridegroom. He compares himself to the rose and lilly, for fragrancy and beauty. Sharon, was a very fruitful place, and fam...

These are the words of the bridegroom. He compares himself to the rose and lilly, for fragrancy and beauty. Sharon, was a very fruitful place, and famous for roses.

Wesley: Sos 2:2 - -- Compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty.

Compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty.

Wesley: Sos 2:2 - -- So far, doth my church or people, excel all other assemblies. The title of daughter, is often given to whole nations. These are Christ's words, to whi...

So far, doth my church or people, excel all other assemblies. The title of daughter, is often given to whole nations. These are Christ's words, to which the spouse makes the following reply.

Wesley: Sos 2:3 - -- tree - Whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome.

tree - Whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome.

Wesley: Sos 2:3 - -- Which are barren.

Which are barren.

Wesley: Sos 2:3 - -- I confidently reposed myself under his protection.

I confidently reposed myself under his protection.

Wesley: Sos 2:3 - -- The benefits which I received by him, remission of sins, faith, grace, and assurance of glory.

The benefits which I received by him, remission of sins, faith, grace, and assurance of glory.

Wesley: Sos 2:4 - -- The places in which believers receive the graces and blessings of Christ.

The places in which believers receive the graces and blessings of Christ.

Wesley: Sos 2:4 - -- By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him.

By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him.

Wesley: Sos 2:4 - -- The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel.

The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel.

JFB: Sos 2:1 - -- If applied to Jesus Christ, it, with the white lily (lowly, 2Co 8:9), answers to "white and ruddy" (Son 5:10). But it is rather the meadow-saffron: th...

If applied to Jesus Christ, it, with the white lily (lowly, 2Co 8:9), answers to "white and ruddy" (Son 5:10). But it is rather the meadow-saffron: the Hebrew means radically a plant with a pungent bulb, inapplicable to the rose. So Syriac. It is of a white and violet color [MAURER, GESENIUS, and WEISS]. The bride thus speaks of herself as lowly though lovely, in contrast with the lordly "apple" or citron tree, the bridegroom (Son 2:3); so the "lily" is applied to her (Son 2:2),

JFB: Sos 2:1 - -- (Isa 35:1-2). In North Palestine, between Mount Tabor and Lake Tiberias (1Ch 5:16). Septuagint and Vulgate translate it, "a plain"; though they err i...

(Isa 35:1-2). In North Palestine, between Mount Tabor and Lake Tiberias (1Ch 5:16). Septuagint and Vulgate translate it, "a plain"; though they err in this, the Hebrew Bible not elsewhere favoring it, yet the parallelism to valleys shows that, in the proper name Sharon, there is here a tacit reference to its meaning of lowliness. Beauty, delicacy, and lowliness, are to be in her, as they were in Him (Mat 11:29).

JFB: Sos 2:2 - -- Jesus Christ to the Bride (Mat 10:16; Joh 15:19; 1Jo 5:19). Thorns, equivalent to the wicked (2Sa 23:6; Psa 57:4).

Jesus Christ to the Bride (Mat 10:16; Joh 15:19; 1Jo 5:19). Thorns, equivalent to the wicked (2Sa 23:6; Psa 57:4).

JFB: Sos 2:2 - -- Of men, not of God; not "the virgins." "If thou art the lily of Jesus Christ, take heed lest by impatience, rash judgments, and pride, thou thyself be...

Of men, not of God; not "the virgins." "If thou art the lily of Jesus Christ, take heed lest by impatience, rash judgments, and pride, thou thyself become a thorn" [LUTHER].

JFB: Sos 2:3 - -- Generic including the golden citron, pomegranate, and orange apple (Pro 25:11). He combines the shadow and fragrance of the citron with the sweetness ...

Generic including the golden citron, pomegranate, and orange apple (Pro 25:11). He combines the shadow and fragrance of the citron with the sweetness of the orange and pomegranate fruit. The foliage is perpetual; throughout the year a succession of blossoms, fruit, and perfume (Jam 1:17).

JFB: Sos 2:3 - -- Parallel to "among the daughters" (Son 2:2). He alone is ever fruitful among the fruitless wild trees (Psa 89:6; Heb 1:9).

Parallel to "among the daughters" (Son 2:2). He alone is ever fruitful among the fruitless wild trees (Psa 89:6; Heb 1:9).

JFB: Sos 2:3 - -- Literally, "I eagerly desired and sat" (Psa 94:19; Mar 6:31; Eph 2:6; 1Pe 1:8).

Literally, "I eagerly desired and sat" (Psa 94:19; Mar 6:31; Eph 2:6; 1Pe 1:8).

JFB: Sos 2:3 - -- (Psa 121:5; Isa 4:6; Isa 25:4; Isa 32:2). Jesus Christ interposes the shadow of His cross between the blazing rays of justice and us sinners.

(Psa 121:5; Isa 4:6; Isa 25:4; Isa 32:2). Jesus Christ interposes the shadow of His cross between the blazing rays of justice and us sinners.

JFB: Sos 2:3 - -- Faith plucks it (Pro 3:18). Man lost the tree of life (Gen 3:22-23). Jesus Christ regained it for him; he eats it partly now (Psa 119:103; Joh 6:55, J...

Faith plucks it (Pro 3:18). Man lost the tree of life (Gen 3:22-23). Jesus Christ regained it for him; he eats it partly now (Psa 119:103; Joh 6:55, Joh 6:57; 1Pe 2:3); fully hereafter (Rev 2:7; Rev 22:2, Rev 22:14); not earned by the sweat of his brow, or by his righteousness (Rom. 10:1-21). Contrast the worldling's fruit (Deu 32:32; Luk 15:16).

JFB: Sos 2:4 - -- Historically fulfilled in the joy of Simeon and Anna in the temple, over the infant Saviour (Luk 2:25-38), and that of Mary, too (compare Luk 1:53); t...

Historically fulfilled in the joy of Simeon and Anna in the temple, over the infant Saviour (Luk 2:25-38), and that of Mary, too (compare Luk 1:53); typified (Exo 24:9-11). Spiritually, the bride or beloved is led (Son 2:4) first into the King's chambers, thence is drawn after Him in answer to her prayer; is next received on a grassy couch under a cedar kiosk; and at last in a "banqueting hall," such as, JOSEPHUS says, Solomon had in his palace, "wherein all the vessels were of gold" (Antiquities, 8:5,2). The transition is from holy retirement to public ordinances, church worship, and the Lord's Supper (Psa 36:8). The bride, as the queen of Sheba, is given "all her desire" (1Ki 10:13; Psa 63:5; Eph 3:8, Eph 3:16-21; Phi 4:19); type of the heavenly feast hereafter (Isa 25:6, Isa 25:9).

JFB: Sos 2:4 - -- After having rescued us from the enemy, our victorious captain (Heb 2:10) seats us at the banquet under a banner inscribed with His name, "love" (1Jo ...

After having rescued us from the enemy, our victorious captain (Heb 2:10) seats us at the banquet under a banner inscribed with His name, "love" (1Jo 4:8). His love conquered us to Himself; this banner rallies round us the forces of Omnipotence, as our protection; it marks to what country we belong, heaven, the abode of love, and in what we most glory, the cross of Jesus Christ, through which we triumph (Rom 8:37; 1Co 15:57; Rev 3:21). Compare with "over me," "underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deu 33:27).

Clarke: Sos 2:1 - -- I am the rose of Sharon - Sharon was a very fruitful place, where David’ s cattle were fed, 1Ch 27:29. It is mentioned as a place of excellence...

I am the rose of Sharon - Sharon was a very fruitful place, where David’ s cattle were fed, 1Ch 27:29. It is mentioned as a place of excellence, Isa 35:2, and as a place of flocks, Isa 65:10, Perhaps it would be better, with almost all the versions, to translate, "I am the rose of the field."The bridegroom had just before called her fair; she with a becoming modesty, represents her beauty as nothing extraordinary, and compares herself to a common flower of the field. This, in the warmth of his affection, he denies, insisting that she as much surpasses all other maidens as the flower of the lily does the bramble, Son 2:2.

Clarke: Sos 2:3 - -- As the apple tree - The bride returns the compliment, and says, As the apple or citron tree is among the trees of the wood, so is the bridegroom amo...

As the apple tree - The bride returns the compliment, and says, As the apple or citron tree is among the trees of the wood, so is the bridegroom among all other men

Clarke: Sos 2:3 - -- I sat down under his shadow - I am become his spouse, and my union with him makes me indescribably happy.

I sat down under his shadow - I am become his spouse, and my union with him makes me indescribably happy.

Clarke: Sos 2:4 - -- He brought me to the banqueting house - Literally, the house of wine. The ancients preserved their wine, not in barrels or dark cellars under ground...

He brought me to the banqueting house - Literally, the house of wine. The ancients preserved their wine, not in barrels or dark cellars under ground, as we do, but in large pitchers, ranged against the wall in some upper apartment in the house, the place where they kept their most precious effects. We have a proof of this in Homer: -

Ως φαν· ὁ δὑψοραφον θαλομον κατεβησατο πατρο

Ευρυν, ὁθι νητος χρυσος και χαλκος εκειτο

Εσθης τεν χηλοισιν, ἁλις τευωδες ελαιον

Εν δε πιθοι οινοιο παλαιου ἡδυποτοι

Εστασαν, ακρητον θειον ποτον εντος εχοντες

Ἑξειης ποτε τοιχον αρηροτες· ειποτΟδυσσευ

Οικαδε νοστησειε, και αλγεα πολλα μογησας

Κληΐσται δεπεσαν σανιδες πυκινως αραρυιαι

Δικλιδες· εν δε γυνη ταμιη νυκτας τε και ημα

Εσχ, κ. τ. λ. . Od. lib. ii., ver. 337

Meantime the lofty rooms the prince surveys

Where lay the treasures of th’ Ithacian race

Here, ruddy brass and gold refulgent blazed

There, polished chests embroider’ d gestures graced

Here, pots of oil breathed forth a rich perfume

There, jars of wine in rows adorn’ d the dome

(Pure flavorous wine, by gods in bounty given

And worthy to exalt the feasts of heaven)

Untouch’ d they stood, till, his long labors o’ er

The great Ulysses reach’ d his native shore

A double strength of bars secured the gates

Fast by the door wise Euryclea waits, etc

Pope.

||&&$

Defender: Sos 2:1 - -- Although these terms are often applied to Christ by modern writers, it is actually the bride who is speaking, in effect deprecating herself as like tw...

Although these terms are often applied to Christ by modern writers, it is actually the bride who is speaking, in effect deprecating herself as like two very common wildflowers. The bridegroom, however, rejects this comparison, saying she is like "a lily among thorns" (Son 2:2)."

Defender: Sos 2:4 - -- The "banner" metaphor envisions a flag on a flagpole, depicting ownership and protection. The bride's "banner" is the love of her bridegroom, just as ...

The "banner" metaphor envisions a flag on a flagpole, depicting ownership and protection. The bride's "banner" is the love of her bridegroom, just as our eternal security is in the undying love of Christ. Except for Son 2:2, it is the bride who is speaking throughout this chapter."

TSK: Sos 2:1 - -- the rose : Psa 85:11; Isa 35:1, Isa 35:2 lily : Son 2:16, Son 6:3; Isa 57:15

TSK: Sos 2:2 - -- Isa 55:13; Mat 6:28, Mat 6:29, Mat 10:16; Phi 2:15, Phi 2:16; 1Pe 2:12

TSK: Sos 2:3 - -- the apple tree : Son 8:5; Isa 4:2; Eze 17:23, Eze 17:24; Joh 15:1-8 my beloved : Son 5:9, Son 5:10, Son 5:16; Psa 45:2, Psa 89:6; Joh 1:14-18, Joh 3:2...

TSK: Sos 2:4 - -- brought : Son 1:4, Son 5:1; Psa 63:2-5, Psa 84:10; Joh 14:21-23; Rev 3:20 banqueting house : Heb. house of wine, Son 1:1, Son 1:4; Est 7:7 his banner ...

brought : Son 1:4, Son 5:1; Psa 63:2-5, Psa 84:10; Joh 14:21-23; Rev 3:20

banqueting house : Heb. house of wine, Son 1:1, Son 1:4; Est 7:7

his banner : Son 6:4; Job 1:10; Psa 60:4; Isa 11:10; Joh 15:9-15; Rom 5:8-10, Rom 8:28-39

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Sos 2:1 - -- The division of the chapters is unfortunate; Cant. 2 ought to have begun at Son 1:15, or Cant. 1 to have been continued to Son 2:7. The bride replie...

The division of the chapters is unfortunate; Cant. 2 ought to have begun at Son 1:15, or Cant. 1 to have been continued to Son 2:7. The bride replies, "And I am like a lovely wild flower springing at the root of the stately forest-trees."The majority of Christian fathers assigned this verse to the King (Christ). Hebrew commentators generally assign it to the bride. It is quite uncertain what flower is meant by the word rendered (here and Isa 35:1) "rose."The etymology is in favor of its being a bulbous plant (the white narcissus, Conder). "Sharon"is usually the proper name of the celebrated plain from Joppa to Caesarea, between the hill-country and the sea, and travelers have remarked the abundance of flowers with which this plain is still carpeted in spring. But in the time of Eusebius and Jerome there was a smaller plain of Sharon (Saron) situated between Mount Tabor and the sea of Tiberias, which would be very near the bride’ s native home if that were Shunem.

Barnes: Sos 2:2 - -- The king resumes, taking up the bride’ s comparison: "As the lily excels in beauty the thorny shrubs among which it grows, so my friend excels ...

The king resumes, taking up the bride’ s comparison: "As the lily excels in beauty the thorny shrubs among which it grows, so my friend excels her companions."

Barnes: Sos 2:3-7 - -- The bride’ s answer: "As the ‘ tappuach’ with its fragrant fruit excels the barren trees of the wild wood, so my beloved his associa...

The bride’ s answer: "As the ‘ tappuach’ with its fragrant fruit excels the barren trees of the wild wood, so my beloved his associates and friends etc." תפוח tappûach may in early Hebrew have been a generic name for apple, quince, citron, orange etc.

Son 2:4

His banner - As the standard is the rallying-point and guide of the individual soldier, so the bride, transplanted from a lowly station to new scenes of unaccustomed splendor, finds support and safety in the known attachment of her beloved. His "love"is her "banner."The thought is similar to that expressed in the name "Jehovah-nissi"(see the Exo 17:15 note).

Son 2:5

Flagons - More probably cakes of raisins or dried grapes (2Sa 6:19 note; 1Ch 16:3; Hos 3:1). For an instance of the reviving power of dried fruit, see 1Sa 30:12.

Son 2:6

Render as a wish or prayer: "O that his left hand were under my head, and that his right hand did embrace me!"Let him draw me to him with entire affection. Compare Deu 33:27; Pro 4:8.

Son 2:7

Render: "I adjure you ... by the gazelles, or by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up nor awaken love until it please."The King James Version, "my love,"is misleading. The affection or passion in itself, not its object, is here meant. This adjuration, three times significantly introduced as a concluding formula (marginal references), expresses one of the main thoughts of the poem; namely, that genuine love is a shy and gentle affection which dreads intrusion and scrutiny; hence the allusion to the gazelles and hinds, shy and timid creatures.

The complementary thought is that of Son 8:6-7, where love is again described, and by the bride, as a fiery principle.

Poole: Sos 2:2 - -- As the lily among thorns compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty; so is my love among the daughters so far, and much...

As the lily among thorns compared with thorns, which it unspeakably exceeds in glory and beauty;

so is my love among the daughters so far, and much more, doth my church or people excel all other assemblies or people. The title of daughter is oft given to whole nations; whence we read of the daughter of Babylon , and of Egypt , and of Edom , &c., Isa 47:1 Jer 46:11 Lam 4:21 . These are Christ’ s words, to which the spouse makes the following reply. And it is observable here, that as Christ is here represented as a shepherd, and the spouse as a country virgin, so the similitudes here used are agreeable to that estate.

Poole: Sos 2:3 - -- As the apple tree whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome, among the trees of the wood which are either barren, or bear ungrateful and worthless...

As the apple tree whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome,

among the trees of the wood which are either barren, or bear ungrateful and worthless fruit.

I sat down under his shadow being weary and heavy laden with manifold sins and troubles, inward and outward, I confidently reposed myself under his protection, (which is commonly signified by a shadow, as Isa 4:6 25:4 , &c.,) and by him was defended from the scorching heat of God’ s wrath and from the curse of his fiery law, and from the mischief or hurt of all sorts of distresses. His fruit ; the benefits which I received by him, the clear, and full, and certain knowledge of God’ s will, and the way of salvation, adoption, and remission of sins, faith and repentance, and all manner of grace, and assurance of glory. Thus he was to me both a sun and a shield , as is said, Psa 84:11 .

Poole: Sos 2:4 - -- Banqueting-house Heb. house of wine , or, by a common synecdoche, of feasting. By which he understands the places in which, or the means and instrum...

Banqueting-house Heb. house of wine , or, by a common synecdoche, of feasting. By which he understands the places in which, or the means and instruments by which, believers receive the graces and blessings of Christ, to wit, the Holy Scriptures, ministers, and public assemblies, and all Christ’ s institutions.

His banner over me or, to or towards me ; by the lifting up or displaying whereof I was invited and encouraged to come in to him, and to list myself under him, as soldiers are by the lifting up of a banner or ensign, of which see Isa 11:10 49:22 .

Was love the love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel, whereby sinners are drawn and engaged to come to Christ: see Joh 3:14 12:32 2Co 5:14 . The motto or device of Christ’ s banner was not like those of other great generals, a lion, or leopard, or eagle, but love, by which alone Christ made all his conquests.

PBC: Sos 2:1 - -- Christ is the lily of the valleys. If you don’t go through the valley, you’ll never find that lily. He’s also the God of the mountain-top but th...

Christ is the lily of the valleys. If you don’t go through the valley, you’ll never find that lily. He’s also the God of the mountain-top but there’s an experience with Him in the valley that’s different than the experience on the mountain-top. And, it’s a sweet experience. When the Lord takes us by the hand in the midst of our trials and troubles and guides us through them and delivers us from them or carries us out of them—whatever He chooses to do, what a sweet time that is.

237

Haydock: Sos 2:1 - -- Feedeth. "His flock." (Septuagint) He still retains the fragrancy of lilies. As married people are two in one flesh, (Ephesians v. 31.) Christ an...

Feedeth. "His flock." (Septuagint) He still retains the fragrancy of lilies. As married people are two in one flesh, (Ephesians v. 31.) Christ and his Church are irrevocably united. (Calmet) ---

She reposes in him. (Worthington)

Haydock: Sos 2:1 - -- I am. The spouse compares herself to a lily, as she is the fairest flower on the bed, (Calmet) or Christ may here speak. (Worthington) (Isaias xi....

I am. The spouse compares herself to a lily, as she is the fairest flower on the bed, (Calmet) or Christ may here speak. (Worthington) (Isaias xi. 1.) (Origen) ---

He praises himself first, that his spouse may hear her own eulogy. (Menochius)

Haydock: Sos 2:2 - -- Thorns. The bridegroom enhances the praise of his spouse. The Church, surrounded by infidels and persecutors, maintains her beauty and station. He...

Thorns. The bridegroom enhances the praise of his spouse. The Church, surrounded by infidels and persecutors, maintains her beauty and station. Heretics, &c., are no better than thorns. (Origen) (Calmet) ---

The Church excels all other societies. In her communion the innocent are preferred before sinners, and among the former, the blessed Virgin [Mary] surpasses all.

Haydock: Sos 2:3 - -- As. The Church praises Christ, resting secure under his protection. (Worthington)

As. The Church praises Christ, resting secure under his protection. (Worthington)

Haydock: Sos 2:4 - -- Cellar. This was not under ground. Homer (Odyssey b. 237.) places the wine near the nuptial bed. (Calmet) --- In me. Hebrew, "he brought me to ...

Cellar. This was not under ground. Homer (Odyssey b. 237.) places the wine near the nuptial bed. (Calmet) ---

In me. Hebrew, "he brought me to the banquetting-house, and his banner over me was love." (Protestants) (Haydock) ---

He has shewn me the greatest tenderness. Only the religion of Christ lays before us our duties to God, to ourselves, and neighbours. (Calmet) (St. Thomas Aquinas, [Summa Theologiae] ii. 2. q. 26.) (Haydock) ---

The holy Spirit came on the assembled disciples, who were deemed to be drunk, and Christ nourishes the pious soul with the wine of his own blood. (Menochius)

Gill: Sos 2:1 - -- I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Whether Christ, or the church, is here speaking, is not certain: most of the Jewish writers t,...

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Whether Christ, or the church, is here speaking, is not certain: most of the Jewish writers t, and some Christian interpreters u, take them to be the words of the church, expressing the excellency of her grace, loveliness, and beauty, she had from Christ; and intimating also her being in the open fields, exposed to many dangers and enemies, and so needed his protection. The church may be compared to a "rose", for its beautiful colour and sweet odour w, and for its delight in sunny places, where it thrives best, and is most fragrant. This figure is exceeding just; not only the beauty of women is expressed by the colour of the rose x, as is common in poems of this kind; to give instances of it would be endless y; some have had the name of Rhoda from hence; see Act 12:13. No rose can be more beautiful in colour, and delightful to the eye, than the church is in the eyes of Christ, as clothed with his righteousness, and adorned with the graces of his Spirit: nor is any rose of a more sweet and fragrant smell than the persons of believers are to God and Christ, being considered in him; and even their graces, when in exercise, yea, their duties and services, when performed in faith; and, as the rose, they grow and thrive under the warming, comforting, and refreshing beams of the sun of righteousness, where they delight to be. The church may also be compared to a "lily of the valleys", as she is, in the next verse, to one among thorns. This is a very beautiful flower; Pliny z says it is next in nobleness to the rose; its whiteness is singularly excellent; no plant more fruitful, and no flower exceeds it in height; in some countries, it rises up three cubits high; has a weak neck or body, insufficient to bear the weight of its head. The church may be compared to a lily, for her beauty and fragrance, as to a rose; and the redness of the rose, and the whiteness of the lily, meeting in her, make her somewhat like her beloved, white and ruddy; like the lily, being arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, the righteousness of the saints; and like it for fruitfulness, as it is in good works, under the influence of divine grace, and grows up on high into her head, Christ Jesus; and though weak in herself, yet strong in him, who supports her, and not she him: and the church may be compared to a "lily of the valleys"; which may not describe any particular lily, and what we now call so; but only expresses the place where it grows, in low places, where plants are in danger of being plucked and trodden upon; though they may have more moisture and verdure than those in higher places; so the church of Christ is sometimes in a low estate, exposed to enemies, and liable to be trampled and trodden under foot by them, and to be carried away with the flood of persecution, were it not guarded by divine power; and, being watered with the dews of grace, it becomes flourishing and fruitful. But the more commonly received opinion is, that these are the words of Christ concerning himself; and which indeed best become him, and are more agreeable to his style and language, Joh 14:6; and suit best with the words in the Son 2:2, as one observes a; nor is it unfitly taken by the bridegroom to himself, since it is sometimes given by lovers to men b. Christ may be compared to a rose for its colour and smell; to the rose for its red colour: and which may be expressive of the truth of his humanity, and of his bloody sufferings in it; and this, with the whiteness of the lily, finishes the description of him for his beauty, Son 5:10; and for its sweet smell; which denotes the same things for which he is before compared to spikenard, myrrh, and camphire. The rose, as Pliny says c, delights not in fat soils and rich clays, but in rubbish, and roses that grow there are of the sweetest smell; and such was the earth about Sharon d; and to a rose there Christ is compared, to show the excellency and preferableness of him to all others. The word is only used here and in Isa 35:1. Where it is in many versions rendered a "lily": it seems to be compounded of two words; one which signifies to "cover" and hide, and another which signifies a "shadow"; and so may be rendered, "the covering shadow": but for what reason a rose should be so called is not easy to say; unless it can be thought to have the figure of an umbrella; or that the rose tree in those parts was so large, as to be remarkable for its shadow; like that Montfaucon e saw, in a garden at Ravenna, under the shadow of the branches of which more than forty men could stand: Christ is sometimes compared to trees for their shadow, which is pleasant and reviving, as in Son 2:3. Some render it, "the flower of the field" f; which may be expressive of the meanness of Christ in the eyes of men; of his not being of human production; of his being accessible; and of his being liable to be trampled upon, as he has been. And as he is compared to a rose, so to a "lily", for its colour, height, and fruitfulness; expressive of his purity in himself, of his superiority to angels and men, and of his being filled with the fruits and blessings of grace; and to a lily of the valleys, denoting his wonderful condescension in his low estate of humiliation, and his delight in dwelling with the humble and lowly: some render the words, "I am the rose of Sharon, with the lily of the valleys" g; by the former epithet meaning himself; and by the latter his church, his companion, in strict union and communion with him; of whom the following words are spoken.

Gill: Sos 2:2 - -- As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. These are manifestly the words of Christ concerning his church, whom he calls "my love";...

As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. These are manifestly the words of Christ concerning his church, whom he calls "my love"; see Gill on Son 1:9; and was his love still, though in such company, and in such an uncomfortable condition. In what sense she is comparable to a lily has been shown in Son 2:1; but here she is compared to one among "thorns": by which may be meant wicked men, comparable to thorns for their unfruitfulness and unprofitableness; for their being hurtful and pernicious to good men; and for their end, which is to be burned; especially persecutors of religion, who are very distressing to the saints who dwell among them; see 2Sa 23:6; and her being among such serves for a foil, to set off her excellency the more: and the simile is designed, not so much to observe that Christ's lily grows among thorns, as to show that the church is as preferable to such persons as a lily is to thorns; which is justly remarked by Carolus Maria de Veil; and which sense the comparison requires, as appears by the reddition, so is "my love among the daughters": the nations and men of the world, and even carnal professors, members of the visible church, whom she as much exceeds in beauty, grace, and fruitfulness, as the lily exceeds thorns. Ainsworth thinks the "woodbind" or "honeysuckle" is meant, which grows in thorn hedges, and is sometimes called "lilium inter spinas", as Mercer observes; this is indeed of a sweet smell, yet very weak, and cannot support itself; and therefore twists and wraps itself about other trees, their twigs and branches, "convolvens se adminiculis quibuscunque", as Pliny h says; hence we call it "woodbind", and for the same reason its name in Greek is "periclymenon"; so saints are of a sweet fragrance to Christ, and, weak in themselves, cannot support themselves; yet they twine about Christ, lean on him, and are upheld by him, and depend on him for all good things. But it is the same word as in Son 2:1, and may be rendered "lily" here as there; and not a "rose", as it is in the Targum, from which it is there distinguished. The lily is often mentioned in this love song; it is said to be the delight of Verus i. Some call it "ambrosia".

Gill: Sos 2:3 - -- As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons,.... As the apple tree, in a garden or orchard, excels and is preferab...

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons,.... As the apple tree, in a garden or orchard, excels and is preferable to the wild barren trees of a forest k, especially it appears so when laden with choice fruit; so the church, who here returns the commendation to Christ, asserts, that he as much excels all the "sons", the creatures of God, angels or men: angels, as the Targum, who, though sons of God by creation, Christ is the Son of God, in a higher sense; he is their Creator, and the object of their worship; they are confirmed by him in the estate they are, and are ministering spirits to him; and he is exalted above them in human nature: men also, the greatest princes and monarchs of the earth, are sometimes compared to large and lofty trees; but Christ is higher than they, and is possessed of far greater power, riches, glory, and majesty. All the sons of Adam in general may be meant; wicked men, who are like forest trees, wild, barren, and unfruitful; yea, even good men, Christ has the pre-eminence of them, the sons of God by adopting grace; for he is so in such a sense they are not; he is their Creator, Lord, Head, Husband, and Saviour, and they have all their fruit from him; and so ministers of the word have their gifts and grace from him, and therefore Christ excels all that come under this appellation of sons. Christ may be compared to an apple tree, which is very fruitful; and, when full of fruit, very beautiful; and whose fruit is very cooling, comforting, and refreshing. Christ is full of the fruits and blessings of grace, which are to be reached by the hand of faith, and enjoyed; and as he is full of grace and truth, he looks very beautiful and glorious in the eye of faith; and which blessings of grace from him, being applied to a poor sensible sinner, inflamed by the fiery law, and filled with wrath and terror, sweetly cool, refresh, and comfort him. The apple tree has been accounted an hieroglyphic of love, under which lovers used to meet, and sit under its delightful shade, and entertain each other with its fruit; to which the allusion may be; see Son 8:5; the apple was sacred to love l. The Targum renders it, the pome citron, or citron apple tree; which is a tree very large and beautiful; its fruit is of a bitter taste, but of a good smell; always fruit on it; is an excellent remedy against poison, and good for the breath, as naturalists m observe; and so is a fit emblem of Christ, in the greatness of his person, in the fulness, of his grace, in the virtue of his blood, and righteousness and grace, which are a sovereign antidote against the poison of sin; and whose presence, and communion with him, cure panting souls, out of breath in seeking him; and whose mediation perfumes their breath, their prayers, whereby they become grateful to God, which otherwise would be strange and disagreeable;

I sat down under his shadow with great delight: under the shadow of the apple tree, to which Christ is compared; whose person, blood, and righteousness, cast a shadow, which is a protecting one, from the heat of divine wrath, from the curses of a fiery law, from the fiery darts of Satan, and from the fury of persecutors, Isa 25:4; and is a cooling, comforting, and refreshing one, like the shadow of a great rock to a weary traveller, Isa 32:2; and though the shadow of some trees, as Pliny n observes, is harmful to plants that grow under them, others are fructifying; and such is Christ; "they that dwell under his shadow shall revive and grow", &c. Hos 14:7. "Sitting" here supposes it was her choice; that she preferred Christ to any other shadow, looking upon him to be a suitable one in her circumstances, Son 1:6; it intimates that peace, quietness, satisfaction, and security, she enjoyed under him; it denotes her continuance, and desire of abiding there, Psa 91:1; for the words may be rendered, "I desired, and I sat down" o; she desired to sit under the shade of this tree, and she did; she had what she wished for; and she sat "with great delight": having the presence of Christ, and fellowship with him in his word and ordinances, where Christ is a delightful shade to his people;

and his fruit was sweet to my taste; the fruit of the apple tree, to which the allusion is. Solon p advised the bride to eat a quince apple before she went into the bridegroom, as leaving an agreeable savour; and intimating how graceful the words of her mouth should be. By "his fruit" here are meant the blessings of grace, which are Christ's in a covenant way, come through his sufferings and death, and are at his dispose; such as peace, pardon, justification, &c. and fresh discoveries and manifestations of his love, of which the apple is an emblem: and these are sweet, pleasant, and delightful, to those that have tasted that the Lord is gracious; whose vitiated taste is changed by the grace of God, and they savour the things of the Spirit of God.

Gill: Sos 2:4 - -- He brought me to the banqueting house,.... Or "into" it q. The "house of wine" r, as it is literally in the original; either the "wine cellar" s, as s...

He brought me to the banqueting house,.... Or "into" it q. The "house of wine" r, as it is literally in the original; either the "wine cellar" s, as some, where stores of it were kept; or, the "place of fasting" t, as others, and, as we render it, a "banqueting house"; where it was distributed and drank; a banquet of wine being put for a feast, and here the nuptial feast; and may design the Gospel feast in the house of God, where there is plenty of the wine of Gospel truths, and provisions of rich food, with which believers are sweetly refreshed and delightfully regaled: and to be brought hither, under the drawings and influences of divine grace, is a special privilege, a distinguishing layout; and show a great condescension in Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, to take his people by the hand, as it were, and introduce them into his house, so well furnished, and to a table so well spread: and so the church relates it as an instance of divine favour, and as a fresh token of Christ's love to her; which further appears by what follows: the covenant of grace and the Scriptures of truth may be thought of as a banqueting house, well stored with blessings, and promises, and rich provisions; which, to be led and let into, is a singular kindness;

and his banner over me was love; signifying, that she was brought into the banqueting house in a grand, stately, and majestic manner, with flying colours; the motto on which inscribed was "love"; the allusion may be to the names of generals being inscribed on the banners of their armies; so Vespasian's name was inscribed on the banners throughout his armies u. Christ's name, inscribed on his, was "love", his church's love; and by which his company or band was distinguished from all others, even by electing, redeeming, calling love. It may signify the security and protection of the saints, while in the house of God, and enjoying communion with him, being under the banner of love, with which they are encompassed as a shield; and it may denote the very manifest and visible displays of it, which the church now experienced.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Sos 2:1 There is debate about the referent of שׁוֹשַׁנָּת (shoshannat, “lily”) b...

NET Notes: Sos 2:2 The Lover accommodates her self-denigrating comparison, but heightens it to praise her: If she insisted that she was nothing more than a common flower...

NET Notes: Sos 2:3 Heb “my palate.” The term חִכִּי (khikki, “my palate”) is used metonymically in reference ...

NET Notes: Sos 2:4 The syntax of the noun אַהֲבָה (’ahavah, “love”) has been taken as: (1) predicate nominati...

Geneva Bible: Sos 2:2 As the lily among thorns, so [is] my ( a ) love among the daughters. ( a ) Thus Christ prefers his Church above all other things.

Geneva Bible: Sos 2:3 ( b ) As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit ...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Sos 2:1-17 - --1 The mutual love of Christ and his church.8 The hope,10 and calling of the church.14 Christ's care of the church.16 The profession of the church, her...

MHCC: Sos 2:1-7 - --Believers are beautiful, as clothed in the righteousness of Christ; and fragrant, as adorned with the graces of his Spirit; and they thrive under the ...

Matthew Henry: Sos 2:1-2 - -- See here, I. What Christ is pleased to compare himself to; and he condescends very much in the comparison. He that is the Son of the Highest, the br...

Matthew Henry: Sos 2:3-7 - -- Here, I. The spouse commends her beloved and prefers him before all others: As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, which perhaps does not ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Sos 2:1 - -- What Shulamith now further says confirms what had just been said. City and palace with their splendour please her not; forest and field she delights...

Keil-Delitzsch: Sos 2:2 - -- 2 As a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. By החוחים are not meant the thorns of the plant itself, for the lily has no th...

Keil-Delitzsch: Sos 2:3 - -- 3a As an apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. The apple-tree, the name of which, תּפּוּח , is formed from...

Keil-Delitzsch: Sos 2:4 - -- 4 He has brought me into the wine-house, And his banner over me is love. After we have seen the ladies of the palace at the feast, in which wine i...

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...

Constable: Sos 1:12--2:7 - --Praise of one another 1:12-2:6 1:12-14 The Shulammite girl (6:3) described the effect that seeing Solomon had on her as he reclined at his banquet "ta...

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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 2 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Son 2:1, The mutual love of Christ and his church; Son 2:8, The hope, Son 2:10, and calling of the church; Son 2:14, Christ’s care of t...

Poole: The Song of Songs 2 (Chapter Introduction) OF SOLOMON CHAPTER 2 The excellency of the majesty of Christ, Son 2:1 , and of his church, Son 2:2 . The benefits which the church receives from hi...

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 2 (Chapter Introduction) (Son 2:1-7) The mutual love of Christ and his church. (Son 2:8-13) The hope and calling of the church. (Son 2:14-17) Christ's care of the church, He...

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 2 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter, I. Christ speaks both concerning himself and concerning his church (Son 2:1, Son 2:2). II. The church speaks 1. Remembering the...

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 2 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON 2 Here begins a new colloquy between Christ and his church; in which they alternately set forth the excellencies of...

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