The Pulpit Commentary — Song of Songs — Section 143

Ver. 9.-The S'Upremacy of Ohri.~t. "What is thy beloved more," etc.? The world asks this question. Upon the answer the Church gives depends whether the world remains as it is-alienated from Christ or drawn to him. If the Church makes it evident that Christ is "chiefest among ten thousand" and" altogether lovely," then the blessed era of the world's conversion will be at hand. The Ohurch asks this question of those whom she receives into communion. It should be clear that Christ is enthroned in the hearts of those whom she receives. They are not really members of the Church unless it is so. We should ask ourselves this question, eo that we may see to it that we are f:i ,ing him the chief place in our hearts, and that in all things he has the pre-eminence, The question may be answered in various ways. As for example- I. BY COMPARISON OF CHRIST WITH THE ODJECTB OF WORSHIP IN OTHER FAITilB. (Cf. Hard wick's• Christ and other Masters.') There have been and are "gods many and lords many; " it is well to compare and contrast with them the all-worthiness of him whom we serve. Missionaries to heathen lands do well to make themselves acquainted with the points of contrast and resemblance-" the unconscious prophecies of Leathendom "-which they will find in the faiths they seek to supplant by the pw·e faith of Christ. Often will they find in such study that he is "the Desire of all nations. n II. BY COMPARING THE OBJECTS OF MEN'S PRESENT PURSUITS AND A~'FECTION WITII CHRIST, who is the Beloved of the believer's heart. Some set their affections only on earthly things-wealth, power, pleasure, fame, the favour of men. Some on those whom God has given them to love-wife, lover, children, friends. It is well to see how Christ surpasses all these, and deserves the chief place in our hearts: such place, when given to him, will not consign to a lower one than they before filled those objects of our lawful love; but, on the contrary, will nplift and enlarge our love for them, making it better both for them and ns. But we prefer to take- III. THE ANSWER GIVEN IN THIS SONG ITSELF. See vers. 10-16, translating its rich imagery into the plain language of "the truth as it is in Jesus." She who was asked this question replied by giving the description of her beloved which we havo in these verses. And, translated, they suggest these reasons for counting Christ chief of all. 1. He is the perfect Pattern and Sacrifice that my soul needs. (Ver. 10.) It is a representation of the beauty of perfect physical health: "white and ruddy" ( cf. 1 Sam. xvi. 12; xviL 42). Fit type, therefore, of that perfect moral and spiritual health which we behold in Christ, and which constitutes him our all-perfect Pattern. His perfect sacrifice also has been seen in this same description, and it bas been com- pared with that similar description of him in Rev. v. 6, "a Lamb that had been slain." Not alone the whiteness of purity, but "ruddy" as with the stain of his precious sacrificial blood. 2. He is God in his essential Person. (Ver. 11.) Gold is, in the sacred symbolism of Scripture, e~er associated with that which is of God. The head of fine gold suggests, therefore, that which St. Paul says (1 Cor. xi. 3), "'l'be bead of Christ is God." 3. Yet he consecrated himselffor our sakes. The unshorn hair," his locks are bushy," was the sign of consecration ( cf. the vow of Nazarite). 4. And is evermore miglity to save. Youth and strength are signified by the "raven" hair. Whilst others wax old as doth a garment, he is" the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever" (cf. Ps. cii. 27). 5. Gentleness, purity, and the love and light of the Holy Spirit beam in his eyes. (Ver. 12.) Cf. New Testament notices of the look of our Lord-how he looked with compassion, how he'' looked upon Peter" (Luke xxii. 61). 6. To see his/ace i, heaven. (Ver. 13.) To walk in the light of that countenance, to behold it fair and fragrant as sweet flowers. 7. And from hi, lips drop words of love. Men wondered at the gracious words which he spake. "Never man spake like this Man." "Grace is 'poured into thy lips" (Ps. xiv. 2; Isa. l. 4). 8. He is invested with the authority of God. (Ver. 14.) "His hands a.re rings of gold," etc. The ring was the signet and seal of authority. '' He spake as one ha\'ing authority;" "I by the finger of God ca~t out devils; " "All t'Jlt. v. 1-18.) THE SONG OF SOLOMON. 131