The Pulpit Commentary — Song of Songs — Section 203

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-4.-" Oh that men would understand I" Such seems to be the sentiment of these verses. She who speaks grieves that those about her did not see how natural and right was her love for her beloved. She could almost wish he were her brother insteart of her betrothed, for then those who saw her love for him would not, as now they did, despise her for it. She could not have been already a bride, as is so constantly assumed, for in that case her love could not have awakened scorn. But they despised her for clinging to one who, compared with Solomon, was in their esteem despicable. We may take the section as in part parallel to the sentiments in Rom. ix. 1-3; x. I. She who speaks could not wish to be not betrothed, and only as a sister. Some, there- fore (Newton), he.ve regarded these verses as an address to the unconverted and unsaved. Others have held that the "brother" means only an infant brother. But we take it the.t as Paul could wish himself unsaved for Israel's sake, so here, she who speaks could even wish that she did not hold so dear a relationship to the beloved, but only that of a sister, so that those about her, etc. (cf. supra). The words in Romans and here are to be regarded as hyperbolical expressions, telling of strong desire for others' good, but not to be regarded au pied de la lettre. We note that- I. MEN WILL ACCEPT THAT WHI0H THEY REGARD AS NATURAL, The expression of affection between brother and sister all understand, allow, and approve. And some expressions of religious feeling they will also admit, provided they are marked by what they deem sobriety e.nd conformity to general usage. All beyond that they despise. !I. BUT THE VEHEMENT AFFECTION OF THE SOUL FOR CHRIST THEY DESPISE. Several marks of such affection are suggested here. 1. Open avowal of love to him. "The religion of every sensible man," said one, "is that which every sensible man keeps to himself." Therefore such confession as is suggested by ver. 1, "When I should find . . . I would kiss thee," is of course extravagant and to be despised. 2. Proselytizing in the family. (Ver. 2.) "I would bring thee into my mother's house." Sincere religion is often deprecated as bringing strife into households, and it is difficult to see how our Lord's word, "I came not to send peace on earth, but a sword," can be escaped under such circumstances. And even if there be not ahsolute proselytizing, the mere presence of an earnest disciple in a house troubles those therein who have no or but little love for Christ. 3. The ha&itual, heed to his teaching. (Ver. 2.) "'!'hat thou mightest instruct me" (Revised Version, margin). She would, BONQ OF SOLOMON, 0 194- THE SONG OF SOLOMON. [OH, VIII. 1-14,