The Song of Solomon, Chapters 7 and 8
There were more words of praise of the loved one, she was called the “prince’s dauger”, and likened to things well understood by the people of that time.
One thing we might notice, “Thy stature is like a palm tree”, which was very common in that land and very beautiful. It can grow in poor soil if near water, some kinds have fruit, as the date, and even the leaves have many uses. The fruit grows high, and the tree here pictures, what God’s people may be to Him, and of blessing to others.
There have always been fine vineyards in Palestine. Perhaps you have read how, before the people of Israel lived there, the men found lovely grapes in the valley of Eshcol, and two of them fastened one great bunch on a pole, and carried it between them to show the people (Num. 13:2323And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. (Numbers 13:23)).
Grape vines need care, and the grapes are a tender fruit, not to be bruised. Seral times the singers of this song mention them; once warned of sly foxes which spoil the vines:
“Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Chapt. 2:15.
The people of God were as a “vineyard” to Him, as “fruit” to give Him joy. But “foxes” spoiled those vines; neglect of God’s words, pride, or friendship of those who did not believe God, all “spoiled” their “tender grapes”. When God sent His own Son to “receive the fruit”, they “cast Him out of the vineyard” (Matt. 21:33-3933Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. (Matthew 21:33‑39)).
The last part of this Song tells of the big vineyard which Solomon had, and let out to keepers for pay, which he must reive. So Christ, as King, will at last have returns, “pleasant fruit, new and old,” and joy from Israel (See Zeph. 3:14-1714Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. 16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. 17The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:14‑17)).
As we read this Song, may it teach us more of Christ’s love and glory to come, that we now, who believe Him, may give Him joy. The same sly “foxes” will spoil our fruit and vines if we let them into our lives; each of us knows some “little fox” which keeps our time and thoughts away from the Lord.
The love of God and the Lord Jesus are the same now, as in these words:
“Love is stronger than death ... many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.” Chapt. 8:6, 7. None can buy that love.
ML 10/05/1941