The Song of Solomon 8
THIS closing chapter stands alone, but the theme is still, Christ as the Bridegroom; and the poor, outcast Jews as the bride, who will put their trust in Him in the interval between what is foretold in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17, and in Matthew 24:27-44.
Chapter 7 ends with the Bridegroom and the bride together in the glory and blessing of the Millennium.
Chapter 8 goes to the beginning of this action of divine grace to complete the story.
Before chapter 1, in order of time, stands verse 1 of chapter 8. There will be a longing on the part of the redeemed to know their Redeemer and King, to have Him with them. They have learned of His love, have seen His power on their behalf, and would lavish their love upon Him to whom they owe every blessing.
If He were as a brother! Now in infinite grace He will take that very place with them. (See Psalm 22:22; Matthew 12:46-50; Matthew 25:40, and Joseph’s dealings with his brethren (Genesis 42- ,15) which foreshadow Christ’s dealings with His earthly brethren).
The “mother” spoken of in verses 1, 2, 5, as in chapter 1:6, and chapter 3:4, 11, is Israel. Verse 4 gives the Bridegroom’s voice, and “he”, at the end, is properly read “she.” He desires that the objects of His love and grace shall rest in the enjoyment of His gifts. This we have seen in chapters 2:7, and 3:5.
In the fifth verse our spiritual gaze is directed toward the bride. “Who is this?” is asked, to occupy our minds with the amazing change which divine love has brought about. What hath God wrought! as Balaam truly said in Numbers 23:23 of Israel’s yet future glory. Behold then the bride, the earthly bride (for the Church, the heavenly bride of Christ, is entirely distinct), coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her Beloved! The wilderness scenes and experiences will then be forever behind, but memories of grace and mercy amid her failure, sin and coldness of heart will remain. And thus the day of Millennial glory dawns on this earth.
I, says the Beloved, I awoke thee under the apple tree (properly we believe citron tree, as noted in connection with chapter 2:3); there thy mother (Israel) brought thee forth. The natural birth is not enough; new life must be received from the Life Giver. (John 5:24, 25; Ephesians 2:1).
Verse 6 begins the bride’s response with which this lovely little book draws to its close. She desires that she may be set in tokens of His love and His power as a seal upon the Bridegroom-King’s heart and His mighty arm, there to abide. Thoughts of His love, proved strong as death, unquenchable by many waters fill her heart. What songs of praise will well up from grateful, adoring hearts!
The bride has a “little sister” (verse 8); this is evidently Ephraim, —the ten tribes lost to our sight since 2 Kings 17, but to be brought back, as Hosea 1:10, 11; Zechariah 10:7-12, and other scriptures foretell. These other Israelites have never known what the Jews have experienced; Christ’s earthly ministry was unknown to them; they had no part in His crucifixion, and only after His return in glory, and delivering the sorely tried remnant of believing Jews, will the long hidden ten tribes return to the land of Israel.
So the bride will instruct and build up her sister (verse 9). She herself is strong, through the grace of God, and well favored (verse 10); “then was I in His eyes as one that findeth peace” (see the marginal note).
Solomon and his vineyard (verse 11) are figures of speech; it is the Lord Jesus and the whole earth that are in view. All will then bring to Him His due—the converse of Matthew 21:33-41.
The Bridegroom speaks in verse 13 to His bride. All the world will be looking toward Jerusalem, but He says, “Let Me hear thy voice.”
Blessed Lord, Thou shalt hear our praises in the endless ages of eternity, the voices of the redeemed will never weary of Thy praise.
Verse 14 fitly closes this Song of Songs with a call to the Beloved to hasten, to come with all speed. So does the last book of the Bible close: “Surely, I come quickly;” “even so come, Lord Jesus!”
This Song is for the future earthly bride, but how much there is in it that fits the saints of God today. It speaks of a heart affection for the Lord, of desire toward Him. May this be deepened in our hearts!
ML 03/12/1933