This clause is very differently rendered: by some, “they have strengthened me” f389 ; his desire towards his church, and the enjoyment of her company: by others, the reverse, “are stronger than me”, or “have taken away my strength” f390 ; so that he was spiritless, and as one dead, or in an ecstasy: by others, “they have made me fly away” f391 ; that is, out of himself; so that he was not master of himself, could not bear the force and brightness of her eyes: by others, “they have lifted me up” f392 ; revived, cheered, and comforted him, through sympathy with her, in virtue of their near union: by others, “they have made me proud”, or “prouder” f393 ; see ( Isaiah 3:5).

Christ has a kind of pride as well as pleasure in his church; he is proud of the beauty he has put upon her, of the graces he has wrought in her; and especially of her faith, when in exercise; see ( Matthew 8:10); and by others, “they have made me fiercer” f394 ; not with anger and indignation, but with love; there is a force, a fierceness in love, as well as in wrath: “love [is] strong as death, [and] jealousy [is] cruel as the grave”, ( Song of Solomon 8:6); it is so in the church, much more in Christ. All which shows the power of faith, to which mighty things are ascribed, ( Hebrews 11:1-40); and here the conquest of Christ himself; thy hair [is] as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead ; from Mount Gilead, (see Gill on “ Song of Solomon 4:1”).

Matthew Henry Commentary

Song 6:1 Those made acquainted with the excellences of Christ, and the comfort of an interest in him, desire to know where they may meet him Those who would find Christ, must seek him early and diligently.

Song 6:2,3 Christ's church is a garden, enclosed, and separated from the world; he takes care of it, delights in it, and visits it. Thos who would find Christ, must attend him in his ordinances, the word sacraments, and prayer. When Christ comes to his church, it is to entertain his friends. And to take believers to himself: he picks the lilies one by one; and at the great day he will send forth his angel to gather all his lilies, that he may be for ever admired in them. The death of a believer is not more than the owner of a garden plucking favourite flower; and He will preserve it from withering, yea, cause it to flourish for ever, with increasing beauty. If our own hearts can witness for us that we are Christ's, question not his being ours, for the covenant never breaks on his side. It is the comfort of the church that he feeds among the lilies, that he takes delight in his people.

Song 6:4-10 All the real excellence and holiness on earth centre in the church. Christ goes forth subduing his enemies, while his follower gain victories over the world, the flesh, and the devil. He shows the tenderness of a Redeemer, the delight he takes in his redeemed people and the workings of his own grace in them. True believers alone can possess the beauty of holiness. And when their real character is known it will be commended. Both the church and believers, at their firs conversion, look forth as the morning, their light being small, but increasing. As to their sanctification, they are fair as the moon deriving all their light, grace, and holiness from Christ; and as to justification, clear as the sun, clothed with Christ, the Sun of righteousness, and fighting the good fight of faith, under the banner of Christ, against all spiritual enemies.

Song 6:11-13 In retirement and in meditation the Christian character is formed and perfected. But not in the retirement of the idle, the self-indulgent, or the trifler. When the Christian is released from the discharge of his duties in life, the world has no attractions for him His prayer is, that all things belonging to the Spirit may live an grow within him, and around him. Such are the interesting cares an employments of him whom the world wrongly deems unhappy, and lost to his true interests. In humility and self-abasement, the humbl Christian would turn away from the sight of all; but the Lord delight to honour him. Chiefly, however, may the reference be to the ministering angels who shall be sent for the soul of the Christian Their approach may startle, but the departing soul shall find the Lor its strength and its portion for ever. The church is called the Shulamite: the word signifies perfection and peace; not in herself, but in Christ, in whom she is complete, through his righteousness; and ha peace, which he made for her through his blood, and gives unto her by his Spirit __________________________________________________________________

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