SEV Biblia, Chapter 7:3
Tus dos pechos, como gemelos de gama.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 7:4
Verse 4. Thy neck-as a tower of ivory - High, white, and ornamented with jewellery, as the tower of David was with bucklers. See on chap. iv. 4. The fish-pools in Heshbon - Clear, bright, and serene. These must have been very beautiful to have been introduced here in comparison. These two fountains appear to have been situated at the gate that led from Heshbon to Rabba, or Rabboth Ammon. There is a propriety in this metaphor, because fountains are considered to be the eyes of the earth.
Thy nose-as the tower of Lebanon - There was doubtless a propriety in this similitude also, which cannot now be discerned. If we are to understand the similitude as taken from the projecting form of the nose, even here I see nothing striking in the metaphor; for surely the tower of Lebanon did not project from the mountain as the human nose does from the face. It is better to acknowledge that there was undoubtedly some fit resemblances; but in what circumstance we know not. But some commentators are always extolling the correctness of the imagery in those very difficult places, where no soul sees the similitude but themselves.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. Thy neck [is] as a tower of ivory , etc.] Two things recommend the neck, erectness and whiteness; both are here expressed, the one by a “tower”, the other by “ivory”; hence a fine beautiful neck is called an ivory one f430 ; and for the same reason it sometimes has the epithet of “snowy” f431 , and sometimes of “marble” f432 . Of the church’s neck, as it may design either the ministers of the word, or the Scriptures of truth, (see Gill on “ Song of Solomon 4:4”); where it is compared to “the tower of David”, and here to “a tower of ivory”: Marckius conjectures that they may be the same, or that this is the name of, vine ancient structure known at this time; however, it is used as expressive of the purity of the lives of Gospel ministers, and the evenness of their doctrines, and of the purity, beauty, glory, axial harmony of the Scriptures; thine eyes [like] the fish pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim ; Heshbon was formerly the seat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, ( Numbers 22:26); of which Bathrabbim was one of its gates; so called, either because it led to Rabbath, a city near it, and mentioned with it, ( Jeremiah 49:3); or because of the great numbers that went in and out by it; for it may be rendered, “the daughter of many”, or “of great ones” f433 : near this gate, it seems, were very delightful fish pools, to which the eyes of the church are compared. In the Hebrew language, the word for eyes and fountains is the same; the eyes having humours in them, and so fitly compared to fish pools. Of the eyes of the church, as they may design either the ministers of the word, or the eyes of her understanding, particularly faith, (see Gill on “ Song of Solomon 1:15”); here they are said to be like “fish pools”, whose waters are clear, quiet, constant and immovable; and, seen at a distance, between trees and groves, look very beautiful: and, if applied to ministers, may denote the clearness of their sight in discerning the truths of the Gospel; and their being filled with the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ; and their being blessings to the churches of Christ, and to the souls of men the word for “fish pools” comes from a word which signifies “to bless” f434 ; and such being observed as were near the gate of Bathrabbim, may have respect to the multitude that attend their ministry, and receive benefit by it; in which they are constant and invariable, and all of a piece, and appear very beautiful to those to whom they are useful. And if applied to the church’s eyes of understanding, those of faith and knowledge, may denote the perspicuity of them, in the discernment of spiritual things; and the fixedness and immovableness of them on the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; looking alone to him, and off of every other object, and so very attractive to him, and beautiful in his sight, as well as their abounding with the waters of evangelic repentance and humiliation; (see Song of Solomon 4:9 Song of Solomon 6:5); thy nose [is] as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh towards Damascus ; a tower on that part of Mount Lebanon which faced Damascus, which lay in a plain, and so open to view, as well as exposed to winds; hence called, by Lucan f435 , Ventosa Damascus; which tower was so high, as Adrichomius f436 says, that from thence might be numbered the houses in Damascus: by which also may be meant the ministers of the word; nor need it seem strange that the same should be expressed by different metaphors, since the work of ministers is of different parts; who, as they are as eyes to see, so like the nose to smell; and having a spiritual discerning of Gospel truths, both savour them themselves, and diffuse the savour of them to others; and are both the ornament and defence of the church: the former is signified by the “nose”, which is an ornament of the face, and the latter by the “tower of Lebanon”, and this is looking towards Damascus, the inhabitants of which were always enemies to the people of Israel; and so may denote the vigilance and courage of faithful ministers, who watch the church’s enemies, and their motions, and, with a manful courage, face and attack them. Moreover, this description may respect the majesty and magnanimity of the church herself; the former may be intimated by her nose, which, when of a good size, and well proportioned, adds much grace and majesty to the countenance; and the latter by its being compared to the impregnable tower of Lebanon, looking towards Damascus, signifying that she was not afraid to look her worst enemies in the face: or the whole may express her prudence and discretion in spiritual things: by which she can distinguish truth from error, and espy dangers afar off, and guard against them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
The graces of the church. (Song 7:1-9) The delight of the church in Christ. (Song 7:10-13)
Song 7:1-9 The similitudes here are different from what they wer before, and in the original refer to glorious and splendid clothing Such honour have all his saints; and having put on Christ, they ar distinguished by their beautiful and glorious apparel. They adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Consistent believer honour Christ, recommend the gospel, and convince and awaken sinners The church resembles the stately and spreading palm; while her love for Christ, and the obedience resulting therefrom, are precious fruit of the true Vine. The King is held in the galleries. Christ takes deligh in the assemblies and ordinances of his people; and admires the frui of his grace in them. When applied to the church and to each faithfu Christian, all this denotes that beauty of holiness, in which the shall be presented to their heavenly Bridegroom.
Song 7:10-13 The church, the believing soul, triumphs in its relatio to Christ, and interest in him. She humbly desires communion with him Let us walk together, that I may receive counsel, instruction, an comfort from thee; and may make known my wants and my grievances to thee, with freedom, and without interruption. Communion with Christ i what all that are made holy earnestly breathe after. And those wh would converse with Christ, must go forth from the world. Wherever we are, we may keep up communion with God. Nor should we go where we cannot in faith ask him to go with us. Those who would go abroad with Christ, must begin early in the morning of their days; must begin ever day with him, seek him early, seek him diligently. A gracious soul can reconcile itself to the poorest places, if it may have communion with God in them; but the most delightful fields will not satisfy, unles the Beloved is there. Let us not think to be satisfied with any earthl object. Our own souls are our vineyards; they should be planted with useful trees. We should often search whether we are fruitful in righteousness. Christ's presence will make the vine flourish, and the tender grapes appear, as the returning sun revives the gardens. If we can appeal to him, Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee; if his Spirit witness with our spirit, that our souls prosper, it is enough. And we must beg of him to search and try us, to discover u to ourselves. The fruits and exercises of graces are pleasant to the Lord Jesus. These must be laid up, and always ready; that by ou bringing forth much fruit, he may be glorified. It is all from him therefore it is fit it should be all for him __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
שׁני 8147 שׁדיך 7699 כשׁני 8147 עפרים 6082 תאמי 8380 צביה׃ 6646
