SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:8
¶ Tenemos una pequeña hermana, que aún no tiene pechos. ¿Qué haremos a nuestra hermana cuando de ella se hablare?
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:8
Verse 8. We have a little sister - This young girl belonged most probably to the bride. She hath no breasts - She is not yet marriageable.
What shall we do for our sister - How shall we secure her comfort and welfare? In the day when she shall be spoken for? - When any person shall demand her in marriage.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 8. We have a little sister , etc.] Which seems to be the Gentile church, so called by the Jewish church; for as the church catholic, or universal, with respect to its parts, is called a mother, as often in this Song; so these parts, with respect to each other, as the Jewish and Gentile churches, may be called sisters; and the rather, as they belong to the same Father and family, are partakers of the same grace, and are of the same faith and religion as to the substance of them; and the object and nature of their worship the same, though as to circumstances different: and it may be observed that the Gentile church is not only sister to the Jewish church, but to Christ, and therefore she says, not I, but we, have such a sister; of which relation, (see Song of Solomon 4:9,10 Song of Solomon 5:1,2); also that she stood in this relation to Christ and to the Jewish church before the coming of Christ, and before the Gospel was preached to her, and she was called and separated from the world; as elect Gentiles are also called the sheep of Christ, and children of God, before that time, ( John 10:16 John 11:52). This church is described as a “little sister”, younger in age than the Jewish church, and in some respects less honourable, ( Romans 3:1,2 Romans 9:4,5); the same with the younger son and brother, in the parable of the prodigal; little in esteem among men, especially the Jews, ( Ephesians 2:11,12); little in stature, light, knowledge, and faith, at first conversion; and but few in number, particularly at first, and in comparison of the world: and so the church of Christ, consisting both of Jews and Gentiles, is called a little flock, ( Luke 12:32). As a further description of her, it is added, and she hath no breasts : is not arrived to years of ripeness, nor marriageable; (see Ezekiel 16:7); the time of her open espousal to Christ was not yet come: at this time she had no ministers nor ordinances, from whence she could have the sincere milk of the word, or share it with others; and it was some time after the Gospel came among the Gentiles before they had a settled ministry; what shall we defer our sister ? or, “what shall be done for her?” being moved with pity to her, in her forlorn and helpless condition, like a little infant, ( Ezekiel 16:4); and willing to do anything for her that lay in her power, though seeming at a loss to know what to do for her: the believing Jews were very assisting to the Gentiles, in carrying the Gospel among them at first; and in supplying them with ministers, and with money too, to carry on the interest of Christ among them. The Jewish church here is not forgetful of the chief and principal agent, Christ, and therefore says, what shall we do? she was willing to do what she could; but she knew all would be insignificant without Christ, his agency and blessing. The time she was concerned what should be done for her in is, in the day when she shall be spoken for , or “with”, or “unto” f506 : when she should be wooed or treated with for marriage, by the ministers of the word, at the first preaching of the Gospel to her; or be spoken to by her enemies, by fair words, or severe menaces, to desert the faith. Or, “be spoken of” f507 ; the fame of her be spread abroad, far and near, for her light, knowledge, and faith; for her profession, and her sufferings for it; and the concern is, how she should behave under all the noise and talk about her: or, “be spoken against” f508 ; as she would be by unbelieving Jews, and by ignorant Heathens, for embracing the Christian religion, for receiving the Gospel of Christ, submitting to his ordinances, and professing his name, ( Acts 28:22). Now the old church might be concerned, that she might stand firm to her faith and the profession of it, notwithstanding the reproaches and persecutions of men.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Desire for communion with Christ. (Song 8:1-4) The vehemence of thi desire. (Song 8:5-7) The church pleads for others. (Song 8:8-12) An prays for Christ's coming. (Song 8:13,14)
Song 8:1-4 The church wishes for the constant intimacy and freedom with the Lord Jesus that a sister has with a brother. That they might be a his brethren, which they are, when by grace they are made partakers of a Divine nature. Christ is become as our Brother; wherever we find him let us be ready to own our relation to him, and affection for him, an not fear being despised for it. Is there in us an ardent wish to serv Christ more and better? What then have we laid up in store, to show ou affection to the Beloved of our souls? What fruit unto holiness? The church charges all her children that they never provoke Christ to withdraw. We should reason with ourselves, when tempted to do what would grieve the Spirit.
Song 8:5-7 The Jewish church came up from the wilderness, supported by Divine power and favour. The Christian church was raised from a low desolate condition, by the grace of Christ relied on. Believers, by the power of grace, are brought up from the wilderness. A sinful state is wilderness in which there is no true comfort; it is a wandering wanting state: There is no coming out of this wilderness, but leanin on Christ as our Beloved, by faith; not leaning to our ow understanding, nor trusting in any righteousness of our own; but in the strength of him, who is the Lord our Righteousness. The words of the church to Christ which follow, entreat an abiding place in his love and protection by his power. Set me as a seal upon thine heart; let m always have a place in thine heart; let me have an impression of love upon thine heart. Of this the soul would be assured, and without sense thereof no rest is to be found. Those who truly love Christ, ar jealous of every thing that would draw them from him; especially of themselves, lest they should do any thing to provoke him to withdra from them. If we love Christ, the fear of coming short of his love, or the temptations to forsake him, will be most painful to us. No water can quench Christ's love to us, nor any floods drown it. Let nothin abate our love to him. Nor will life, and all its comforts, entice believer from loving Christ. Love of Christ, will enable us to repe and triumph over temptations from the smiles of the world, as well a from its frowns.
Song 8:8-12 The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to Chris themselves, should contrive what they may do to help others to him Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians, and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual prayer with the stronge believers. If the beginning of this work were likened to a wall buil upon Him the precious Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentil church would become as a palace for the great King, built of soli silver. If the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a doo through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as case with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and effectuall protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what satisfaction we shoul look back upon the times and seasons, when we were in his eyes as thos that find favour. Our hearts are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be unspeakable gainers by it.
Song 8:13,14 These verses close the conference between Christ and his church. He first addresses her as dwelling in the gardens, the assemblies and ordinances of his saints. He exhorts her to be constan and frequent in prayers, supplications, and praises, in which he delights. She replies, craving his speedy return to take her to be wholly with Him. The heavens, those high mountains of sweet spices must contain Christ, till the times come, when every eye shall see him in all the glory of the better world. True believers as they ar looking for, so they are hastening to the coming of that day of the Lord. Let every Christian endeavour to perform the duties of his station, that men may see his good works, and glorify his heavenl Father. Continuing earnest in prayer for what we want, ou thanksgivings will abound, and our joy will be full; our souls will be enriched, and our labours prospered. We shall be enabled to loo forward to death and judgment without fear. Even so, come, Lord Jesus __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
אחות 269 לנו קטנה 6996 ושׁדים 7699 אין 369 לה מה 4100 נעשׂה 6213 לאחתנו 269 ביום 3117 שׁידבר׃ 1696
