Solomon’s Song, Chapter 1, verses 1-4
This is the one book in the Bible wholly given up to fellowship. It stands like the tree of life in the midst of the garden, and no man shall ever be able to pluck its fruit, and eat thereof, until first he has been brought by Christ past the sword of the Cherubim, and led to rejoice in the love which has delivered from death. The Song of Solomon is only to be comprehended by men whose standing is within the veil. The outer-court worshippers, and even those who only enter the courts of the priests, think the Book a very strange one; but they who come very near to Christ can often see in this Song of Solomon the only expression which their love to their Lord desires.
Verses 1-2. “The Song of Songs which is Solomon’s, let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth: for Thy love is better than wine.” The Person here alluded to is not named: this omission is very common, and usual to all-absorbing love. The spouse is thinking so much of Christ Jesus her Lord, that it is not necessary for her to name Him. The communion is so close between herself and her Lord that His name is left out. By the kiss is to be understood that strange and blessed communion, and manifestation of the love which Christ gives from Himself to His children, fresh and warm from His sacred Person.
“For Thy love is better than wine” It is better in itself, for it is costly. Did it not flow out in streams of blood from a better wine-press than earth’s best wine hath ever known.
Verse 3. “Because of the saviour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.” The spouse surveys all the attributes of Christ and she compares them to separate and precious ointments. Christ is the anointed as Prophet, Priest and King, in each of these anointings He is a source of sweetness and fragrance to His people. But as if jealous of herself for having talked of His “ointments” when she should have spoken of Him, she seems to say, “Thy very name is as ointment poured forth,” like an alabaster box when it is opened, and the odour of the precious spikenard fills the room. “Therefore do the virgins love Thee.”
Verse 4. “Draw me, we will run after Thee.” She feels, perhaps, as you beloved brethren often do, heavy of heart. She cannot fly, nor go to reach her Lord; but her heart longs after Him, so she cries, draw me, we will run after Thee. While she prays the prayer, others feel it suitable to them also, so they join with her. When Christ draws us, we cannot walk, but “run” after Him, there is no heavy going then. When Christ draws us, how swiftly do we fly as the dove to the dove-cote, when His grace enticeth us.
Verse 4. “The King hath brought me into His chambers.” It is done. Come you to Him in prayer and it may be while you are yet speaking, He will hear, and you shall be able to say, “He has brought me near to Himself, to the chamber of riches and delights where I may feast with Him. “We will be glad, and rejoice in Thee.” This is a sure result of getting into the inner chamber with Christ.
C. H. SPURGEON.