Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. VII.

The Bridegroom who sp•…•…ke the l•…•…st words, •…•…ere continueth his speech, and breaks forth into an elegant and particular d•…•…scription and commendation of the Spouse, partly from the parts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and partly from her Ornaments. In which the same thing is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concerning her description of the Bride∣groom, that there is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 necessity of a distinct application of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parcel of it, the design being only this, to describe the Beauty and Glory of the Church under the re∣presentation of a beautiful and noble Woman, This also is observable, that in the de∣scription of Christ she begins at the Head, and so goeth downward, Ch. 5. 11, &c. but Christ in the description of the Spouse proceedeth from the Feet upwards.

1 HOw beautiful are thy feet a 1.1 with shoes b 1.2, O princes daughter c 1.3! the joints of thy thighs d 1.4 are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman e 1.5.

2 Thy navel is like a round goblet f 1.6 which wanteth not † 1.7 liquor g 1.8: thy belly h 1.9 is like an heap of wheat i 1.10, set about with lilies k 1.11.

3 * Thy two breasts are like two young roes that* 1.12 are twins l 1.13.

4 Thy neck m 1.14 is as a tower of ivory n 1.15, thine eyes o 1.16 like the fishpools p 1.17 in Heshbon q 1.18, by the gate of Bath∣rabbim: thy nose r 1.19 is as the tower of Lebanon s 1.20, which looketh toward Damascus t 1.21.

5 Thine head u 1.22 upon thee x 1.23 is like ‖ 1.24 Carmel y 1.25, and the hair of thine head like purple z 1.26, the king is † 1.27 held in the galleries a 1.28.

6 How fair and how pleasant art thou b 1.29, O love, for delights c 1.30!

7 This thy stature is like to a palm-tree d 1.31, and thy breasts to clusters e 1.32 of grapes f 1.33.

8 I said g 1.34, I will go up to the palm-tree h 1.35, I will take hold of the boughs thereof i 1.36: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose k 1.37 like apples l 1.38.

9 And the roof of thy mouth m 1.39 like the best wine n 1.40, for my beloved o 1.41, * 1.42 that goeth down † 1.43 sweetly p 1.44 cau∣sing the lips ‖ 1.45 of those that are asleep, to speak q 1.46.

10 * 1.47 I am my beloveds r 1.48, and his desire is towards me s 1.49.

11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field t 1.50: let us lodge in the villages u 1.51:

12 Let us get up early x 1.52 to the vineyards y 1.53, let us see if the vines flourish, whether the tender grapes † 1.54 ap∣pear, and the pomgranates bud forth z 1.55: there will I give thee my loves a 1.56.

13 The mandrakes b 1.57 give a smell, and at our gates c 1.58 are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old d 1.59, which I have laid up for thee e 1.60, O my beloved.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Which being the chief instrument of our motion from place to place, is oft used me•…•…onimically for the motion itself, and so may here signifie either the inward motions, the workings of the affecti∣ons, or the outward motions, the steps or actions of the Life, both which are right and amiable in Believers.
• b 1.2

  Which were ancient∣ly evidences of a free and comfortable state, whereas slaves and mourners use to go baresoot, 2 Sam. 15. 30. Isa. 20. 4. which also in Women of high quality were adorned with Gold and other Or∣naments; of which see Isa. 3. 18. These may also signifie that the Feet of Believers should be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Eph. 6. 15.
• c 1.3

  Both by Birth, being born of God, and by dispo∣sition and deportment agreeable to that quality.
• d 1.4

  Either 1. The hollow place in which the Hip or Thigh-bone moveth and turneth itself: Or rather 2. The Hip or Thigh-bone which moveth there: for this is more fitly compared to a jewel well set. Some understand this of some Ornaments worn by Women upon those parts; for the word rendred joints may signifie girdles, or any Ornament which en∣compasseth any part of the Body, and the same words which signifie thighs are both in Hebrew, and other Languages, somtimes used concerning the legs. Which being admitted, this might seem to be understood of the Brides Garters about her Legs, which not unfitly follows the Shoes upon her Feet last mentioned. But this sense seems not to suit so well with the following comparison as the former doth.
• e 1.5

  Like jewels orderly and excellently set by a skilful Artist. So this signifies the uprightness and decency of her going, which depends very much upon the right scituation of the Hip or Thigh-bone, which when it is dislocated or disordered causeth a lameness or un∣comeliness in going; whereby he understands the orderliness and amiableness of her conversation.
• f 1.6

  To which it is not unfitly compared because it is of a round form, and hollow, and hath windings and circlings in it.
• † 1.7

  Heb. mixture.
• g 1.8

  Thy Navel is not only comely but fruitful. For the Navel is the proper instrument of nourishing the Child or Children which are in the Womb. And so this seems to signifie the Churches fruitfulness part∣ly in her self, in cherishing and improving all the Graces and good motions of Gods Spirit within her; and principally in reference to those many Children which she bears and feeds in her Womb with the wholsom liquor of Gods Ordinances.
• h 1.9

  In which thy Children are for a time contained and fed.
• i 1.10

  i. e. Of wheat corn, round and swelling, as it is in Women with child, and full of nou∣rishment, not only of Liquor▪ as was last said, but also of Meat, which may note the various provisions which Christ hath laid up in his Church according to the several capacities of her Children, Milk for Babes, and stronger Meat for those who are grown up.
• k 1.11

  Not for defence, which the Church doth not need, having the strong God for her Protector, but for Ornament and Beauty. Whereby is im∣plied, that she is not only fruitful but beautiful, and that her Chil∣dren are not only numerous and well fed, but also comely and de∣lightful to the Eye, as Lilies are, and withal pure and innocent, in which respect both Christ and the Church are compared to Lilies, Cant. 1. 1, 2.
• * 1.12

  Ch. 4. 5.
• l 1.13

  Which is repeated from Ch. 4. 5. where it is explained.
• m 1.14

  Of which see on Ch. 4. 4.
• n 1.15

  Clear, and smooth, and long, and streight, and erected.
• o 1.16

  Of which see on Ch. 1. 15. & 4. 1.
• p 1.17

  Full, and clear, and quiet, and pleasant. Possibly h•…•…re were two fish∣ponds, which being conveniently seated in a large field, might bear some resemblance to the Eyes placed in the Head.
• q 1.18

  A plea∣sant and well watered City, beyond Iordan, as we may guess from Num. 32. where doubtless there were some eminent and well known fish-pools, as further appears by the exact description of the par∣ticular place here following, in which they were.
• r 1.19

  The instru∣ment of smelling and discerning between pleasant and loaths•…•…m things; which may signifie the Churches sagacity in discerning be∣tween good and evil.
• s 1.20

  Which, though it be not elsewhere men∣tioned, was in all probability built by Solomon in the Mountain of Lebanon, which was the Northern Border of the Land of Israel to∣wards Damascus, and therefore a very fit place for a watch Tower. To this Tower her Nose is compared, not for its greatness, but for its comely and convenient proportions, and beautiful aspect, which doubtless were in this as well as in the rest of Solomons Buildings.
• t 1.21

  Which words seem to be added to distinguish this from another Tower or Building, in, or near to Ierusalem, which was called the house of the forrest of Lebanon, 1 Kin. 7. 2.
• u 1.22

  Which may signifie the Churches Mind or Understanding, which is seated in the head.
• x 1.23

  Which is upon thee, or above the rest of thy Body.
• ‖ 1.24

  Or, crimson.
• y 1.25

  Eminent and pleasant to the Eye and fruitful as Mount Carmel was, as hath been formerly noted. Which may note that her Mind was adorned and replenished with knowledge and other excellent Gifts of the Holy Ghost. Or, as others render it, like crimson or purple, which is called Carmel, 2 Chr. 2. 7. & 3. 14. be∣cause those fishes, out of which they had their purple, were taken in the Sea bordering upon Mount Carmel. And so the same thing is repeated in the next clause in other words.
• z 1.26

  Which colour was anciently much esteemed, and commended as by sacred, so also by prophane Writers.
• † 1.27

  Heb. bound.
• a 1.28

  In which he walketh, and having once espied thee, is captivated by thee, and unable or unwilling either to depart, or to take off his Eyes from thee, as if he were fast bound and chained to thee. The galleries may note either the Ordinances, or rather the Churches, in which Christ walketh, Rev. 2. 1. in which Christ and Believers converse together.
• b 1.29

  It were infinite to reckon up all the particulars of thy Beauty, in one word, thou art universally amiable beyond Expression.
• c 1.30

  For those various lovely features which are in thee, and for the great and manifold delights which are or may be enjoyed in con∣versing with thee.
• d 1.31

  Tall and streight, or upright, as a Tree. And he seems to men∣tion the Palm-tree, rather than any other, partly because it grows more directly upward than other Trees; and partly because it is constantly green and flourishing, and groweth upward in spight of all pressures, and therefore was used in festival solemnities, Lev. 23. 40. Ioh. 12. 13. and was a symbol of Victory, Rev. 7. 9. In all which respects it fitly represents the state of Believers.
• e 1.32

  Large, and round, and full of juice. See on v. 3. This particular is added as an evidence of her maturity and married estate, and of her fruitfulness.
• f 1.33

  Which word may easily be supplied out of the next verse. Al∣though the fruit of the Palm-tree also is said to grow in clusters.
• g 1.34

  Within my self, I resolved.
• h 1.35

  I will climb up, that so I may take hold, as it follows of the boughs, which do not grow out of the sides, as in other trees, but only at the top of it.
• i 1.36

  Partly to prune and dress them, and partly to gather the fruit. Whereby is signifi∣ed Christs care of his Church, and his delight in her.
• k 1.37

  Of thy breath; which is oft called the breath of, or in, a mans nostrils, Gen. 7. 22. Isa. 2. 22. Lam. 4. 20.
• l 1.38

  Either 1. Common Apples, which sometimes yield a very pleasant smell: Or 2. Odoriferous Apples. See on chap. 2. 5.
• m 1.39

  Either 1. Thy speech, the pala•…•…e being one of the principal instruments of Speech: Or rather 2. Thy taste, whereof the Palate or Roof of the Mouth is the most proper and principal instrument, Iob 34. 3. But then this is not to be understood actively of her tast, but passively of the tast or relish, which her beloved had of her; as in the foregoing clause, the smell of her nose was not meant subjective∣ly or actively of that sense of smelling which was seated in her Nose, but objectively or passively of the breath of her Nostrils, which was sweet to the smell of her beloved.
• n 1.40

  Grateful and refreshing.
• o 1.41

  Either 1. For thee my beloved, who reapest the comfort and benefit of that pleasure which I take in thee: Or 2. For me thy beloved, or, according to thy usual expression, for my beloved. Which words Christ takes as it were out of her Mouth, and repeats them emphatically. Which agrees very well to the stile and usage of these dramatical and amatorious Writings. And this clause fur∣ther intimates the Churches Loyalty or Faithfulness to Christ, that she reserves her self, and all her Loves for Christ alone.
• * 1.42

  Pro. 23. 31. Heb.
• † 1.43

  Heb. streight∣ly.
• p 1.44

  Where∣as bad Wire either goeth down slowly and tediously, or is not per∣mitted to go down at all; Heb. that walketh directly, or, that moveth itself aright, which is given as the Character of good Wine, Pro. 23. 31.
• ‖ 1.45

  Or, of the an∣cient.
• q 1.46

  Causing the most dull, and stupid, and sleepy headed per∣sons to speak, and that fluently and eloquently, which is a common effect of good Wine.
• * 1.47

  Ch. 2. 16. & 6. 3.
• r 1.48

  This and the following verses contain the words of the Bride, in answer to the Bridegrooms most indearing Expressions delivered in the foregoing verses.
• s 1.49

  I perceive, and am fully satisfied, that he heartily loves me. It is my duty to have my desire towards him as my Husband, according to Gods Sentence, Gen. 3. 16. but it is a wonderful condescension in him, that his desire is towards me.
• t 1.50

  That being retired from the crowd, we may more freely and sweetly converse together, and may observe the state of the fruits of the Earth.
• u 1.51

  In one of the villages, as Cities is put for one of the Cities, Judg. 12. 7.
• x 1.52

  The Church having offended and lost her beloved by her for∣mer laziness, now doubles her diligence, and discovers how ear∣nestly she was set upon the following work.
• y 1.53

  To particular con∣gregations. See Cant. 6. 1. Isa. 5. 1.
• † 1.54

  Heb. open.
• z 1.55

  Let us enquire into the success of our Labours, what Souls are brought in and built up, how they prosper and grow in Grace, whether they abound in good Works, &c.
• a 1.56

  There I will discover the sincerity and fervency of my affections to thee, and maintain communion with thee in thy holy Ordinances.
• b 1.57

  This Hebrew word is used Gen. 30. 14, 15. and the significa∣tion of it is very much doubted and disputed by Interpreters; of which see my Latin Synopsis on that place. But this is certain that the word signifies sweet and pleasant flowers, and therefore if it be understood of Mandrakes, they were of another sort than ours, as it is no unusual thing for flowers of the same kind in several Cli∣mates to have very differing Natures and Qualities.
• c 1.58

  Either 1. Growing there upon the Walls, or in Gardens, or Orchards, near the door of our dwelling-House: Or rather 2. Brought thi∣ther by divers Persons to congratulate and adom our Nuptials, or laid up for our entertainment, as may be gathered from the nature of the fruits, which were not only new, and growing, but also old, and laid up, as it here follows.
• d 1.59

  Fruits of this year, and of the former, that the variety might delight. Which seems to be spiri∣tually meant of the various fruits and operati•…•…ns of the Spirit, and degrees of Grace in several Believers.
• e 1.60

  Which have been pro∣duced by my Ministry for thy Service and Glory.