Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon

The second instance, proving her fruitfulness, holdeth •orth what the keepers should receive; the keepers shall have two hundred: Two hundred is a definite number for an indefinite. The scope is to show, that she acknowledged Christ's car• ▪ in providing Watchmen and Ordinances to her, and as they were not […] to her, but were blessed for her good; so he should have honour, and their pains taken on her, by her fruitfulness, should redound to their commendation and glory, yet (as it becomes) in a lesser degree than to the master, and without wronging of the rent due to him; this two hundred (saith she) ought not, and shall not diminish his thousand. Now, this may relate either to the reward that faithful Ministers shall have from Christ, spoken of, Dan. 12. 3. O what joy and glory will result to them, from the peoples fruitfulness (amongst whom they have laboured) in the day of the Lord! that they have not run in vain, but with much success, will bring them much joy in that day; So, 1 Thess. 2. 19, 20. What is our hope (saith the Apostle) or crown of rejoicing, are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, at his coming? For ye are our glory and our joy. It's a piece of their life and satisfaction, to see the work of the Gospel thrive amongst the people: We live (saith Paul) 1 Thess. 3. •8. if ye stand fast in the Lord▪ Or, 2. It may look to that which is called for from a people to their Ministers, even here, they are to acknowledge them that are over them for their works sake, to obey and submit to them, yea, to give themselves to them by the will of God, having given themselves first to Christ, 2 Cor. 8. 5. and this being a testimony of believers sincerity, it looks like the scope; and so the sense is, Thou shalt have (saith she) that which is called for, as thy due, and the keepers shall have what respect and encouragement is due to them, for thy sake.