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

The second part of the verse, namely the commendation he gives her, is insinuate in these words, The companions hearken to thy voice: By companions here, are understood particular believers, members of the Church, called also brethren and companions, Psal. 122. 8. and the brother-hood, 1 Pet. 2. 17. So also, Psal. 45. 14. and 119. 63. I am a companion of all that fear thee, &c. and this title is given them for these two reasons, 1. Because there is jointness and communion amongst them, in all their interests, ⟨p. 475⟩both of duties and privileges, and also in sufferings, &c. and so John, Rev. 19. calls himself their brother and companion in tribulation: They are all fellow-citizens of one city, Eph. •. And▪ •. because they have a familiar way of living together, according to that joint interest, by sympathizing with each other, freedom to each other, and kindliness of affection to one another; opposite to that strangeness and particularness that is amongst the men of the world: And this is the right improving of the former, and results from it. Next, by the Brides voice, is here understood her instructions admonitions, and such parts of Christian-fellowship which tends to edification, wherein that companionry (so to speak) doth most appear: An example whereof we find in the instructions she gave to the daughters, Chap. 5. The companions their hearkening to her voice, is more than simple hearing (for hearkening and hearing are much different, and have different words in the Original) and It implieth, their laying weight on what she said, by pondering of it, and yielding to it, as the daughters did, Chap. 6. 1. to which this may relate. And so the meaning is, thy fellow-worshippers (saith he) with reverence and respect, receive thy words, thou speaks so weightily unto them. And this doth import not only the practice and duty of the Bride and her companions, but also a commendation of them, both which we may take up in the doctrines. Observ. 1. That there is a most friendly union and familiar relation amongst all believers; they are companions in this respect, though their may be many differences in externals, which this takes not away. 2. Believers; ought to walk friendly together, according to that relation; and it's pleasant when they converse together as such