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

This commendation, whereby he intimates his respect to her, hath four steps. 1. It's done in general, vers. 1. Then, 2. He insists on particulars, from vers. 1. to vers. 6. 3. He shows how his respect to her affected him, vers. 6. 4. He sums all particulars up in an universal commendation, vers. 7. lest any thing should be missed, or being left out might vex her; whereby he shows, what was his scope in that which preceded.

This commendation, whereby he intimats his respect to her, hath four steps. 1. It's done in general, vers. 1. Then, 2. He insists on particulars, from vers. 1. to vers. 6. 3. He shews how his respect to her affected him, vers. 6. 4. He sums all particulars up in an universal commendation, vers. 7. lest any thing should be missed, or being left out might vex her; whereby he shews, what was his scope in that which preceeded.

The general commendation in the beginning of vers. 1. is the same that was given her, Chap. 1. 15. yet here it's repeated with the two beholds: The reasons why he repeats it, are, 1. That Christ might evidence to her the reality of his love, and that he varies not, nor changes in it, even though sits of security on her side had intervened, Chap. 3. 1. Christ's love and thoughts to his people, are still the same, whatever changes be upon their frame and way, which may occasion sad changes in his dispensations towards them. 2. That she might the more be persuaded of his love to her and esteem of her; Christ would have his own ⟨p. 199⟩throughly persuaded that he loves them, 1. Joh. 4. 16. and would have others to know that he respects them, more than the most mighty in the world. 3. It's because often believers from all other hands, whether the men of the world, or from themselves, have but little comfort, therefore Christ renews his intimations to support and comfort them: Believers consolation hangs most on his kindness to them, and they who depend most on it are no losers. And further, We may here observe, that even a believer, especially after sad challenges, will need renewed intimations of Christ's love.