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

The sixth and seventh particulars instanced to commend Christ, are in vers. 14. The sixth is, his hands: The hands are the instruments of action, as the lips are of speaking: They are commended, that they are as Gold-rings, that is, as men or women's hands are adorned with Gold-rings, so his hands have a native loveliness beyond these: yet, this commendation (as all the former) answers not fully, therefore it's added, they are set with Beryl: This was a precious stone put in Aaron's breast-plate, Exod. 39. 13. To be set with it, signifies, as preciousness, so rare artifice, and such is seen in the right setting of precious stones. By our Lord's hands, may be understood that powerful activity whereby he is fitted to bring about what he pleaseth, and that power which he exerciseth especially in the works of grace, as on vers. 4. was cleared: Or, we may understand the effects produced by that his power, or his works which are exceeding glorious, as, Psal. 109. 27. That they may know, O Lord, that this is thy hand, that is, that thou Lord hast done it: So his hands signify such works especially wherein his Divine power, art and skill doth manifest themselves for the good of his people: Both agree well together; for, excellent power and skill produce excellent effects, and excellent effects demonstrate the excellent qualifications of the worker; this being a main piece of Christ's commendation, and which doth hold him forth to be exceeding lovely above all to the believer (which is the scope) may well be taken here as the meaning, especially being subjoined to the commendation of his words; for, our Lord Jesus doth not only say well, but also doth well: he is a prophet, mighty both in word and deed,