Song 4:9-10 | JFB | STEP | 9. sister ... spouse-- This title is here first used, as He is soon about to institute the Supper, the pledge of the nuptial union. By the term "sister," carnal ideas are excluded; the ardor of a spouse's love is combined with the purity of a sister's ( ; compare ). one-- Even one look is enough to secure His love ( ; ). Not merely the Church collectively, but each one member of it ( , ; , ). chain-- necklace ( ; Mal 3:17), answering to the "shields" hanging in the tower of David ( ). Compare the "ornament" ( ); "chains" ( ; ).

‏ Song of Solomon 4:9-10

9. sister ... spouse--This title is here first used, as He is soon about to institute the Supper, the pledge of the nuptial union. By the term "sister," carnal ideas are excluded; the ardor of a spouse's love is combined with the purity of a sister's (Is 54:5; compare Mr 3:35).

one--Even one look is enough to secure His love (Zec 12:10; Lu 23:40-43). Not merely the Church collectively, but each one member of it (Mt 18:10, 14; Lu 15:7, 24, 32).

chain--necklace (Is 62:3; Mal 3:17), answering to the "shields" hanging in the tower of David (So 4:4). Compare the "ornament" (1Pe 3:4); "chains" (Pr 1:9; 3:22).

10. love--Hebrew, "loves"; manifold tokens of thy love.

much better--answering to her "better" (So 1:2), but with increased force. An Amoebean pastoral character pervades the Song, like the classic Amoebean idylls and eclogues.

wine--The love of His saints is a more reviving cordial to Him than wine; for example, at the feast in Simon's house (Lu 7:36, 47; Joh 4:32; compare Zec 10:7).

smell of ... ointments than all spices--answering to her praise (So 1:3) with increased force. Fragrant, as being fruits of His Spirit in us (Ga 5:22).