Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentarySong of Songs 3

The Love of the Church to Christ.This section tells the story of a believer or the church searching for Christ and not finding Him at first, but finally discovering His presence. It shows that sometimes God seems to hide Himself and we have to search with patience and faith. Even when it feels like we are seeking in vain, those who truly love Christ will keep seeking until they find Him. In the end, God rewards those who do not give up.v. 1: The church remembers a time of spiritual darkness when she longed for Christ but could not find Him. By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not . Her search was slow and tired, like seeking at night while still in bed. But even when Christ seemed far away, her love for Him stayed strong. She kept seeking, even when it was hard, just as David longed for God (Psalm 63:1 ). Sometimes, God lets us seek for a while without finding Him, so we learn to trust and wait.

v. 2: Not satisfied, she decides to get up and search for Christ more actively. I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth . She looks everywhere, even in public places, like the city and its streets, which can represent the church and the places where God’s people gather. She searches with effort and does not give up, but still, she cannot find Him. Sometimes, even when we do all the right things, God may seem distant for a time (Job 23:8-9; Psalm 88:14 ). Like Mary Magdalene, she feels the pain of not knowing where Christ is (John 20:13 ).

v. 3: She asks the watchmen, who walk around the city at night, if they have seen Christ. Have you seen him whom my soul loveth? . These watchmen may represent spiritual leaders or ministers. Even though there are other things in the city that could distract her, she wants only Christ. She searches the scriptures, prays, and stays close to God’s people, always asking, “Where is Jesus?” Only those who know Christ themselves can help others find Him (John 12:21 ).

v. 4: Soon after she leaves the watchmen, she finds Christ at last. It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth . She holds Him tightly and does not want to let go. When Christ finally comes, the joy is greater after a long search. Believers should keep seeking, even when it is hard, because God promises to be found by those who do not give up (Psalm 42:8; Isaiah 54:7-8 ). When we find Christ, we should hold on to Him with faith and love (Matthew 28:9; Proverbs 3:18 ).She brings Christ to her mother’s house, wanting everyone she loves to have fellowship with Him. When Zacchaeus met Christ, salvation came to his whole house (Luke 19:9 ). We should want our families, our church, and all our friends to know Christ too. If we are blessed by His presence, we should pray that others experience it as well.

v. 5: She warns others not to disturb her relationship with Christ. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem… that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please . She wants nothing to spoil the peace and joy she has with Christ. Everyone should be careful not to offend Christ or disturb the peace of the church. Like the warning in Exodus to obey and not grieve the Lord (Exodus 23:21 ), and Paul’s command not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-31 ), we should be gentle and quiet in our hearts, making sure not to do anything that would cause Christ to withdraw His presence (Galatians 5:10 ).

The Love of the Church to Christ.This verse contains the words of the daughters of Jerusalem. Before, they did not admire the bride because she was “black” or looked unimportant (Song of Solomon 1:6 ). Now they are amazed by her beauty and ask, Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness? This surprise and respect show how God can change and honor His people before others. It can speak about many things: Israel’s journey from the wilderness to the promised land, the church’s deliverance from trouble, or a believer’s recovery from spiritual sadness. In every case, God’s people are lifted up, and others notice the change.v. 6: The daughters of Jerusalem ask, Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? . This can describe the people of Israel coming out of the desert, now seen as beautiful and glorious (Numbers 23:9; Numbers 24:5 ). It also pictures the church after being set free from enemies or after a hard time. The church rises “like pillars of smoke,” meaning her love, worship, and prayers go up to God, just like incense. She is filled with the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, as if perfumed with sweet spices. These blessings are not earned by us, but given through Jesus, who paid a high price for them. The world is amazed at the church’s beauty and God’s mercy towards her (Revelation 3:9; Esther 8:17 ). When a believer comes out of sadness or doubt, their renewed love for God is also like sweet smoke, reaching up to heaven and pleasing to God and to others around them.

The Love of the Church to Christ.In this section, the daughters of Jerusalem are amazed by the bride, but she does not focus on their praise. Instead, she directs attention to Christ, here called Solomon, who is greater than the earthly king. She wants everyone to see the glory and greatness of Christ. This passage highlights three things about Him: the safety He gives, the splendor of His “chariot,” and His royal glory.v. 7–8: The church points to the safety and peace Christ provides: Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it… (Song of Solomon 3:7 ). Christ’s “bed” means the place of rest and peace in Him. It is well-guarded, surrounded by strong and brave defenders. This shows that those who trust in Christ are not only at rest but also safe, even in troubled times. God protects His people with angels and with spiritual leaders who guard and teach them (Ephesians 3:17; Isaiah 27:3 ; Philippians 4:7 ). Christ’s peace keeps believers safe night and day.

v. 9–10: The church admires the beauty and strength of Christ’s “chariot”: King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love (Song of Solomon 3:9-10 ). This chariot stands for the gospel or the way Christ comes to save and carry His people. Everything about it is precious and strong—silver, gold, cedar, and purple. But above all, it is filled with love. This love is the main part of the gospel and of God’s plan to save us. Christ’s love is better than all riches, and it is the reason for all that He does for His people (2 Samuel 23:5 ).

v. 11: The daughters of Zion are invited to look at Christ in His glory: Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals... (Song of Solomon 3:11 ). This crown may remind us of the honors God gave to Christ, or even the crown of thorns He wore when He loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25 ). It is also about the honor Christ receives from believers when they trust Him and give Him first place in their hearts. The day of Christ’s “espousals” is when He joins Himself to His people in love—this brings Him great joy (Luke 10:21 ). The church is invited to celebrate and honor Christ for all He has done.