The
prophetic announcement of the full heart-satisfaction of
the remnant
Chapter 8 stands by
itself, and appears to me to recapitulate the principles
of the whole book. It returns to the foundation of that
which gave rise to all these exercises. The full
satisfaction of all the desires of the remnant is
prophetically announced, and the path of their affections
is marked out. But this picture is drawn for the
encouragement of those who are not yet enjoying it, and
expresses the desire for its accomplishment (giving thus
the sanction of God to the ardent desire of the remnant
to possess Christ, and to have full liberty of communion
with Him). The reply teaches, with a clearness that is
very precious, the manner of its accomplishment. The
ardent affection of the loved one is manifested, and the
Beloved desires that she may rest in His love, and enjoy
it as long as she will without being disturbed.
Afterwards she comes up out of the wilderness, leaning
upon Him. And where did the Lord awaken her from her
sleep? Under an apple-tree (see chap. 2: 3). From Christ
alone she derives her life. Thus only can Israel give
birth to this living remnant, which, at Jerusalem, shall
become the earthly bride of the great King, which desires
to be, and shall be, as a seal upon His heart, according
to the power of a love that is strong as deaththat
spares nothing, and yields nothing.
The "little
sister" appears to me to be Ephraim, which has never
had the same development that Judah received through the
manifestation of Christ, and through all that took place
after the captivity of the ten tribes. For all the moral
affections of Judah were formed on their relationship to
Christ, on His rejection, and on the sentiments which
this produced when the Spirit caused it to be felt
(Isaiah 50-53). Ephraim has gone through none of this,
but will enter into the enjoyment of its results. Judah,
when perfected, will enjoy the full favour of the
Messiah; their affections having been formed for Him by
all the exercises of heart which they have had with
respect to Him.
Christ, in His Solomon
character, the glorious King, the Son of David, and after
the order of Melchisedec, has a vineyard as Lord of the
nations or multitudes. He has intrusted it to others, who
are to make Him a suitable return. The vineyard of the
bride was at her own disposal, but all its proceeds shall
be for Solomon; and there shall be a portion for those
that kept its fruitsa touching expression of her
relationship to the King. She will have all to be His;
and then there are others who shall profit by it also.
The last two verses
express the bride's desire that the Bridegroom may come
without delay. [Click below for a summary of The Song of Solomon.]
Song of Solomon 8 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
The prophetic announcement of the full heart-satisfaction of the remnant
Chapter 8 stands by itself, and appears to me to recapitulate the principles of the whole book. It returns to the foundation of that which gave rise to all these exercises. The full satisfaction of all the desires of the remnant is prophetically announced, and the path of their affections is marked out. But this picture is drawn for the encouragement of those who are not yet enjoying it, and expresses the desire for its accomplishment (giving thus the sanction of God to the ardent desire of the remnant to possess Christ, and to have full liberty of communion with Him). The reply teaches, with a clearness that is very precious, the manner of its accomplishment. The ardent affection of the loved one is manifested, and the Beloved desires that she may rest in His love, and enjoy it as long as she will without being disturbed. Afterwards she comes up out of the wilderness, leaning upon Him. And where did the Lord awaken her from her sleep? Under an apple-tree (see chap. 2: 3). From Christ alone she derives her life. Thus only can Israel give birth to this living remnant, which, at Jerusalem, shall become the earthly bride of the great King, which desires to be, and shall be, as a seal upon His heart, according to the power of a love that is strong as deaththat spares nothing, and yields nothing.
The "little sister" appears to me to be Ephraim, which has never had the same development that Judah received through the manifestation of Christ, and through all that took place after the captivity of the ten tribes. For all the moral affections of Judah were formed on their relationship to Christ, on His rejection, and on the sentiments which this produced when the Spirit caused it to be felt (Isaiah 50-53). Ephraim has gone through none of this, but will enter into the enjoyment of its results. Judah, when perfected, will enjoy the full favour of the Messiah; their affections having been formed for Him by all the exercises of heart which they have had with respect to Him.
Christ, in His Solomon character, the glorious King, the Son of David, and after the order of Melchisedec, has a vineyard as Lord of the nations or multitudes. He has intrusted it to others, who are to make Him a suitable return. The vineyard of the bride was at her own disposal, but all its proceeds shall be for Solomon; and there shall be a portion for those that kept its fruitsa touching expression of her relationship to the King. She will have all to be His; and then there are others who shall profit by it also.
The last two verses express the bride's desire that the Bridegroom may come without delay. [Click below for a summary of The Song of Solomon.]