8:1, 2, 3 – Solomon’s espoused, despite all of his expressions of undying love for her, does have some few misgivings! He is of such a very noble strain, and she…! And so it is that she wishes it were otherwise: that they were both on about an equal footing. Then, she might readily express her deepest heartfelt emotions, her very deepest love for him. If she kissed him in public or otherwise, there are always those who would despise her for it, saying that such demonstrations show too much familiarity with Solomon, the King, especially by one of so lowly an estate as is hers. She tells him of this – Oh, if only he could appear to be as her brother; surely, no one would then object to such demonstrations of love, and, under such a guise, she could bring him into her mother’s house; be instructed there; and at the same time minister unto him of her choicest juice of pomegranate wine.

The marriage has not yet taken place. She is still merely the “espoused virgin.” And, there are times when she does have some misgivings, being mindful of the fact that his station is so very high, and hers, so very low. This is when she forgets her own High-calling, and her own begettal to the divine nature. She forgets then also, that she is already related to Him, not merely by way of her betrothal, but inasmuch as Jehovah God is her Father, and (the) Sarah (covenant) is her mother; and, respectively His too! Indeed, He is her brother! (Adam and Eve were, in a sense, also brother and sister, for was not Jehovah God, the Father of both?) Nor need she ever really fear of being despised for showing her deepest affections for Him, by “kissing” Him (testifying of her love for Him), publicly or otherwise, since HE under- stands.

How much do we forget when for one reason or another, we lose our peace – fearing, worrying and fretting! At such times we are very apt to forget many other things too. The “bride-to-be” forgets that she has already brought her Beloved into her mother’s house. (Cant. 2:4) She forgets that she has already been fully instructed with regard to her attitude toward Him, and now needs no further instructions. (1 John 2:27) In fact, He has already drunk of the “spiced wine” of the juice of her pomegranates, i.e., she has already delighted Him with her understanding of the doctrine of redemption for all the world of mankind, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. She would however, be reassured, if only he would place his left hand under her head (alert her mental faculties to a consciousness of all His apparently unappreciated grace and favor); and, with His right hand embrace her (draw her ever closer unto Himself).

8:4 – At this point, Solomon’s Beloved sees the daughters of Jerusalem once again pressing-in on her. They know how kind and sympathetic she is to all unfortunate peoples, and would have her engage in works by which much suffering and pain could be alleviated. Yet, this work would seriously interfere with her endeavors to delight with herself and her devotion, her bridegroom-to- be. Accordingly, as she did before (Cant. 2:7, 3:5), she adjures them not to arouse her natural love and sympathy at this particular time, for it would not be too long until both she and her Beloved would engage in this work together.

Nor is it different with the “espoused virgin.” She too can see the “daughters of Jerusalem” pressing-in, for the use of some of her consecrated time and talent. Nor are the projects in which they would engage her, unworthy ones, for they do involve the alleviation of pain and suffering among the groaning creation. Such are temperance work, welfare work, slum clearance work, etc., etc., all of which could require much of one’s time if the work is to be carried on conscientiously. The “espoused virgin” does not have that much time; though she is willing to do good unto all men as she has opportunity. (Gal. 6:10)

“If all the consecrated were…busily engaged in putting on the armor of God, and proving it by actual use in zealous endeavor to herald the truth and to help others to stand, there would be no time left for even good temperance reform work, nor for work among the slums of the great cities, nor for the doctrine of healing, nor any such thing. We have no consecrated time for these matters, which are only side issues and not harmful in themselves, except as they divert attention and consume time which has been consecrated to another and higher use. All these works will be effectively accomplished in the ‘times of restitution’ (Acts 3:19-22), now in the near future…” (R5045:6)

Yet, there is another group of the “daughters of Jerusalem,” which asks us to engage in still other work, a work which is even more of a semblance to the work which Jesus admonished his disciples to do. (Mark 16:15) Here it is not often easy to differentiate between the “work of the Lord,” and “work for the Lord.” What Jesus told his disciples to do was work incidental to the making of their “calling and election sure.” (2 Pet. 1:10) Such is the so-called “public work” and the “tracting work.” These may be carried on as a “work” by which we seek to please the Lord. Yet how deceptive this can be! One could be busily engaged in this type of work, virtually caring for another’s vineyard, yet neglecting his own. (Cant. 1:6) What will delight the heavenly bridegroom-to-be most is our devotedness to Him; and He will measure this not by the amount of work we have done for Him; but the degree of love we have developed in doing it for Him! Accordingly, work should never be done for the work’s sake, but for His sake, as a token of our love for Him.

“…The great work of the true Church during this age has been to feed, strengthen and enlighten all who enter the covenanted spiritual condition. The Bride of Christ is to make herself ready. (Rev. 19:7) The witnessing to the world during the present age is quite secondary and incidental. The full blessing of the world will follow in God’s ‘due time,’ after the Gospel age…is ended.” (T115)

8:5 – To help his Beloved find herself, Solomon throws her mind back to the time when he had led her forth from the wilderness, to which she had fled to escape the persecutions of a very jealous woman. He likened this experience for her to a birth, for it was at that time that he helped her to become a recognized personality. And since then, he had been helping her to grow into a most beautiful womanhood; eventually intending to make her his bride.

Though the true Church, the “espoused virgin,” has existed from the very beginning of the Gospel age, because of persecutions by a very jealous woman (the apostate Church – the Papacy), she had to flee into the wilderness for 1260 “days” (Rev. 12:6) – 1260 years!

“In the first flush of papal exaltation, the people as a whole were nominally members of the church or else pagans; and all who professed Christ were expected to conform to the usages and regulations of the gradually self-exalting hierarchy. Error, always more popular than truth, when exalted to influence and power, hunted down, proscribed and made disreputable the truth, and all who held it. This was the time when, as pictured in Revelation, the true Church (woman) fled into the wilderness – into solitude (Rev. 12:6) – an outcast because of her fidelity to the truth, and to the true Lord and Head of the Church. In this time, when apostates were being exalted as princes, the true, humble saints were experiencing what the Lord had warned them, and all who will live godly (in this present time), to expect, viz., persecution…” (B329)

It was during that period that the Lord “found” her, and helped her (Dan. 11:34) by way of the Reformation.

“…the full period of the persecutor’s (Papacy’s) power, 1260 years, would not end until 1799; but before its end God granted a little help through the Reformation movement, which, though at first it rather increased persecution, afterward gave some comfort to those falling because of fidelity to God’s work. The Reformation prevented the complete crushing out of the truth from the world…” (C38)

There is then, perhaps a sense in which the Church during this period experienced a second “birth,” i.e., she had now come into being, a “protesting” Church; her mother for the occasion, being none other than “Divine Providence.” And, He who had served as the “apple-tree” for the sons, His luscious “fruitage,” and His delightful “shade” (Cant. 2:3), also served this newly brought-forth “protesting” church, during the period of her growth and development into a most beautiful “woman.” It was He also, who in due course of time led her forth from the “wilderness” leaning on His arm. Satan had indeed tried by way of the French Revolution, to…

“…overwhelm the ‘woman’ (the protesting Church of God), as her three and a half times (1260 years) of wilderness-hiding were about closing, and she was coming forward into prominence ‘leaning on (the arm of) her beloved,’ The Word of God.” (Cant. 8:5) (C65)

Thus would the antitypical Solomon comfort and reassure his beloved “espoused virgin” that there is nothing that can ever separate her from Him, and His love for her. (Rom. 8:35)

8:6 – After Solomon had uttered his beautiful words to reassure his beloved “Dove,” she seemed to be more hungry than before for every token of his love. She now asks that she be set as a seal upon his heart, and upon his arm, so indelibly impressed thereon as never to be erased.

The Hebrew word chotham has been rendered both signet and seal; and in some respects the two are alike. The stones of Aaron’s breastplate, were in the nature of such signets or seals (Exod. 28:21) as they became identified with him, when born upon his heart; and whenever he appeared in the presence of Jehovah God on Israel’s behalf. The suggestion has been made that these stones – signets or seals – bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, represented the “true Israel of God, the ‘little flock’.” (T36) What a beautiful thought this is; that we are virtually engraved upon the heart of our Jesus! Undoubtedly this is the thought implied here. The true Church, the “espoused virgin,” desires that she be the seal upon the heart of her Beloved, and upon his arm too: His “heart” would represent His affections – His love; and His “arm,” his strength – both to be exercised by Him, on her behalf.

“All her strength has gradually disappeared, and she is leaning upon His breast; her arm, or strength, finds support only in His arm, or strength. She would have the pressure of her head upon His bosom, remain ever before His eyes as the impress of a seal upon His heart and affections. She would have the pressure of her dependence upon Him remain as a seal upon His arm, or strength.

“In the Jewish Tabernacle, the high priest always bore the names of the tribes of Israel upon his shoulders and upon his breastplate. The shoulders or arms are symbolic of strength, and the breastplate is symbolic of the heart affections. Whenever he went in and appeared before Jehovah, his shoulders and his breast were adorned with the precious stones, upon which were engraven the names of the tribes of Israel. This was a symbol of our High Priest, who bears us upon His heart and upholds us by His strength as He stands before God; for ‘Christ has entered into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us.’

“The bride prays that she may be so engraven upon His heart and cherished within His affections, that she shall be before His eyes continually…

“It is as our Beloved is continually in our minds and hearts, as our love goes out to Him in adoration and obedience, as we lean upon Him harder and harder, that we apprehend and enter into the rest and sweetness of being engraven upon His heart and shoulders. Upon His heart, that we may receive and rejoice in all His infinite love and faithfulness, with which He would surround us, and which He would extend in our behalf. Upon His arm, that all His power and strength may operate in our behalf and may work in our lives. He would have us so trusting Him that we should never be dismayed, knowing that whatever came He would take care of it. He would have the communion between us unbroken; then can we say that we are set as a seal upon His heart and arm.” (MacIlravy – Christ and His Bride, pages 517, 518)

“…It is a necessity to the heart that loves Christ to be assured of a permanent place in the affections of the Beloved. Nothing could be more destructive of all true Christian affection than any degree of uncertainty as to our place in the love of Christ. A seal upon His heart and arm is a permanent pledge of love and service, and nothing less than this will satisfy the spouse. She is conscious that the seal which will secure her permanently must be on His heart and arm.” (Coates – An Outline of the Song of Songs, page 205)

It is quite certain that Solomon’s “fairest among women” is seeking to justify her request that she be set a seal or signet upon his heart and upon his arm, “for” says she, “love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave (sheol), the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.” That she speaks of human love appears from her use of the phrase, “cruel as the grave.” Human love, because of man’s fallen condition is never pure; it is always an admixture involving a certain amount of jealousy. Such love, however, can be strong as death, inasmuch as it never gives up what it has taken up to be its own; and it is because of jealousy, that it is “cruel as the grave,” robbing those who ought to be happy, of their peace and contentment of mind. This jealousy of love, burns with such a vehement flame, that it virtually destroys everything it comes in contact with.

“Jealousy of another is always an evil quality…it is ‘cruel as sheol,’ which engulfs all mankind; it is unreasoning and insatiable. One has said of it, ‘Jealousy is really – whether so recognized or not – a thirst for blood, life; at any moment when reason is a little weaker than usual, jealousy is ready to kill the thing it hates or the thing it loves.’ It signifies either apprehension of being displaced in the affections of another, or of being outdone by a rival in matters of favor or popularity with others.

“(this) jealousy…is the most vicious kind of cruelty, committed in the name of love, through envy; it is one of the great foes which confront every Christian and is closely allied to hatred, malice, envy, strife, and should be slain on sight as an enemy of God and man, and every good principle; and to the extent that its presence has defiled the heart even for a moment, a cleansing by the spirit of holiness should be invoked. It is not only a cruel monster of itself, but its poisonous fangs are almost certain to inflict pain and trouble upon others. The mind which is once poisoned with jealousy so rapidly brings everything within its environment to its own color and character that it is with great difficulty that it can be entirely cleansed from it.” (R4789:1)

However strange it may seem, this human love and jealousy have a spiritual counterpart, that is of a most noble strain, and by which the “espoused virgin” could justly desire to be set a seal or signet upon the heart of her Beloved, and upon His arm.

“Nevertheless, love, wisdom, hatred, jealousy, are attributed to God and should be in all of us. We read, ‘I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God.’ If man could have his hatred and his jealousies along the same line as God, it would be all right.…He tells us that when we have other gods, we must consider him jealous; but the impropriety of jealousy is when it leads to bitterness and other like qualities to which the fallen mind is subject and liable. When the Lord announces himself as a jealous God, he means us to understand that he wants all of our affections, all of our confidence, our entire trust. He wants that we should be so fully in accord with him that his will shall be supreme in all the affairs of life.” (R4789:2)

But this is a God-like love and jealousy (1 John 4:16; Exod. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 5:9; 2 Cor. 11:2), a jealousy whose “coals of fire” also burn with a most vehement flame! In fact, the Hebrew text gives the sense of this portion of the passage as follows: “the flashes (or heat) thereof are flashes of fire, a very flame of the LORD (Jehovah).” See Leeser, J.P.S., Rotherham. See also Deut. 4:24; Heb. 12:9

“‘Love is strong as death’ would…set forth how firmly He holds His loved ones. Death holds those who come into its embrace with a grip which will not yield to any creature power. And the love of Christ will never relax its hold upon those whom the Father has given to Him. (See John 10:27-29)

“Then jealousy, as known in Christ, is very wondrous. Such is the intensity of His love that any thought of a rival which would steal our hearts away from Him is intolerable to Him. How hateful to Him is every influence that corrupts the affections of those who are espoused as a chaste virgin to Him! (2 Cor. 11:1-3) His exhortations, warnings, convictings, and discipline all express the jealousy of His love. It comes out in innumerable dealings which are sometimes of a very searching character. ‘Flashes of fire, flames of Jah,’ remind us that the chapter in the New Testament which speaks of divine chastening ends with the statement, ‘For also our God is a consuming fire.’ (Heb. 12:29) But there is ever behind all the divine ways, however searching and severe they may be, the burning power of an unquenchable love. That love is against all the influences that tend to divert us; it ever acts to consume and destroy them; but this is to liberate us from their power, that we may enjoy, and respond to, the Love of Christ.” (Coates – An Outline of the Song of Songs, pages 206, 207)

“The bride has been imploring the Bridegroom to set her as a seal upon His arm and upon His heart. She knows that if she is a seal upon His heart, His love, which is strong as death, will ever hold her and uphold her. Nothing can snatch her from this tender place of privilege. She knows that if she is set as a seal upon His arm, His strength will support Her, and His arm will fight all her battles. She also knows that with jealousy as exacting and unyielding as Sheol, He will hold His own possessions and protect His own seal. He will suffer neither man nor devil to use or mar or have any part in those who have become a seal upon His heart and arm.

“This divine love appears cruel when it separates us from father and mother, from brother and sister, yea, from every earthly tie and dear one that comes between our precious Lord and ourselves. This love is cruel to all who would steal away even a little place in the life that belongs to God; and it is cruel most of all to the self-life of the believer himself.

“…The word translated: ‘flashes,’ has the significance of flashes of lightning that strike an object; or sparks that strike, and either set on fire or consume the object struck. Thus it is with divine love and jealousy. The vehement flame, which is contained in the flashes and sparks that are sent out from divine love and jealousy, will consume all that oppose God, and will set on fire with divine fire and zeal, those who receive and yield to Him.

“The love of God is mighty and mysterious, not only when manifested from Him to us, but when found in His children. Those who could never love each other in the natural, nor find anything in common with one another, are drawn together by bands that are woven from the everlasting love of God; bands that will abide through Eternity.

“The ‘Flame of Jehovah’ that is kindled in our hearts, is the beginning of the sweet unity and fellowship, the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit, which will bind us together in a bundle with our Lord, and will forever abide in perfection throughout endless ages.” (MacIlravy – Christ and His Bride, pages 519 – 523)

8:7 – Solomon does not interrupt his Beloved; but lets her go on philosophizing, and uttering encomiums to his love. She declares that many waters could not quench its fervency; nor floods inundate it. It was also the kind of love that could never be purchased, though a man might offer all of his wealth in houses, land, etc., for it. Furthermore, he would be scorned for even suggesting it.

Of course, the desire of the “espoused virgin” has always been to be as a seal set upon the heart and arm of her beloved “Solomon.” Yet, when contemplating the depth and grandeur of His love for her, she has ever felt herself most unworthy of it. She could speak of this wonderful love and care, as did the ancient Psalmist of God’s, “how precious…are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them; if I should count them, they are more in number than the sand…” (Psa. 139:17, 18) Recognizing this love as unfathomable, and immeasurable in its vastness, and by virtue of its infinite character, like a great conflagration which “many waters cannot quench,” nor could “floods drown it,” she is appalled. Indeed, she knows that it was His great love for her, the “espoused virgin” (Eph. 5:2), that enabled Him to withstand the “floods” and “billows” which assailed and passed over Him. (Psa. 42:7, 8; 69:1, 15)

“When we remember what our Lord passed through as He came and died for us, we see that many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. As He hung upon the Cross of Calvary, all the waves and billows of God’s wrath went over His head. All the floods of the devil and his hosts came up against Him as he wrought out the redemption work which God had given Him to do. But none of these things quenched His love.” (MacIlravy – Christ and His Bride, page 523)

Nor can such love, as the love of Christ for His “espoused virgin” be purchased, though one should be willing to give all of his earthly wealth in exchange for it: in fact, he would be scorned for even suggesting it. And yet there are “…many…rejoicing in their knowledge and wisdom;…many are giving their substance to feed the poor;…many are doing penance and practicing austerities;…many are pouring out their lives in all kinds of ‘works.’ But they have neither love for God nor for man. They are trying to work their way into Heaven, and in the place of loving confidence and trust in God, there is a slavish fear…” (MacIlravy – Christ and His Bride, page 525)

Our Blessed Lord, however, asked nothing more of His disciples than that they have a love for one another in their own hearts, as He had manifested in His for them (John 13:34; 15:12); for, inasmuch as they loved one another fervently, they were loving Him. (Acts 9:4, 5; 22:7, 8; 26:14, 15)

“…We may safely conclude that there is some of the gall of bitterness in the heart, if we take plea- sure in seeking flaws in the flesh of members of the body of Christ. Their flesh, justified by the Redeemer and consecrated, becomes His flesh. Whoever, therefore, is a faultfinder and busybody in the affairs of the brethren, is doing this against the flesh of Jesus. ‘I am Jesus whom thou perse- cutest.’ (Acts 9:5, 22:8)” (R5274:3)

There is no better way to show our appreciation of the love of our Lord for us, than in showing a like love unto Him (in the person of His body member!); and this also, should be so deep and grand, like unto a great conflagration that as it sweeps along, burns up everything in its way (of evil-reports, etc.); and that “many waters cannot quench,” nor “floods drown.”

8:8, 9, 10 – The marriage of Solomon and his Beloved is not now too far off; and his Beloved shows some concern for their little sister. What is to become of her after the marriage? This little sister, whose development shows much to be lacking, is without breasts! Solomon tells his Beloved that much will depend upon the little sister’s temperament and disposition. Is she like a wall, willing and able to resist all improper advances? And is she like a door, that swings open, as it were, to all comers? If the former, he says, we will build for her a palace of silver; if the latter, we shall need to protect her, by enclosing her within boards of cedar! Evidently, the daughters of Jerusalem have been listening to this conversation; so that the Beloved, now addresses herself to them, saying that she herself is, and always has been a wall; and, that her breasts are like towers; and that because of this, she has found favor in the eyes of her Solomon.

The “espoused virgin” has been likened in her stature unto a palm tree (erect and upright); and her breasts to its delicious fruitage. (Cant. 7:7) In the simile now before us, she is likened to a wall; and her breasts to towers: two symbols reflecting the character of the “espoused virgin” – the wall, her resistance to all that is evil; the (upstanding, outstanding) towers, her self-denying, self-giving, as outstanding traits of her spiritual grace and beauty! Because of these, she has found favor in the eyes of her beloved “Solomon.”

The “little sister” who is retarded in her development, having no “breasts,” i.e., who is lacking these outstand- ing characteristics of spiritual grace and beauty, is the Great Company. Lacking these features, she could never become a “mother” to the regenerated race of mankind in the Millennium, she never could become the Lamb’s Wife!

This Great Company does not love righteousness, nor hate iniquity sufficiently, to make her calling and election to obtain the prize of the high-calling – immortality – sure! There is a certain amount of compromise and hesitation, underdevelopment of the full spirit of sacrifice, which keeps her more or less in bondage (for fear of death she is all her life in bondage – Heb. 2:15), so that she fails to separate herself completely (2 Cor. 6:17); fails to respond to the call, “Come out of her, my people.” (Rev. 18:4) But this Great Company does love righteousness, and to a certain extent resists that which is evil (this is the wall characteristic), and will, because of this be established in a “silver palace” – the spirit nature – an abode prepared for her to serve her for the ages. Yet, because of the measure of compromise (this is the door characteristic) that spirit nature will not be of the highest, the divine order (a golden palace). It will be a mortal state. However, perfect mortality on the spirit plane, will afford her all the protection necessary – the protection, as it were, of the “boards of cedar.”

“…Scriptures (Rev. 7:9, 13-17) show us that there will be a ‘Great Company’ who during this age have entered the race for the grand prize of joint- heirship with Jesus, and who fail to ‘so run’ as to obtain it. These, though ‘castaways,’ as regards the prize (1 Cor. 9:27) are nevertheless objects of the Lord’s love; for at heart they are friends of righteousness and not of sin. Hence, by his providences through the circumstances of life, the Lord will cause them to come through ‘great tribulation,’ thus accomplishing for them ‘the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.’ (1 Cor. 5:5) They consecrated their justified human life, God accepted that consecra- tion and reckoned them, according to their cove- nant, dead as human beings, and alive as new – spiritual – creatures. But, by their failure to carry out the contract of self-sacrifice, they cut themselves off from the ‘Royal Priesthood,’ from membership in the Body of Christ. ‘Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away.’ (John 15:2)

“Through the favor of the High Priest, this Great Company are to go into ‘great tribulation’ and have the flesh destroyed. This will not make of them voluntary overcomers nor give them membership in the Body – the Bride of Christ. It will not give them a place on the throne of Kings and Priests, but a position ‘before the throne,’ as perfect spirit beings though not of the highest order of the spiritual – the divine. Though they will not possess the crown of life – Immortality – yet, if rightly exercised by the tribulation they will attain to a condition ‘like unto angels,’…Rev. 7:14, 15.” (T69, 70)

8:11, 12 – Solomon’s “fairest among women” now tells of a vineyard that belonged to him, located at Baal-hamon; and which vineyard he let out to keepers, who them- selves paid for the privilege of working therein; the cost was 1,000 shekels of silver (Meek – An American Translation); and, who for their labor received in return 200 shekels of silver.

The Church of the Gospel dispensation, is our “Solomon’s” vineyard at Baal-hamon; and in which vineyard he delights to see it flourishing with an abundance of fruitage (saintly character) which in due time is to be made into a most delectable “wine” to gladden, as it were, Himself, His Father, and eventually, the whole world of mankind! “Baal-Hamon” means the Lord, or Master of the Multitude; surely a very proper title for our “Solomon” who at a great cost to himself purchased this field – the world! For a while He entrusts the care of this vineyard – at least a certain part of it – to the care of “keepers” who are to regard it as a sacred trust. Theirs, however, is to be different from that of another vineyard (Israel) which Jehovah God “rented” out to certain husbandmen (scribes, Pharisees, doctors of the law, priests, etc.) and which vineyard gave its owner, practically nothing in return. (Matt. 21:33-41) Each, and every member of the “espoused virgin” class is a “keeper” in “Solomon’s” vineyard at “Baal-hamon,” to whom a certain part of the vineyard has been “rented.” The price for the privilege of working in this “vineyard” is the same for all of the “keepers,” regardless of their individual skill or talent or ability. This, figuratively speaking, is 1,000 shekels, and corresponds to their consecration – covenant relationship to Jehovah God, without which, “Solomon” accepts none! Nor is there a difference in the “pay” accorded these “laborers in the vineyard,” it is the same to all – a “penny” (kingdom honors), here repre- sented in the 200 shekels of silver, and corresponding to a double share (2 x 100) in Jesus: (1) identification with Him in His humanity and suffering; (2) identification with Him in the glory (His glory) to follow. – Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12 (See Appendix “Y”)

“…The laborers are those earnest, consecrated children of God who throughout this Gospel age…are faithfully spending their time and energy, not in the service of self, the service of Mammon, but in the service of God. Only the faithful there- fore are represented by the laborers, all of whom get the same reward, the Kingdom honors represented in the parable by the ‘penny’.” (C223)

“The general lesson of the parable would seem to be that we should appreciate the fact that whatever God has to offer is a gift. We should enter his service with loving loyalty to principle, to righteousness. If we have served many years, that privilege of serving should be esteemed; and our interest in the Lord’s cause should make us happy. From such a standpoint of appreciation of the privilege of service, we should be glad to see the Lord’s work carried on, glad to see others enter the service and glad to see them get the same reward that we hope for ourselves. Only those who have such a broad spirit, such an appreciation of the privileges of the vineyard, such a sympathy for ‘as many as the Lord our God shall call’ – only these will be fit for the Kingdom proper and in readiness to receive the special privileges of knowledge and opportunity when the Kingdom is really to be announced.” (R5473:6)

Speaking of her own share in this vineyard, the “espoused virgin” is happy to declare that it is hers, that she realizes her own responsibility for the producing of a rich fruitage in her character. Yet, she is also mindful of the fact that her privilege to work upon it, is based on the covenant of sacrifice she entered into with Jehovah; and she is glad to know that together with others who work in their vineyards too (all of which are “Solomon’s”) she will receive a part of her reward now, and the rest in the kingdom, later. (Eph. 1:18-21)

“…our hearts are our vineyards which we must keep with all diligence.” (Matthew Henry)

“…Nothing is more plainly set forth in the Scriptures than the fact that all labor will have its sure and full reward. No one ever did anything in faithfulness to the Lord who will not receive full recompense.” (Coates – An Outline of the Song of Songs, page 216)

8:13 – Solomon appreciates the fact that his “Beloved” dwells in the gardens, the place where fragrant flowers and delicious fruits are always in evidence. Her compan- ions too, are near her, enjoying, as it were, the lilt of her voice. She has been quite busy talking to them; now he would have her talk to him too.

The “espoused virgin” dwells, in the gardens of the Lord, where the fragrance of the beautiful “blossoms,” and ripening “fruits,” ever serve to delight her heart. It is no wonder then, that there is music in her voice, which her companions, being near, enjoy listening to.

These companions are not merely the Great Company: for there are others who like to listen too. They may not always understand the words, but they do enjoy the music! (One can enjoy good music, without having any real music appreciation.) But the “espoused virgin” speaks in many different ways, ofttimes without saying a word. She sings too, and this, often without there being any real sound! This is through the testimony of her life. (Actions do sometimes speak much louder than words!) Yet it is possible to be so busy communicating with others, that we fail to talk to, or sing for, our dearly beloved Lord – the heavenly bridegroom-to-be. Nor is he ever jealous of another; but He will remind us of the fact that He too, would appreciate something addressed directly to Him personally!

“The people around us are watching us, they are looking and examining us to see exactly what we are, regardless of our testimonies. They are hearkening for our voices, not only in the meetings… but when we are not conscious of their scrutiny. They are measuring our lives and watching us when we do not know it. It is not for our sakes alone, that God is calling us to walk softly before Him, and admonishing us that our words and actions must be like Jesus Christ. In one sense, our personal interest and profit are of minor importance. The most important thing is that Christ may be honored and not dishonored, that He may be shown forth in our lives in all His beauty and glory. The next important thing is for the sake of those about us who are repelled or drawn to Christ by what they see in the lives of His followers.

“Those around us are listening for our voices; they are watching to see if there is eternal fruit in our lives. Many who are hungry for God, who are reaching out their hands for Him if so be they may touch Him, are hearkening for our voices to teach them and guide them to the Fountain where their hunger shall be satisfied and their thirst quenched.

“They are hungry for words of life, of edification, of grace seasoned with salt. They are longing for words of comfort and admonition; or warning and advice. Their hearts reach out to those about them who know the Lord better than they do. They would learn of the pitfalls that have been avoided or fallen into by older Christians, that they may escape the danger. They would know how to dwell in the presence of Christ and love Him more.

“…What do those around us hear who are hearken- ing for our voices? When they are hungry for words of life that will point them to Him who is the life, do they hear only unworthy words that point out our own defects and lack of entering in? When the babe in the Lord or the discouraged Christian hearkens for our voices to impart edification and encouragement, when they need the grace, well- seasoned with salt, do they hearken in vain? Child of God, you little know how many around you may have hearkened for your voice, and hoped to hear from God through you, and have been disappointed. You little know how many have come to you, attracted by your testimonies and the appearance of spirituality when you were at your best, and they have found only leaves.

“When error has arisen, how many of God’s chil- dren have hearkened for the voice of this or that leader or servant of God? And how many of God’s dear children are today off in rank error because the watchmen did not know the Truth and warn them? That which is spoken in Isa. 56:10, 11, has come to pass with many of the so-called servants of God. ‘His watchmen are blind, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.…These are shepherds that cannot under- stand; they have all turned to their own way, each one to his own gain, from every quarter.’

“Our Beloved would also hear our voices ascending to Him in praise and worship, in prayer and intercession. He would have us commune with Him continually: for through communion and fellowship with Him, our souls and lives are nourished. When our precious Lord is waiting for us to talk with Him, are we in the flesh chattering with men and women, hindering them and ourselves? Our Lord always covets our confidence. He would have us come to Him first and tell Him everything. He would have us confide in Him, ask help from Him, talk everything over with Him before we go to anyone else.

“If we did this, many times we would not go to any one else at all, and would be saved much trouble and humiliation. But so often do we speak first with those about us; we confide in them and ask advice of them; we trust in man whose breath is in his nostrils, who is nothing to be accounted for. We forsake the Fountain of living waters for cisterns broken and dry, unreliable and treacherous.” (MacIlravy – Christ and His Bride, pages 543-545)

8:14 – Solomon, expecting to be gone from her immediate presence, though within hearing and speaking range, admonishes her to remain in the beautiful and fragrant gardens. It would be from these that she should be able to maintain communications with him, though not able to actually see him. He went to make the final preparations for the taking of her to her new home; there, to make her his bride, his wife! Already, some of her belongings have been transported to the Palace – the treasures, which she wishes to keep with her, forever and a day! As she now waves to him, she says, very ear- nestly, “Make haste, my dearly beloved, be like the roe, or the young hart upon the mountains of spices” – return speedily for me, for I can scarcely wait!

The words of the “espoused virgin” at this time, are not any different from those she has uttered to her beloved “Solomon,” from the very beginning of the Gospel age; for they do most beautifully express her hopes – “Come quickly, Lord.” She would have Him be swift, like the roe, or the young hart. She has already told Him that she would eagerly be awaiting Him – His return to take her to her heavenly home, where he will make of her, His bride, the Lamb’s wife! How she does look forward to the day when He shall change her name to His

– “Jehovah Tsidkenu” – the Righteousness of Jehovah. (Jer. 33:16; 23:6) Her bridal garments are all in readiness (Psa. 45:13, 14); and, already, some of her treasures (tokens of His love given to her during their period of courtship) have been transported to the Royal Palace! Is this not also, the significance of the Master’s words, “I go to prepare a place for you”? (John 14:2) “Come quickly, Lord,” she says.

“A little while; with patience Lord,
I fain would ask, how long?
For how can I, with such a hope
Of glory and of home,

With such a joy awaiting me,
Not wish the hour were come?
How can I keep the longing back,
And how suppress the groan?”

To her, “Come quickly, Lord,” he responds, “I (shall indeed) come quickly” (Rev. 3:11, 22:7); and to which, her final salutation is, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

“Our lamps are trimmed and burning,
Our robes are white and clean,
We’ve tarried for the Bridegroom,
And soon we’ll enter in.”

Surely we have been thrilled, and our hearts have throbbed within us as we read, meditated upon, and contemplated this idyll of the ancient King. We have found depicted therein the most beautiful of all romances – the love-life of our blessed Lord, the heavenly bridegroom-to-be, and His “espoused virgin.” How minutely, how accurately, has the Holy Spirit reflected here, for us, our own vacillations and deflections; and these in very deep contrast to the steadfastness, and unwavering character of His undying love for us! It has revealed, as it were, that Jesus is verily the same, “yesterday, today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) O, the blessedness with which the sweet and tender chastening of His church, are depicted; His sincere admonitions; His pleasant words of endearment and encouragement, too! O, could we be more like the Shulamite of old, who truly humbled herself before her Beloved; yet was not ashamed either, to ask that she be made like unto a seal set upon his heart. Let us strive to be worthy of a love so great and tender as His. Let us seek ever and always to glorify Him before others; and, never, no, never, prove ourselves unworthy! Contemplate, dear heart, if you will, the transcendency of His love; think upon what He has declared He thinks of His beloved: then, endeavor, more and more, to grow into the image and likeness – His “Ideal”!