Songs 2:10-13 My beloved spoke, and said to me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.… I. A SYRIAN SPRING-TIME. 1. Winter past, and rain over. In Syria, winter rains descend in torrents unknown to us, but at a certain time spring at once succeeds, and for months clouds are never seen (1 Samuel 12:16-19; Proverbs 26:1). 2. Change marvellous. Tender grass springs out of earth (2 Samuel 33:4). Ground enamelled with lovely flowers. Fig-tree puts forth her green fruit, and vines their fragrant smell. 3. Singing and voice of the turtle heard. Its presence a sure sign of the return of spring (Jeremiah 8:7). II. CHRIST'S RESURRECTION A SPIRITUAL SPRING-TIME. 1. History of early Church. Contrast apostles as seen in the Gospels and in the Acts — winter and spring. 2. History of religious revivals. Churches for a season in wintry state, Scripture pastures snow-covered, spiritual streams ice-bound. When, however, Christ is preached, not only as a pattern of life, not only as propitiation for sin, but as the risen Saviour pleading at God s right hand, then the Spirit works a wondrous change. Barren winter and dark days no more, the Sun of Righteousness shines, spring returns, pastures are green, waters flow softly, fruits of righteousness abound. Converts grow in grace, as willows by watercourses. 3. History of individual believer. May have felt dark and dead; but when the Spirit quickens this truth in him then day breaks, shadows flee away. Realizing in Christ's Resurrection God's acceptance of the finished work on his behalf, he henceforth walks in holy peace and liberty, — each day a Sabbath, a sacrament in every meal; he loves to break the costly spikenard in the ardour of spiritual love and joy. III. CHRIST'S RETURN WILL BE A NEVER-ENDING SPRING. At His coming all things will be made new. The winter of sin and sorrow will be past, and there will be no more sin and no more tears. Then the dew of herbs (Isaiah 26:19). When, at the voice of the Beloved, the Bride comes forth from her wintry grave, and enters with Him the garden of God, then creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption (Romans 8:21); then mountains and hills will rejoice, and trees will clap their hands, whilst the Church serves its Lord with gladness, and comes into His presence with a song. (Bp. Bardsley.) Parallel Verses KJV: My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.WEB: My beloved spoke, and said to me, "Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. |
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