Songs 8:5 Who is this that comes up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? I raised you up under the apple tree… I. THE REPRESENTATION HERE GIVEN OF THE WORLD; it is called a wilderness. By the world, I mean the things of the world, regarded as sources of happiness and satisfaction. It is totally insufficient for the supply of true and lasting happiness. II. THE CONDUCT OF EVERY TRUE CHRISTIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE WORLD. 1. The true Christian no longer seeks his chief happiness from worldly things. 2. The real Christian uses great moderation, in his enjoyment even of lawful things. He does not venture to the edge of forbidden ground, but keeps at a cautious distance. He allows himself no gratification which is of a doubtful character. And even when he has reduced his cares and his pleasures to a much smaller compass than his worldly neighbours would think needful, he still sets a guard over his heart, lest it should be betrayed into too great an attachment to the things which remain. 3. The real Christian longs for his final translation to a better world. III. THE SECRET SOURCE AND SPRING OF THE CHRISTIAN'S CONDUCT. 1. He is influenced to do this by the Love of Christ. 2. He is encouraged by the promises of Christ. 3. He is strengthened by the grace of Christ. (J. Jowett, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. |
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