Song of Solomon 2:1. I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
So he is, and much more than that.
«Nature, to make his beauties known,
Must mingle colors quite unknown.»
So rich is he rose and lily both in one.
«White is his soul, from blemish free,
Red with the blood he shed for me.»
Song of Solomon 2:2. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
His church stands out like a fair lily in a thorn-brake separate and distinct often suffering, standing where she does not wish to be, but all the lovelier by contrast. But if Christ praises his church, she praises him again.
Song of Solomon 2:3-4. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons, I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
So full of joy is she, that she can bear it no longer. She seems ready to faint with bliss.
Song of Solomon 2:5-7. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, By every lovely, timid, tender, chaste thing.
Song of Solomon 2:7. By the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
If I have fellowship with him if I am near his cross if I am drinking in his love, oh! do not hinder me. Do not call me away. Do not break the spell; but let me go on with this blessed day-dream, which is truer than reality itself, till I see him face to face, when the day breaks, and the shadows flee away.
This exposition consisted of readings from Psalms 22:1-22; and Song of Solomon 1:1-7; Song of Solomon 2:1-7.