My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
The Church in this verse begins her answer, and had she said no more than what she saith in the commendation of Jesus, this is a final reply to all. First, she describes his double nature, He is white; alluding, most probably, to his Godhead, spotless, pure and holy: next to his manhood; he is ruddy or red. Adam was so called, in allusion to the earth, which is red; and this feature intimates the Person of Christ in his human nature, when shedding his blood for the sins of his people. But some have supposed, and perhaps not without reason; that the human nature of Christ only is intended by the expression: the perfect obedience and purity of Christ indicated by the whiteness; and the bloody hue of his sacrifice and death setting forth by the red: But whether either or both of these, it is sufficient to show the great sense the Church had of the glory of her Lord. But she adds also, that he is the chiefest among ten thousand. This is a delightful description of the Lord Jesus. He is the chiefest among ten thousand in the sight and choice of God the Father. For Jehovah saith, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. Psalms 89:20. He is so among all his people; for he is fairer than the children of men: and the language of every follower of Jesus is, he shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Psalms 47:4. Precious Lord! how lovely is it to see that thou art hath the choice of Jehovah, and of thy people also.