RENEWED SELF-DEDICATION
SHULAMITE
I am my beloved’s
And my beloved is mine:
He feedeth among the lilies.
Shulamite repeats in presence of the Daughters the declaration of her devotedness to and interest in her beloved which she had formerly made to himself (chap. Song of Solomon 2:16). The declaration possibly now also made in his presence, at the conclusion of her narrative. Perhaps the whole sung in his presence at the Feast, or he himself comes now in view. The language of exultation and joy, as well as of devotedness and love. Observe—
(1) Faith and love in a believer never dead, though sometimes in a swoon. True faith like wood rather than iron—if it sink, it will rise again. A believer’s falls not final. ‘I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not’ (Luke 22:32).
2. Withdrawals on the part of Christ no proof of abated love (John 13:1; Isaiah 54:8). The covenant of grace too firmly established to be broken by the infirmities of the flesh. That covenant steadfast, because of grace and not of works. Christ betroths believers to Himself in faithfulness for ever, because in righteousness and judgment, in loving kindness and in mercies (Hosea 2:19-20). The the way transgressors always hard; but transgression unable to cast out of the covenant of grace as it did out of the covenant of works. God’s faithfulness not affected by His people’s falls. The gifts and calling of God without repentance or change of mind on His part. He pardons His people’s sins though He takes vengeance on their inventions. Rebukes not only consistent with covenant love, but a necessary part of it. The Bridegroom bears with the Bride’s ill manners in the wilderness, though He wisely expresses His displeasure. Withdraws the joy of salvation for a time, though not the salvation itself.
3. The chastened and penitent believer restored to the full consciousness of his interest in Christ, and with that to joy and comfort. Joy unspeakable in a conscious interest in Christ and full surrender to Him.
4. Good for a believer frequently to recal his covenant relationship to Christ, his self-surrender to Him, and his interest in Him. Paul’s comfort in prison,—‘I know whom I have believed; and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day’ (2 Timothy 1:12).
5. Surrender of ourselves to Christ, and acceptance of Him, the two sides of a saving faith. ‘I am His,’ indissolubly connected with ‘He is mine.’ The two confirmatory of each other. Interest in Christ necessarily follows surrender to Christ. The consciousness of the one bound up with the consciousness of the other. Those fleeing to Christ and closing with Him may safely conclude that Christ is theirs.
6. The order of the two first clauses of the text changed from what it was before. The bride’s declaration of self-surrender now first, as having been placed in suspicion by her recent coolness. So Peter, after his threefold denial, must make a threefold declaration of his love. Renewed and open declaration of our faith and love necessary to full restoration to former enjoyment.
7. Christ’s presence, both on earth and in heaven, among His lily-like people. ‘He feedeth among the lilies.’ His presence promised to His Church till the end of the world, when faith is changed to sight. Christ both feeds others and has joy Himself in His Church and its ordinances. To enjoy His presence and His care we must be among the lilies. ‘Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.’ No mark of Christ’s sheep to ‘separate’ ourselves from the flock. The happiness of believers to find themselves among Christ’s people and in the enjoyment of His ordinances. ‘All my springs are in thee.’
8. The text historically verified in the disciples after Christ’s resurrection. ‘Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.’ The language of Shulamite that of Mary at Jesus’s feet—‘Raboonl,’—‘My Master!’ That of Thomas with his finger on the nail-prints,—‘My Lord and my God!’ That of penitent Peter,—‘Thou knowest all things: Thou knowest that I love Thee.’