Song of Solomon 5:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I have eaten my honey-comb, &c.— Taylor, in his Concordance, interprets this passage, I have eaten my pure wood honey with the honey of the pan; explaining wood honey to be that which in hot weather bursts the comb, and runs down the hollow trees or rocks, where, in Judaea, the bees made great store of honey. This interpretation has some considerable authorities in its favour: yet our rendering is supported by 1 Samuel 14:27 and דבשׁ debash, is evidently the honey of bees in Judges 14:8; Judges 9:18. The verbs in this verse should be read throughout in the present tense; and the last clause might be rendered, Yea, drink abundantly of our loves. This invitation is only metaphorical, the bridegroom calling upon his friends to come and feast upon the sight of their mutual happiness. Christ, in this day's eclogue, to use the words of our English bible, sheweth his love to the church, who prayeth to be made fit for his presence, Song of Solomon 5:16 while he awakeneth the church with his calling. The 8th verse of the preceding chapter contains Christ's assurance of protection to his church from the rage and cruelty of persecutors, while, to encourage the church's confidence, he expresses strongly the satisfaction he has in the unity and graces of her members, Song of Solomon 5:9-10 in the excellence and purity of her doctrines, Song of Solomon 5:11 and, in short, in that divine composition of graces, which is visible in the church, and which makes her members acceptable to God, and useful to men, Song of Solomon 5:12-14.;—virtues and graces which are preserved in life and vigour by that heavenly doctrine which flows from Him as plentifully and as perpetually as waters do from the springs of Mount Lebanon, Song of Solomon 5:15. On this declaration of his love, the church earnestly intreats to be made worthy of it; praying that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and his manifold gifts, may not be wanting to her, but breathe perpetually upon her, as the cooling winds do upon a pleasant garden; thus rendering her a paradise indeed, not only enabling her to fill the world with the sweet odour of the knowledge of Christ, but giving her boldness to invite Him, the beloved of her soul, to come and reap the delightful fruits of his own care and labour, Song of Solomon 5:16. We are promised that no petitions for the Divine Spirit sent up from believing hearts, shall be rejected. Christ therefore replies with much complacence to his spouse, chap. Song of Solomon 5:1.—"I am well pleased to see the fruitfulness of my garden, and therefore have not denied thy request; but am present in it, and have brought it to such perfection, that it hath produced many excellent persons, more precious than myrrh and all the spices before-named, with whose services I am not only well pleased, but I rejoice in the purity of their doctrine, and of their lives; inviting all who bear any love to me, both in heaven and earth, to rejoice and be exceedingly glad with me." See Luke 15:7-10.