There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.
Ver. 8. There are threescore queens, and fourscore, &c.] Or as some read it, hypothetically, Be there sixty queens, and eighty concubines, which were secondary wives - usurary, the lawyers call them, that had right to the bed, but no rule in the family - and virgins, or waiting gentle women without number; although there be of other sorts never so many, yet "My dove," albeit but one, is an "only one," and beloved accordingly. see Jer 31:20 For the allegory here - some go one way to work, some another. Let there be never so great a number, saith one, of peoples and nations, of churches and assemblies, which challenge my name and love, and perhaps by their outward prosperities may seem to plead much interest in me, and much worth in themselves, yet "My dove," &c. Others think, that by "queens" are meant true believers; by "concubines," hypocrites and formal professors; and by "virgins," profane persons, that have not yet so much as a form of godliness. The first are the fewest, and the last are the greatest number. Lastly, There are those who make "queens," "concubines," and "virgins," to signify three different sorts or degrees of true Christians in the Catholic Church, which yet is but one. Some have made but small progress in piety; these are compared to "virgins," and are the far greater in number: Some are got further onward, and are of better proof; these are like "concubines," and do exceed the "queens" in number; quo enim perfectiores, eo pauciores. Some again are eminent and eximious Christians; these are queens, and have more close communion with Christ: and to this highest degree we must all aspire and endeavour, striving to perfection. Nature, art, grace, do all proceed from less perfect to more perfect. We read in Scripture of a Christian's conception, Gal 4:19 birth, 1 Peter 1:23 ; 1Pe 2:2 childhood, 1 Corinthians 3:1,2 1Jn 2:13 youth, or well grown age, Eph 4:13 old age. Act 21:16 Mnason was a gray-headed experienced Christian, a father. 1Jn 2:13 All must exact of themselves a daily growth, and be still bringing forth fruit in their old age, Psa 92:13-14 so shall the king take pleasure still in their beauty; so shall he one day set them upon his right hand, as place of dignity and safety, in gold of Ophir. Psalms 45:9 ; Psa 45:11