Song of Solomon 1:3 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

Because of - rather, 'As regards lª- the savour of thy ointments, it is good' (Maurer). In Song of Solomon 4:10-11, the Bridegroom reciprocates the praise of the bride in similar terms.

Thy name - Christ's manifested character and office as the "Anointed" (Isaiah 9:6); as 'the savour of ointments' is the graces that surround His person. Ecclesiastes 7:1, in its fullest sense, applies to Him. Psalms 45:7-8. The holy anointing oil of the High Priest, which it was death for any one else to make (Exodus 30:23-38), implies the exclusive preciousness of Messiah's name as the only Saviour (Acts 4:12); so Mary brake the box of precious ointment over Him, appropriately, the broken box typifying His body, which, when broken, diffused all grace: compounded of various spices, etc. (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9), answering to His manifold fullness of divine grace, of sweet odour (Ephesians 5:2).

Poured - (Isaiah 53:12.)

Therefore - because of the manifestation of God's character in Christ (1 John 4:9; 1 John 4:19). So the penitent woman (Luke 7:37).

Virgins - the pure in heart (Revelation 14:4). Hebrew, halamoth, from a root to hide: cf., though the Hebrew is different, "thy hidden ones" (Psalms 83:3). The "ointment" of the Spirit "poured forth" produces the "love of Christ" (Romans 5:5).

Song of Solomon 1:3

3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.