I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
I sleep, but my heart waketh ... (saying), Open to me. Sudden change of scene from evening to midnight, from a betrothal feast to cold repulse. He has gone from the feast alone: night is come. He knocks at the door of His espoused; she hears, but in sloth does not shake off half-conscious drowsiness: namely, the disciples' torpor (Matthew 26:40-43), 'the spirit willing the flesh weak' (cf. Romans 7:15-23). Not total sleep. The lamp was burning beside the slumbering wipe virgin, but wanted trimming (Matthew 25:5-7). It is His voice that rouses her (Jonah 1:6; Revelation 3:20). Instead of bitter reproaches, He addresses her by the most endearing titles "my sister, my love," etc. Compare His thought of Peter after the denial (Mark 16:7).
Dew - which falls heavily in summer nights in the East (see Luke 9:58). Dew - which falls heavily in summer nights in the East (see Luke 9:58).
Drops of the night - (Psalms 22:2; Luke 22:44.) His death is not expressed, as unsuitable to the allegory, a song of love and joy. Song of Solomon 5:4 refers to the scene in the judgment hall of Caiaphas, when Jesus Christ employed the cock-crowing and look of love to awaken Peter's sleeping conscience, so that his "bowels were moved for" His Lord (Luke 22:61-62); Song of Solomon 5:5-6, to the disciples with "myrrh," etc. (Luke 24:1; Luke 24:5), seeking Jesus Christ in the tomb, but finding Him not, for He has "withdrawn Himself" (John 7:34; John 13:33); Song of Solomon 5:7, to the trials by "watchmen" extending through the whole night of His withdrawal - i:e., from Gethsemane to the resurrection. They took off the "veil" of Peter's disguise; also literally the linen cloth was taken from the young man, doubtless a disciple of Jesus (Mark 14:51). Song of Solomon 5:8 refers to the sympathy of friends (Luke 23:27).
Undefiled - not polluted by spiritual adultery (Revelation 14:4; James 4:4).