Song of Solomon 5:3 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

I have put off my coat - trivial excuses (Luke 14:18). Dislike of the trouble of rising: as in Luke 11:7.

Coat - Hebrew, kutaanªtiy (H3801), rather, the inmost vest, worn both by men and women, the most necessary garment, next the skin, and only taken off before going to bed.

How shall I put it on? Contrast Gods unwillingness to give Israel up even when sorely provoked (Hosea 11:8). The primary and typical reference of this whole section is to Israel: cf. the heading.

Washed my feet - before going to rest, for they had been soiled, from the Eastern custom of wearing sandals, not shoes. Sloth and disponding distrust of God's power and will to enable her to surmount all difficulties.

Song of Solomon 5:3

3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?