Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it - Jesus Christ's farewell address to the bride, the spiritual Israel, before parting from her at the Ascension, when about to be no longer visibly present. I am about to depart for a time; let me meanwhile hear thy voice of prayer and praise (Song of Solomon 2:14; Psalms 5:3), "For whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you" (John 16:23). "The gardens" are the particular churches and congregations met for worship, and forming parts of the universal Church. "The companions" are the saints individually, forming one general communion; and the ministers the vinedressers-e.g. Paul, etc. (Acts 15:25-26) - under her (Song of Solomon 8:11-12): these ought to obey her when she obeys Jesus Christ. Her voice, in confession of sin, profession of faith, in prayer and praises, to be heard continually by Jesus Christ, if her voice before men is to be effective (Song of Solomon 2:14, end; Acts 13:2-3).