WE have now arrived at verse 9th, where the royal Bridegroom breaks silence, and tells forth his mind regarding his bride:― “I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots. Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. We will make thee borders of gold, with studs of silver” (verses 9-11). On the principle of comprehending “with all saints,” we got together as many saints, in their writings, as we had with us when residing last autumn in a beautiful rural place on a hillside in view of the Grampians; and we decided that it would be for edification that we allowed them, for this once, to give their measure of apprehension of the meaning of the comparison, rather than present our own thoughts: and this we will now do.
1. ROBOTHAM, 1652.― “According to this reading, my horses, the Lord doth liken His people to goodly horses, thereby noting the strength and victory which He giveth them over their enemies (Heb. 3: 15; Rev. 19:1414And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14)). The horses and chariots of Egypt were in great request and estimation, not only in Egypt but in other countries, as the Scripture showeth. Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt (1 Kings 10: 28). And in Ezekiel 17:1515But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered? (Ezekiel 17:15), the king of Judah sent ‘his ambassadors into Egypt that they might give him horses.’ And the prophet Isaiah pronounceth a woe against such as trusted on the horses of Egypt, forsaking the Lord, saying, ‘Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and stay on horses and trust in chariots because they are many’ (Isa. 31:11Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! (Isaiah 31:1)). Now by this comparison Christ setteth forth the glory and renown of His Church, in respect of her victories and achievements. Hence observe that Christ hath armed His people with spiritual armor, power, fortitude, and valor, to overcome all their enemies.” These are no doubt blessed truths, but they do not seem precisely the truths indicated by this comparison.
As to rows and chains he says: “It is questionable whether this similitude of rows and chains is to be referred to the Church, as she was compared to the horses in Pharaoh’s chariot, or to a woman. The comparison will agree to both. First, we may refer these rows and chains unto the Church, as she was compared to the horses of Pharaoh, taking it thus: Christ had decked and trimmed her, even as great princes do adorn their horses’ bridles. He alludeth, no doubt, to the manner of those eastern princes who used to trim their bridles, and other kinds of furniture for the foreparts of their horses, with sundry kinds of ornaments, as gold, pearls, precious stones; as we may see in Judges 8:21-2621Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. 22Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. 23And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you. 24And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. 26And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks. (Judges 8:21‑26), the king of Midian had ornaments of chains of gold and pearls about his camel’s neck. Now by this comparison He meaneth, that there was no greater glory nor comeliness in these things than was in the outward parts and members of the Church.” This seems to us a rather clumsy way of stating the great truth of the outward comeliness of the Church, when moving gracefully in the ennobling services of her divine Head and Lord.
“Or,” he goes on to say, “if we retain the similitude of a woman, it is meant of earrings and jewels which adorn the face, as we have it in the prophets, I have decked thee with ornaments, I have put bracelets upon thine hands, and a chain on thy neck, and I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thy ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head: thus wast thou decked with gold and silver, and thou wast exceeding beautiful” (Ezek. 16:12-1412And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. 13Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. 14And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 16:12‑14)). “Hence observe,” he adds, “that the observance of the laws and holy rules of Christ do adorn the saints as pearls and chains of gold do the outward man. The observance of the rules of Christ makes men orderly, gracious, holy, and upright, all which are comely ornaments unto believers: ―patience, humility, love, self-denial―these and such-like graces are the pearls and jewels of the saints. Observe also, that by the observance of Christ’s laws the saints are guided, protected, and made victorious; also, that Christ hath not only endowed His people with inward strength and valor, but also with outward glory and beauty.”
On verse 11 he writes, “A further increase of her graces, and some addition of rich ornaments. She is richly decked already, but her decking shall be yet more and more. She shall have the most excellent ornaments of gold and silver, which, wrought together, do set forth each other.” On the “we will make,” he says, “Most do understand Father, Son, and Spirit.” And he stumbles on a great truth which he does not seem to see is a gorgeous ornament, “borders of gold with studs of silver,” when he adds, “and the apostle, speaking of diversities of gifts in 1 Cor. 12:4-64Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (1 Corinthians 12:4‑6), saith, that the diversities of gifts are of the Spirit, and the diversities of ministries to be of the Lord, and the diversities of operations to be of God.” These are solid and edifying remarks, an echo of his predecessor Ainsworth as usual, as I suppose; but his Annotations was too ponderous a tome to bring so far.
2. DURHAM, 1668.―On verse 9 Durham writes, giving the connection, “Thou art neither so weak nor so black and unbeautiful as the world thinks thee and as thou esteemest thyself. My testimony of thee is better to be believed than either the world’s or thy own, and I assert thee to be stately and strong, beautiful and comely. He sets out her stateliness, strength, and courage, by a similitude taken from horses. Are horses stately and strong? And is not a company of them much more stately, especially a company of Egyptian horses, which were the best in the world (2 Chron. 1:1717And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means. (2 Chronicles 1:17); Isa. 31:11Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! (Isaiah 31:1)). And if any in Egypt were beyond others, certainly Pharaoh the king had such in his own chariots. Now (saith he) if these be lovely, strong, and stately, then thou art so; for I have compared thee to such. I have compared thee: I who know where true worth is. I have said thou art as strong as these; I have likened thee to them, and made thee like them. There is, then, in believers courage, boldness, undauntedness of spirit and unconquerableness; therefore it does not become believers to droop, faint, or be discouraged under difficulties.” On jewels and chains of gold he remarks, “Grace puts much real beauty upon the person that hath it. There are here jewels and chains of gold; one grace never goes alone―whoever hath one grace hath all.”
3. Dr. JOHN GILL, 1776.―Dr. Gill is very full, as usual, on this portion, saying nearly all that can be said, and a good deal that cannot be rightly said, I will give a few of his remarks on points that others have not touched upon. He says that the comparison is an appropriate one―
(1.) Because the horses in Pharaoh’s chariot were a choice and select company. The Church of Christ is a chosen generation.
(2.) These horses were bought at a very great price. The Church has been bought at the great price of the “precious blood of Christ.”
(3.) These horses being well fed, looked beautiful and pleasant; so the Church, fed on the bread of life, looked exceeding beautiful in His sight.
(4.) These horses were well cared for, having men to supply them with all necessary for them; so the Church is cared for by angels, and ministers, and Christ himself.
(5.) Horses have been and are much delighted in by princes; and Solomon’s fancy ran so strongly this way, and he took so great a delight in those creatures, that he broke through a divine command (Deut. 17: 16, compared with 1 Kings 10:2929And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. (1 Kings 10:29)) to satisfy and indulge his carnal pleasure; and many other princes have run prodigious and excessive lengths this way. Julius Caesar set up a marble effigy of his horse in the temple; Antonius Verus erected a golden image for his; Nero clothed his with a senator’s robe, and told out a weekly stipend to him; Poppea Sabina, Nero’s wife, had golden shoes made for hers; Caligula used to invite his to supper, and held out his golden cups to him; Alexander the Great built a city in honor of his Bucephalus; Cimon, the Athenian, buried his mares by his own sepulcher; and Commodus, the emperor, buried his horse in the Vatican. Now, as these creatures were the delight of princes, so are believers the delight of Christ.
(6.) Horses are stately and majestic, especially a company of choice ones, fitted to run in the royal chariot. And there is a stateliness in believers, especially when united together in gospel-order in a church state, having Christ as their righteousness, and possessed of His grace; in the enjoyment of His presence in ordinances; in their walking in love and unity with each other, and wisely towards them that are without; in having their conversation as it becometh the gospel of Christ; showing zeal for the truth, for Christ and souls―being thus blessed they may be said to be like a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.
(7.) Horses are strong, especially a company of them joined together, and all pulling one way. So believers in Christ, strong in the Lord, can endure all hardships, go through all difficulties, withstand all temptations, perform all duties. And next to their abiding in Christ, the strength of believers lies in their union and close adherence to each other. They are like the bundle of sticks in the fable, which, whilst kept bound together, could not easily be broken, but, when separated from each other, were soon snapped asunder; which consideration should excite mutual love among believers, and an endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, by doing which they will not easily fall a prey to their enemies, but will appear terrible as an army with banners.
He goes on to speak of them as undaunted, orderly, and selected for the royal service, not running at random, but being fitted for service, were joined and coupled together, and so peaceably and orderly drew one way. So Christians are under the yoke of Christ, being joined together in gospel-bonds, and strive together for the faith of the gospel, perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment, and all speaking the same things, and agreeing together, without disorders, contentions, divisions, moving onward with spiritual gracefulness, like a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariot. “We have not received the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”
4. “MEDITATIONS ON THE SONG OF SOLOMON” 1856.―The writer of this little book seems to have caught a glimpse of the idea of the verse when he says― “The point of the comparison is evidently the symmetry and decorations of the horses. She is adorned with chains and rows of jewels similar to their splendid trappings. The Lord has not only invested His Church with righteousness and beauty, but delights to adorn her, even as in Gen. 24. Abraham’s servant puts upon Rebekah, who seems there to be a type of the Church, as the affianced bride of Christ, the golden jewel and bracelets, as in Ezek. 16, where the Lord’s love to Israel is strikingly pictured, he says, ‘I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.’ The Lord’s love contemplates for us nothing short of the very highest results; it will not be satisfied until the richest adornments decorate the once wretched and unworthy objects of its choice. The grace which takes the beggar from the dunghill, and the poor out of the dust, pauses not until it has set them among princes, and made them inherit the throne of glory (Ps. 2: 8). While any room remains for a fresh ornament His is not the love to allow it to be unsupplied. To her who was already resplendent with jewels and gold, he says, ‘We will make thee borders of gold, with studs of silver.’”
5. “THE SONG OF SOLOMON, compared with other parts of Scripture,” 1852, says ― “He strikingly contrasts His estimation of her strength, activity, and swiftness, and her exceeding beauty with her own sense of feebleness and acknowledgment of blackness expressed in verses 4-6. Chains of gold about the neck were always tokens of promotion, as when Pharaoh promoted Joseph, He arrayed him in fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck’ (Gen. 41:41, 4241And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; (Genesis 41:41‑42)); and when Daniel was promoted by Belshazzar to be the third ruler in the kingdom, he also clothed him with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck’ (Dan. 5:2929Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. (Daniel 5:29)). But our adorning is not to be with gold or pearls, or costly array, but with good works’ (1 Tim. 2:9, 109In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9‑10)).”
6. Dr. MOODY-STUART (1860) says― “Specially the comparison to the chariots of Pharaoh has immediate reference to their swiftness. Christ making as though He would have gone farther, yet willingly overtaken, yields to the prayer of the soul that cleaves to Him in faith and love, and commending the ardor, the swiftness, the perseverance of her pursuit, He accosts her, To a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots I have compared thee, O my love.’”
7. Dr. BURROWS (1861) says― “In this encampment, where the bridal company are now supposed to be, the King would have His most splendid, equipage. The Egyptian horses were celebrated for their beauty, ‘they were even exported to the neighboring countries, and Solomon bought them at a hundred and fifty shekels of silver, from the merchants who traded with Egypt by the Syrian desert.’ In modern as well as in ancient times the mares are considered in all respects most beautiful, valuable, and desirable. Such a steed in a chariot which Solomon had brought out of Egypt by his agents for six hundred shekels of silver, was an object of great beauty, to the eye especially, when adorned with the costly trappings then usual. The Beloved does, therefore, naturally compare the bride to such a horse, in these words, which would be more correctly rendered, ‘I compare thee, my love, to my chariot-steed or mare, from Pharaoh, or to my Egyptian chariot-steed.’ Though unusual in the present age, this comparison will appear beautifully appropriate when we call to mind still further the affectionate adoration with which these animals are regarded by the Orientals. Jesus would intimate, by this comparison, that there is in the Christian character something noble, adapted to impress us with respect, and command our admiration....
“The horse is here mentioned as an emblem of the energy belonging to piety. Sloth, lack of energy, indolence, detract from any character. We look for energy in what we would admire―not the energy of feverish irregularity, but that which results from the calm, harmonious movement of well-balanced powers....
“The horse may be the symbol of the activity that does not tire. The idea of beauty includes that of an elastic vigor of the frame, light, free from heaviness, and with power of enduring fatigue and exposure. These characteristics are imparted in perfection to the body and soul by grace.”
On verse 10th Dr. Burrows has given some good remarks. “The chariot horses were, in ancient times, more richly adorned than those for riding ‘the harness and trappings of such were extremely elegant; plumes waved over their heads, or fanciful crests rose gracefully in an arch above the ears, and descended in front to the nostrils; round the neck, immediately at the head, was an embroidered collar, ending in a rich tassel or bell; the bit, as well as many ornaments of the bridle and trappings, were of gold and other precious materials.’ A drawing given by Layard, of the head of an Assyrian horse, thus ornamented, is certainly very beautiful. The mention of the Egyptian steed in verse 9 naturally suggested the reference here made to the headdress of the spouse. Olearius tells us that ‘all the headdress that the Persian ladies made use of are two or three rows of pearls, which are not worn there about the neck, as in other places, but around the head, beginning on the forehead, and descending down the cheeks and under the chin, so that their faces seem to be set in pearls. This coiffure seems to be very ancient among the Eastern people.’ Royal brides are represented by Oriental authors as dressed after this manner. So, when the Caliph al Mamon went to receive Touran-Dokht, that prince found her seated on a throne, her head loaded with a thousand pearls, every one of them as big as a pigeon’s egg, or a large nut (?), which rich coiffure the Caliph resolved should be assigned her for her dowry. D’Arvieux, who describes Arab women as wearing pieces of gold coin hanging down by the sides or the face, adds, that they have chains of gold about their necks, which hang down their breasts. The words of this verse do, therefore, refer to the rows of strings of pearls and jewels ladies were in the habit of wearing as part of the headdress, and to the rich necklaces with golden chains over the bosom (Ezek. 16:1111I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. (Ezekiel 16:11)). The comparison of the horse refers to what may be called the vital energy or principle of the Christian life: this verse (10) expresses the virtues which may be superadded by grace. Such allusions are frequent (Prov. 1:9; 4:99For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (Proverbs 1:9)
9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. (Proverbs 4:9); 1 Tim. 2:9; 19In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (1 Timothy 2:9)
9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (1 Timothy 1:9) Peter 3:3, 4).”
On verse 11 he says, “The queen was distinguished by a crown (Jer. 13:88Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, (Jeremiah 13:8); Ezek. 16:1212And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. (Ezekiel 16:12); Esther 2:1717And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. (Esther 2:17)); and to the crown these words may refer. Struck with her beauty, as adorned with rows of jewels, the king wishes to give the finish to her head attire by placing on her a crown of gold, variegated with studs of silver. As in Ps. 21:3: ‘Thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.’ Whatever the exact ornaments here mentioned, the idea is that the Beloved would add to the beautiful ornaments already worn by the bride others of the most precious kind, devised and made by Himself. ‘Unto every one that hath shall be given.’... How much superior the character which is formed by the virtues made for us by God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit! Casting aside self-reliance, which is another name for pride, let us substitute these for reliance on the Holy Ghost: so that for us the words may be addressed, ‘Ye are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.’ The results of the artistic skill of man’s boasted self-reliance are enumerated by one who best knows the heart; which are these― ‘adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like’ (Gal. 5:1919Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Galatians 5:19)). The borders of gold with studs of silver made for those who depend on the Spirit include such jewels as ‘love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’ (Gal. 5:20, 2120Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:20‑21)).”
8. Dr. OTTO ZOCKLER (1870) translates it, “to my horse in Pharaoh’s chariot;” ―literally, “to my mare.” The singular “my mare,” evidently refers to a favorite mare of the king (comp. Zech. 10:33Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the Lord of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle. (Zechariah 10:3)), to a particularly fine and splendidly caparisoned specimen of those four thousand beautiful horses, which, according to 1 Kings 10:2626And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem. (1 Kings 10:26) (Sept.), Solomon had for his chariots; and more exactly to such a steed used on state-occasions in Solomon’s “Pharaoh-chariots,” ―i.e. in those costly Pharaonic spans of horses, which, according to 1 Kings 10:28, 2928And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. 29And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. (1 Kings 10:28‑29), he had imported from Egypt, Solomon compares this mare of his, harnessed and magnificently decorated before stately Pharaoh-chariots.
9. Mr. ANDREW MILLER, in his Meditations (1862), has some precious thoughts on this portion― “The chariot horse, with its gorgeous trappings, may be the symbol of strength, swiftness, royalty, and willingness in service. No sooner has the charioteer taken his seat, than his steeds are in readiness to move off. They become impatient of delay―the raising of the foot, the movement of every muscle, plainly tell him, that if he be ready, they are quite ready. And then, how subject, notwithstanding their power, to the slightest touch of the guiding rein! Seest thou, O my soul, in their ready willing service a fair representation of thine own? Is it so? Examine all thy ways beneath the glance of the Master’s eye. Is there anything on earth thou wouldst dread more than to be turned out of His service? Remember, oh remember, that though, as a son, thou shalt be in thy Father’s house forever―as a sinner saved by grace, thou art saved forever―still as a servant, if thou art idling thy time, or spoiling thy work, it may be taken from thee and given to another. O most patient Master, keep thy servant ever girded, obedient, and ready for service; and caring only to meet Thy mind.”
But what are we to understand by “borders of gold with studs of silver?” May it not be a crown that is spoken of?... What then? Shall the restored royal tribe of Judah yet wear this beautiful crown in the land of Israel―in the holy city Jerusalem? Wondrous grace! Love divine! and will it be the united gift of the adorable Trinity?
Can Judah fail to remember, or can I ever forget, that thy royal brow, O King of Salem, was once in these very scenes wreathed with a crown of thorns? No earthly jewels lustered that crown, But the rich ruby drops from Thy holy veins well its jewels of eternal weight and imperishable value, Awake, awake! O my soul! meditate on the grace and love of Jesus! What wilt thou think? how wilt thou feel, when that once pierced hand places on thy head a garland of unfading glory? Shall thine eye be caught with the crown or dazzled with the glory? Oh no! the first glimpse of that “countenance transcendent” shall fix thine eye, and ravish thy heart forever I have compared Thee, O my love. Oh, how the heart delights in being so immediately, so individually, so distinctly addressed by Himself Amongst the myriads of the redeemed not one is overlooked or neglected by Him. “He loved me, and gave Himself for me,” will be the thrilling note in the song of all. His love in its eternal sweetness and fullness fills all hearts to overflowing, and turns all hearts into harps of sweetest melody to sound forever his unbeginning and never-ending love.
“I have compared thee O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots. Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. We will make thee borders of gold, with studs of silver” (Song of Solomon, 1:9-11).
“Love that no tongue can teach,
Love that no thought can reach;
No love like His.
God is its blessed source,
Death cannot stop its course,
Nothing can stay its force;
Matchless it is.”