Song of Solomon 1:10

“Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels], etc.] Or “beautiful as turtledoves”, as the Septuagint; or it may be rendered “with turtles”, since the word “jewels” is not in the text; not with images of turtles on the bridles of the horses before mentioned, as Aben Ezra; but rather some ornaments of women having such images on them may be meant, called “turtles”, or “turturellas”; they seem to me to be the same with the earrings, which being fastened to a thin plate of gold or silver, which went across the forehead, or to a ribbon bound on it, as Aben Ezra on (<012422>Genesis 24:22); observes, hung down by the ears in rows on both sides of the cheeks, and made but one ornament; as they did…”

“This and the next Song of Solomon 1:15-7 sections are regarded by ancient commentators (Jewish and Christian) as expressing “the love of espousals” Jeremiah 2:2 between the Holy One and His Church, first in the wilderness of the Exodus, and then in the wilderness of the world Ezekiel 20:35-36. Song of Solomon 1:9 Or, to a mare of mine in the chariots of Pharaoh I liken thee, O my friend. (The last word is the feminine form of that rendered “friend” at Song of Solomon 5:16.) The comparison of the bride to a beautiful horse is singularly like one in Theocritus, and some have conjectured that the Greek poet, having read at Alexandria the Septuagint Version of the Song, may have borrowed these…”

“Jewels - Which being fastened to the heads of brides, used to hang down upon their cheeks, in those times. He mentions the cheeks, as the chief seat of beauty. Chains - Whereby, as well as by the rows of jewels: he may seem to design all those persons and things wherewith the church is made beautiful in the eyes of God, and of men, such as excellent ministers, and saints, righteous laws, holy ordinances, and the gifts and graces of God's spirit. Song of Solomon (Canticles) 1:11”

“1:10-11 The woman’s beauty is enhanced by her jewelry. This beauty deserves to be even further ornamented, so the man says that even more jewelry will be provided for her (cp. Matt 13:12).”

“thy cheeks: Gen 24:22, Gen 24:47; Isa 3:18-21; Eze 16:11-13; Pe2 1:3, Pe2 1:4 thy neck: Sol 4:9; Gen 41:42; Num 31:50; Pro 1:9; Pe1 3:4 Song of Solomon (Canticles) 1:11”