Song of Solomon 2:3

“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons, etc.] As the apple tree, in a garden or orchard, excels and is preferable to the wild barren trees of a forestf107, especially it appears so when laden with choice fruit; so the church, who here returns the commendation to Christ, asserts, that he as much excels all the “sons”, the creatures of God, angels or men: angels, as the Targum, who, though sons of God by creation, Christ is the Son of God, in a higher sense; he is their Creator, and the object of their worship; they are confirmed by him in the estate they are, and are ministering spirits to him; and he is exalted above them in human nature: men also,…”

“The bride’s answer: “As the ‘tappuach’ with its fragrant fruit excels the barren trees of the wild wood, so my beloved his associates and friends etc.” תפוח tappûach may in early Hebrew have been a generic name for apple, quince, citron, orange etc. Song of Solomon 2:4 His banner - As the standard is the rallying-point and guide of the individual soldier, so the bride, transplanted from a lowly station to new scenes of unaccustomed splendor, finds support and safety in the known attachment of her beloved. His “love” is her “banner.” The thought is similar to that expressed in the name “Jehovah-nissi” (see the Exodus 17:15 note). Song of Solomon 2:5 Flagons - More probably cakes of raisins…”

“The apple - tree - Whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome. The trees - Which are barren. I sat - I confidently reposed myself under his protection. His fruit - The benefits which I received by him, remission of sins, faith, grace, and assurance of glory. Song of Solomon (Canticles) 2:4”

“2:3 As she is the finest of small, beautiful flowers, he is like a larger and stronger apple tree. An apple tree is a sensuous image in the ancient Near East because of its delicious fruit and pleasant fragrance. In the intense heat of the Middle Eastern climate, a tree’s shade is more than refreshing; it can be life-saving (cp. Jon 4:6; Matt 13:32).”

“the apple tree: Sol 8:5; Isa 4:2; Eze 17:23, Eze 17:24; Joh 15:1-8 my beloved: Sol 5:9, Sol 5:10, Sol 5:16; Psa 45:2, Psa 89:6; Joh 1:14-18, Joh 3:29-31; Heb 1:1-6, Heb 3:1-6; Heb 7:23-26, Heb 12:2 I sat: etc. Heb. I delighted and sat down, etc. Jdg 9:15, Jdg 9:19, Jdg 9:20; Psa 57:1, Psa 91:1; Isa 4:6, Isa 25:4, Isa 32:2; Jo1 1:3, Jo1 1:4 his fruit: Sol 2:5; Gen 3:22-24; Eze 47:12; Rev 22:1, Rev 22:2 taste: Heb. palate Song of Solomon (Canticles) 2:4”

“3a As an apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. The apple-tree, the name of which, תּפּוּח, is formed from נפח, and denominates it from its fragrant flower and fruit, is as the king among fruit trees, in Shulamith's view. יער (from יער, to be rough, rugged, uneven) is the wilderness and the forest, where are also found trees bearing fruit, which, however, is for the most part sour and unpalatable. But the apple-tree unites delicious fruit along with a grateful shade; and just such a noble tree is the object of her love. 3b Under his shadow it delighted me to sit down; And his fruit is sweet to my taste. In concupivi et consedi the principal verb completes…”