Song of Solomon 8:12

“My vineyard, which [is] mine, [is] before me, etc.] These are either the words of Christ, asserting and confirming his right and property in his vineyard, the church; and which he distinguishes from and prefers to all others; and which being said to be before him denotes his exact knowledge of every vine in it, not a plant escaping his watchful eye; his presence in it, his care of it, the delight and complacency he has therein: or else the words of the church, expressing her care, watchfulness, and diligence in the vineyard, and her concern for the welfare of the several vines and plants in it; (see <220106>Song of Solomon 1:6 <220712>Song of Solomon 7:12); And certain it is that the next…”

“A brief dialogue commencing with a question and answer probably made by brothers of the bride concerning a younger sister who will soon be old enough to be asked in marriage. The answer is given in the form of a parable: “If she be a wall,” i. e., stedfast in chastity and virtue, one on whom no light advances can be made, then let us honor and reward her. This fortress-wall shall be crowned as it were with a tower or battlement of silver. But “if she be a door,” light-minded and accessible to seduction Proverbs 7:11-12, then let us provide against assailants the protection of a cedar bar or panel. Song of Solomon 8:10 The bride herself replies with the pride of innocence and virtue already…”

“My vineyard - My church, which is here opposed to Solomon's vineyard. Possibly we may ascribe the first clause to Christ, and the latter to the spouse: such interlocutions being familiar in this book. Mine - This repetition is very emphatical, to shew that Christ had a more eminent title to his vineyard, the church, than Solomon had to his vineyard, because it was purchased not by his money, but by his blood. Before me - Is under my own eye and care. Thou - These words are the church's return to Christ, who is here called Solomon, as he was Sol 3:9, Sol 3:11, as elsewhere he is called David. Dost thou, O Christ, keep thine own vineyard, which Solomon did not? Then surely it is meet that thou…”

“vineyard: Sol 1:6; Pro 4:23; Act 20:28; Ti1 4:15, Ti1 4:16 thou: Psa 72:17-19; Rom 14:7-9; Co1 6:20; Co2 5:15 those: Th1 2:19; Ti1 5:17, Ti1 5:18 Song of Solomon (Canticles) 8:13”