Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Song of Solomon 4:5
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins, etc.] Or, “two fawns, the twins of a doe”: Providence, as Plutarch observesf234, has given to women two breasts, that, should they have twins, both or rather to the creatures mentioned, the roes and hinds, which feed among lilies, in fields where lilies grow; for these grow in fields as well as in gardens, and are called the “lilies of the field”, (<400628>Matthew 6:28); and we readf235 sometimes of harts and hinds among lilies. By “breasts” may be meant, either the ministers of the word, who impart “the sincere milk of the word”, and who deliver out the nourishing doctrines of grace, like milk out of the breast, (<460302>1 Corinthians 3:2 <600202>1 Peter 2:2); and may be like to “roes” for their affection to those who are under their ministry; and pleasant to them, to whom they are made useful; and for their sharp sightedness and penetration into the mysteries of grace; and for their quick dispatch in doing their work, though through many difficulties, which, like young roes, they leap and skip over: and “two” of them show a sufficient number of them Christ provides for his church; and being “twins” express their equal authority, and harmony of doctrine; and feeding “among lilies” is where Christ himself feeds, (<220216>Song of Solomon 2:16); where Christ feeds they feed, and where they feed Christ feeds, even among his saints, comparable to lilies, (<220202>Song of Solomon 2:2); or these “breasts” may design the two Testaments, the Old and New, which contain the whole sincere milk of the word; are like “young roes”, pleasant and delightful to believers; and, as “twins”, are alike, agree in their doctrines concerning Christ, and the blessings of grace through him; the types, figures, prophecies, and promises of the one, have their completion in the other; and both abound with the lilies of Gospel doctrines and promises: though rather these “breasts” may point at the two ordinances of the Gospel, baptism, and the Lord’s supper; which are breasts of consolation to believers, out of which they suck, and are satisfied; and through feeding on Christ in both, they receive much nourishment and strength; and are very amiable and lovely to the saints, when they enjoy the presence of Christ in them, and have the discoveries of his love to them; and may be said to be “twins”, being both instituted by Christ, and both lead unto him, and require the same subjects; and are received and submitted to by saints, comparable to lilies, as before.
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