HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

CANTICLE OF CANTICLES 3

CHAPTER III.

Ver. 1. Bed. The Church, finding Christ by his own revelation, and not by philosophy, holds him fast. W. --- He had delayed coming at the usual hour, to give us to understand, that he is not found amid delights, nor in a crowd, but that we must seek him diligently, like Magdalene. Jo. xx. S. Amb. de Isaac. --- The apostles endeavoured to convert the synagogue, but their offers were rejected, and the guards, or princes, persecuted them. M. C. v. 7. H.

Ver. 3. City. To prevent fires, &c. God will require the souls of the flock at the hands of his pastors.

Ver. 4. Me. She was perhaps dead. Women had separate apartments, to which none but the husband could have access. Gen. xxiv. 28. At the end of the marriage-feast, the bride was conducted to her husband's house. Matt. xxv. 1. C. --- The Jews shall in the end acknowledge Christ, (W.) as the Church desires. M.

Ver. 5. I. The bridegroom (C.) speaks as c. ii. 7. (W.) and c. viii. 4. He retires early.

Ver. 6. Who. The female companions of the spouse, (C.) or the bridegroom's friends, (M.) admire her at a distance. C. vi. 9. and viii. 5. C. --- The converted Gentiles change the desert of the world into a paradise, by their good works, which ascend like a perfume. S. Greg. They admire their own conversion, and proclaim that we must fight for heaven, (W.) and adore Christ, the God-man; imitating all his virtues, (H.) and preaching his gospel. M.

Ver. 7. Bed. Being stationed at the door to prevent any alarm, v. 8. C. --- In the Church Christ finds his repose, and daily produces the only heirs of heaven. Ven. Bede. --- The angels, saints and pastors watch to defend it against the spirits of darkness. M.

Ver. 9. Litter. Sept. to conduct his spouse with solemnity; or a throne; though it most probably denotes the bridal bed. C. --- Heb. apiron. Greek, foreion.

Ver. 10. Going. Prot. "covering of it of purple." H. --- Death must be endured, if necessary, for the sake of the faith, as this is the highest degree of charity. W. --- He, &c. Heb. "is prepared for the beloved above the," &c. See Od. v. 660. C. --- Prot. and Pagn. "the midst thereof being paved (Mont. set on fire) with love for (Mont. by) the daughters." H. --- The most desirable things adorn the litter, or the Church, that all may come to her, who has God to guide her decisions. M.

Ver. 11. Go. All are invited to come to Christ, who, in his sacred humanity, which he took of his mother, was crowned in heaven, after his passion. W. S. Greg. Alcuin. --- The synagogue crowned him with thorns, and gave him the hard bed of the cross. S. Bern. S. Anselm, &c. --- Bethsabee might live to see the marriage of her son, who owed the crown to her. 3 K. i. 18. Prov. iv. 3. Both the parties were crowned, (Is. lxi. 10.) and no doubt Solomon would display his usual magnificence. The diadem was a bandage, adorned with embroidery, and precious stones. C.