Matthew Poole and continuators on Song of Solomon 1:2

2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth : for thy love is better than wine .

The beginning of this Book is abrupt, and may seem disorderly; but is very sutable to, and usual in Writings of this nature, wherein things are not related in an historical and exquisite order, but that which was first done is brought in as it were accidentally after many other passages; as we see in Homer, and Virgil, and in the Greek and Latine Comedians. These are the words of the Spouse, as all acknowledg, wherein the breatheth forth her passionate Love to the Bridegroom, whom she doth not name, but only intimate by the Pronoun Relative, him, which is here put without and for the antecedent, as Psal. 87. 1. & 114. 2. Iohn 20. 15. Which manner of Expression she useth because it was needless to name him, as being so well known to the person, or persons, to whom she speaks, and being the only person who was continually in her thoughts and speeches. By kisses, which were the usual tokens of Love and good-will, she means nothing else but the communications and manifestations of his Love and favour to her, as the following clause explains this, his Graces and comforts breathed into her from the mouth and Spirit of Christ.

This sudden change of the person is frequent, especially in such pathetical discourses. First she speaks of him as absent, and at a distance, but speedily grows into more acquaintance with him, and by ardent desire and faith, embraceth him as present.

Than the most delicious meats or drinks, or than all sensual delights, this one kind being Synecdochically put for all the rest, as it is Esth. 5. 6. Iob 1. 13. Prov. 9. 2. Eccl. 2. 3.

Marginal references: Ch. 4. 10.; Heb. thy [illegible: 1+ letters]oves.