Matthew Poole and continuators on Song of Solomon 2:1

1 I Am the rose of Sharon, and the lilly of the valleys .

These are the words either 1. Of the Spouse, continuing her discourse. Or rather 2. Of the Bridegroom, drawing forth the Churches Affections to him. He compares himself to the Rose and Lilly, for fragrancy and beauty. Nor is it in the least degree indecent, that Christ should thus commend himself, partly because his excellency is so transcendently great, that he is free from all suspicion of Vanity and Self-flattery; and partly because it is suitable to the stile of such Writings, and to the present design of recommending himself to the affections of his Spouse. He mentions the Rose of Sharon, which was a very fruitful place, as is evident from 1 Chron. 27. 29. Isa. 33. 9. & 65. 10. and famous for Roses, as may seem probable from Isa. 35. 1, 2. or, as others translate it, the Rose of the field, which may note that Christ is not only pleasant and beautiful, but free and communicative, offering himself to all that come to him. The Lilly is a beautiful and glorious Creature, Mat. 6. 29. especially to one who beholds it through a magnifying Glass. He saith, the Lilly of the valleys, because they grew and flourished best in such low and waterish Grounds.