Matthew Poole and continuators on Song of Solomon 2:7

7 I charge you , O ye daughters of Ierusalem , by the roes, and by the hinds of the field , that ye stir not up, nor awake my love , till he please .

This verse is spoken either 1. By the Bridegroom, who having reposed the sick Church in his Arms, chargeth them not to disturb her, till she please, as the last clause, in this case, must be rendred. Or rather 2. By the Bride, as may be gathered, 1. From the connexion; because both the foregoing and following words are hers. 2. Because it was more decent for the Bride than for the Bridegroom to give this charge to the Bride-maids, the daughters of Ierusalem; and therefore in all places in this Book, where they are mentioned, the person speaking to them is the Bride, and not the Bridegroom, and particularly Ch. 3. 5. & 8. 4. where this verse is repeated, and is consessedly and evidently spoken by the Spouse.

My Bride-maids, Friends, and Members, over whom I have Authority.

Either 1. By the kindness you have to those pretty and amiable Creatures, as you would not injure nor disturb them, nor drive them away, but please your selves with the sight of them, as Shepherds and Country-Damosels commonly do. Or 2. By the Example of those Creatures, which are pleasant, and loving in their carriage towards one another.

Which have their usual abode in the fields.

That you do not disturb nor offend him by your miscarriages, but permit him and me to enjoy a quiet repose. Do nothing to grieve him, or molest me.

My dearly beloved, called Love Emphatically, to express her great passion for him. So Love is used, Cant. 7. 6. and in other Authors.

i. e. Never, as this word, until, in such like Phrases, is commonly used, as Gen. 28. 15. 2 Sam. 6. 23. Isa. 22. 14. For neither can sin ever please him, nor can the Church bear it, that Christ should ever be offended, or that her sweet Fellowship with him should be interrupted.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word].; Ch. 3. 5. & 8. 4.