Matthew Poole and continuators on Song of Solomon 8:1

1 O That thou wert as my brother that sucked the breasts of my mother ; when I should find thee without , I would kiss thee , yea, I should not be despised .

Most intimate, and free, and familiar with me, as Brethren and Sisters commonly are.

That came out of the same womb, and sucked the same breasts, and consequently were Brother and Sister by Father and Mother too; for such are most dear to one another. See Gen. 43. 29. Deut. 13. 6. Heb. Sucking the breasts, &c. So she wisheth that he were as a little sucking Brother, with whom she might innocently and inoffensively delight her self, as Sisters do with such a Brother. The Church here expresseth her passionate desire of a stricter Union, and closer Communion with Christ than yet she had attained. And in particular, these may be the breathings of the ancient Jewish Church after Christs Incarnation, whereby he was to be their Brother, Rom. 8. 29. Heb. 2. 11, 12. and a sucking Infant.

In the open streets; I might then express my Affections to thee, and kiss thee openly without any scandal or contempt. Or, without, i. e. come forth from the Fathers bosom into the World, Ioh. 16. 28.

I would demonstrate my Reverence, and Subjection, and Affection to thee, of all which kissing was a token in those times and places, as hath been oft observed in divers foregoing Texts.

Then should I not be ashamed or censured, as if I had done an indecent or immodest action, because such Expressions of Love are usual amongst persons so nearly and dearly related.

Marginal references: Heb. they should not despise me.