Song of Solomon 4:16

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I want to start off with a brief word concerning our interpretation of this book.

Upon a brief reading of this small book we find a discourse between two married lovers and their relationship together.

And there are some literal interpreters that see this as a guide to romance.

I’d like to provide a could lines of thought to support reading this Old Testament book with New Testament gospel colored glasses on.

1.) Our Lord Jesus Himself taught His disciples to read all of the OT as a revelation of Christ. "Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.” () "He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” "Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. "He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, "and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” ()

To say that an entire book of the Old Testament says nothing of Christ conflicts with the apostolic approach to Scripture.

2.) The Song presents itself as “the song of songs” (), a Hebrew idiom

meaning the supreme or greatest song.

While the Bible has a high view of marriage and the sexual love between a husband and wife (; ),

it is difficult to understand how a song on romance would rank above the songs of God’s glory and love.

3.) Consider the way that Scripture often uses marriage as a metaphor for the Lord’s union with His beloved people (10 different passages here) (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ).

Christ referred to Himself simply as “the bridegroom” (; cf. ; ).

4.) It may very well be that Christ alludes to this book when He said to a church, "See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” ()

In we find the bridegroom knocking on the door of the bride, the church!

The church says, "Awaken, north wind; come, south wind. Blow on my garden, and spread the fragrance of its spices. Let my love come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits.” ()

"Awaken, north wind; come, south wind. Blow on my garden, and spread the fragrance of its spices. Let my love come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits.” ()

4:16. The north and south wind

For the first time in this chapter the bride speaks, and does so by way of a

most appropriate response to all that the bridegroom has been saying.

Warmed and encouraged by all the praise, delight and affection that has been heaped upon her,

her response is to desire more and more of the felt presence and joyful experience of the bridegroom.

In spiritual terms, this is the believer/church desiring more of Christ in his garden (v.16b).

n spiritual terms, this is the believer/church desiring more of Christ in his garden (v.16b). In order that this can be so, however, what is needed is a greater measure of the powerful and felt ministry of the Holy Spirit, who ministers Christ to his church and fits the church to receive him (hence v.16a). It is always timely to remember that the Holy Spirit (although he is the third person of the Godhead) is never concerned to draw attention to himself, but is always determined to glorify Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has himself said of him, ‘He will glorify me, for he will take of what is mine and declare it to you’ ().

Look at how Christ views His bride as a fresh garden.

It’s a garden in relation to a spring and a well of flowing water.

"My sister, my bride, you are a locked garden— a locked garden and a sealed spring. "Your branches are a paradise of pomegranates with choicest fruits; henna with nard, "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices.” ()

It’s interesting, King Solomon also wrote these words in . "I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. "I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.” ()

It would be customary for royal palaces to have extensive and magnificent

Brooks, R. (1999). Song of Songs (p. 110). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.

gardens and grounds for the king’s pleasure and delight.

A garden is a fitting description of the church of Christ,

particularly with the thought behind it of what was once a

barren,

unattractive and

fruitless wilderness

Has now been

reclaimed,

cultivated and

made into a thing of great beauty and pleasure.

In v12, as we are hopefully being renewed thinking of the garden being compared to the church,

v12 says that we are a ‘locked garden’.

This is so appropriate, for the church has only one owner and head,

namely the Lord Jesus Christ.

She can never belong to any other, for the church is the covenant gift of the Father to the Son (),

which he ‘purchased with his own blood’ ().

Jesus himself says of her, ‘you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world’ ().

He has set his church apart for himself.

Her ‘life is hidden with Christ in God’ ().

She is his own pleasure garden.

For her own part (our part, church), the believer is to ensure

complete and unequivocal devotion,

In order that this can be so, however, what is needed is a greater measure of the powerful and felt ministry of the Holy Spirit, who ministers Christ to his church and fits the church to receive him (hence v.16a). It is always timely to remember that the Holy Spirit (although he is the third person of the Godhead) is never concerned to draw attention to himself, but is always determined to glorify Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has himself said of him, ‘He will glorify me, for he will take of what is mine and declare it to you’ ().

affection and obedience to Christ.

The garden of the church is enclosed, separated and fenced around,

as we’re placed in the midst of the world’s wide wilderness, gathered from it by sovereign grace!

vv13-14 several fruits and good smellies are spoken of.

Not surprisingly, fruitfulness and fragrance now come into view.

The church is not merely a garden, but a fragrant garden and a fruitful one.

Unmistakably, the emphasis continues to be on the delight of Christ in his garden

in his garden and the exquisite effects upon the eyes (sight) and the nose (smell) of all that is to be found there. These are described as

In order that this can be so, however, what is needed is a greater measure of the powerful and felt ministry of the Holy Spirit, who ministers Christ to his church and fits the church to receive him (hence v.16a). It is always timely to remember that the Holy Spirit (although he is the third person of the Godhead) is never concerned to draw attention to himself, but is always determined to glorify Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has himself said of him, ‘He will glorify me, for he will take of what is mine and declare it to you’ ().

and the exquisite effects upon the eyes and the nose (sight & smell) of all that is to be found there.

These are described as, “Your branches...” (v13).

The branches comprise of “a paradise”… “with choicest fruits”… “with all the best spices.”

How glorious is the Lord’s garden?

Then look at v15, "You are a garden spring, a well of flowing water streaming from Lebanon.”

Here the bridegroom declares His unrestrained praises of His bride!

This is very much a picture of liveliness, fertility and refreshment,

all of which (while it flows out of the life of the believer and the church)

is derived from Christ himself, by his Spirit.

It explains the source of the fruitfulness and fragrance which has just been described.

There are places in our world where there are fountains falling down in pleasant cascades;

at the bottom, the streams all unite and become a full and rapid torrent.

The streams themselves are visible, but their source is out of human view.

The spiritual application of that stands out.

Look at 5:15. "His legs are alabaster pillars set on pedestals of pure gold. His presence is like Lebanon, as majestic as the cedars.” ()

Here is the Song’s description of Christ.

Here His “presence is like Lebanon”! But in 4:15, it is the streams of His grace to and in His church which are likened as proceeding from Lebanon!

There is no contradiction between the church being both ‘a spring shut up, a fountain locked’ and ‘a well of flowing waters’.

The church is shut up and sealed by Christ for himself,

Brooks, R. (1999). Song of Songs (pp. 113–114). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.

yet at the same time from His church (through each believer) spiritual life flows,

the glory of Christ is displayed and

the purposes of Christ and His everlasting kingdom are accomplished.

The very church which is such a delight to Christ, is intended to be a blessing to all mankind.

The abundance of grace that is given to believers is not for proud or selfish hoarding,

but for the benefit of the church and the world.

Where grace dwells, it will be evidenced in fruit and fragrance.

Flip over to .

Here Jesus is talking with a Samaritan woman. In this dialogue

Jesus discloses Himself as the fulfillment of the OT promises and institutions.

In v7 Jesus asks for a drink of water and of course,

like in chapter 3 with Nicodemus, the woman misunderstands Jesus!

Skip on down to v13. "Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. "But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”” ()

There it is.

Not a splash, or a drop, or even a pond, but a well of water that springs up!

Even so, we think of Jesus’s words: "Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” ()

God being at home inside of us!!! Of course spiritual life ought gush from us!

Look over to chapter 7. "The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”” ()

"The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”” ()

Unlike Nicodemus in chapter 3, the person at the well in ch. 4 is

female,

Samaritan,

not seeking Jesus,

uneducated,

socially despised, and

immoral—

but both need Jesus.

Let’s flip back to Song of Solomon

Christ Himself is the fountain of living waters, and He it is who, by His Spirit,

makes believers... the church, a well of living water.

Indeed, without the vital influences of the Holy Spirit,

His copious flowings given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ,

there can be no fruitful or fragrant spiritual life.

But when his influences are known and felt, everything is changed.

Spiritual life flourishes,

holiness thrives,

fruitfulness abounds, and

(this is the point in the context here)

Christ is both delighted and glorified.

All of which prepares the way precisely for the closing verse of this fourth chapter.

The church now says to Christ, her bridegroom: "Awaken, north wind; come, south wind. Blow on my garden, and spread the fragrance of its spices. Let my love come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits.” ()

Brooks, R. (1999). Song of Songs (pp. 114–115). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.

For the first time in this chapter the bride speaks,

and does so by way of a most appropriate response to all that the bridegroom has been saying.

Warmed and encouraged by all the praise, delight and affection that has been heaped upon her,

her response is to desire more and more of the felt presence and joyful experience of the bridegroom.

In spiritual terms, this is the believer/church desiring more of Christ in his garden.

In order that this can be so, however, what is needed is

a greater measure of the powerful and felt ministry of the Holy Spirit,

who ministers Christ to His church and fits the church to receive him.

It is always timely to remember that the Holy Spirit (although He is the third person of the Godhead)

is never concerned to draw attention to Himself,

but is always determined to glorify Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ has Himself said of Him, ‘He will glorify me, for he will take of what is mine and declare it to you’ ().

Awaken, north wind, come, south wind! (4:16).

The Holy Spirit is often likened in Scripture to the wind, so this verse is in no way unusual.

In this connection, compare the revival in "He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man. Say to it: This is what the Lord God says: Breath, come from the four winds and breathe into these slain so that they may live!””,

Or what happen in regeneration in "The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.””

and Pentecost in "Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.”.

The picture is very suitable.

Both the wind and the Spirit are powerful, and both are unseen in themselves,

though you can point in each case to their effects.

Both are refreshing and reviving, cooling and fructifying.

Both are very necessary, for if everything remains

motionless,

dead calm and

lifeless,

disease can flourish and the air becomes unwholesome;

while equally the lively motions of the Holy Spirit are absolutely necessary for the Christian’s well-being and the church’s spiritual life.

What is the point, however, of likening the Holy Spirit to the north wind and the south wind?

The answer is not hard to find.

In the world God has made, there is a clear distinction between these two winds

(the north wind coming from the north, the south wind from the south).

They are often mentioned separately on weather forecasts.

The north wind is sharp, piercing, biting and shivering.

The south wind is more balmy, melting, gentle, and ripening.

Both are needed at different times.

Both come from God’s treasuries and both fulfil His will and word.

So it is with the Holy Spirit of God.

The teaching of 4:16 is that there is a clear distinction in the ministry of the Spirit upon the church.

This corresponds to the distinction in the natural world between the north and south winds.

The Spirit’s operations are now brought to our notice.

His absence is blight and deadness.

His return is life and energy and brightness.

His removal, from our gatherings then would be deeply mourned!

The north wind of God’s Spirit may be seen in Christ’s words in , where it is said: ‘And when he has come, he will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment.’

If you’ve been here a while, you know that Redeemer church has experienced the North convicting wind of God’s Spirit!

This wind is a

convicting,

convincing,

disturbing,

exposing,

awakening

wind of the Spirit.

We absolutely need this visit from God because it restores life and strength to the church.

Paul says in that “affliction produces endurance”.

That ‘endurance’ is what opens the door that the other graces might be revived!

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” ()

The affliction produced by the convicting and chilling north wind helps keep our feet on God’s path.

In contrast, the south wind of God’s Spirit may be seen in Paul’s prayer in ,

that God would grant to the Ephesian Christians, ‘according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith … to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.’

This wind of the Spirit is a

warming,

kindling,

healing,

refreshing,

soothing,

comforting,

ripening

of spiritual fruits wind.

Oh this is when the mercy of Christ in the gospel smiles upon us and

sweetly diffuses into our hearts which swell with gratitude!

Fresh discoveries of God’s love cheer and His praises are made new and refreshing!

It may be that this distinction is reflected even in the two verbs that are used in 4:16.

‘Awake’ is the summons to the powerful, strong north wind.

‘Come’ is the call to the south wind that breathes more softly.

How much this wind of heaven is needed.

To what purpose is this request for the Spirit made to Christ?

To what purpose is this request for the Spirit made to Christ? Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out. The wind of heaven is called for that the fragrance of heaven may waft forth. Verses 13–15 have just pictured a delightful garden, full of fruitfulness and fragrance, precious in value, beautiful to all the senses, and pleasurable to walk in. In eastern lands the sweet fragrance and perfume that met someone when they entered such a garden would be indescribably pleasant and memorable. The same can sometimes still be experienced in English cottage gardens. This garden is a royal garden (King Solomon’s garden), and just as Solomon is a type of Christ, so the garden, as has been seen, is a type of the believer/church.

“Blow upon my garden, and spread the fragrance of its spices.” (v16)

The wind of heaven is called for that the fragrance of heaven may waft forth.

Verses 13–15 have just pictured a delightful garden,

full of fruitfulness and fragrance,

precious in value,

beautiful to all the senses, and

pleasurable to walk in.

In eastern lands the sweet fragrance and perfume that met someone when

they entered such a garden would be indescribably pleasant and memorable.

And just as Solomon is a type of Christ, so the garden,

as has been seen, is a type of the believer/church.

So what the words here amount to is a request therefore to Christ

for more of the sanctifying and spiritually fructifying work of his Holy Spirit.

There is an implicit acknowledgment (as there needs to be) that we cannot produce

Christ-likeness,

holiness or

spiritual fragrances

on our own, despite the serious commands and vigorous exhortations

with which Scripture abounds,

to flee this,

to pursue that,

and so on.

Yet nothing can be accomplished without dependence upon the Holy Spirit,

for He it is, ultimately, who quickens grace where it is found

and who produces it where it is not.

God has promised to give more of His Spirit to His people, but He is still to be enquired of for this in prayer.

The mutual cries in our prayers together are all tied and bound by the desire for a closer communion with Christ.

The cry n v16 is fervent and continual!

"...Let my love come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits.” ()

Here is the climax to the petition,

and is completely in line with what was observed above about the Holy Spirit directing to Christ and not to himself.

The believer’s and the church’s end in view in desiring

holiness and

spiritual fragrance

is that the Lord Jesus Christ would desire all the more

to come into His garden and eat His pleasant (excellent) fruits.

More of Christ is the intent and desire

his visits,

his presence,

his love,

his openings of his heart to us

and that with the motive not only of enjoying more of him,

but He himself being all the more satisfied with and glorified in His church.

Thus to partake is gladness to the Savior’s heart.

It is the marvel of marvels that anything in us should give joy:

but it is tenderly revealed that He takes pleasure when our hearts are faithful.

Shall we not, then, strive and toil that every grace should raise in us a fragrant head?

Shall it not be our effort in all our powers and at every moment to respond to His desires!

He thought it not too much to empty Himself for us.

For the joy set before Him in our redemption He endured the Cross—despising the shame.

Shall we be dull and lazy in striving that our hearts should be as the garden abounding in pleasant fruits for His refreshment!

It should indeed be to us the delight of delights to give delight to Him.

The things Christ finds attractive and inviting in His garden are not the weeds (that grow there naturally)

but the Christ-like graces that can only flourish there supernaturally.

The graces (or fruit) of the Spirit are many and various, rare and excellent, much desired in his people by Christ.

He has already made this plain himself in the earlier verses of this chapter.

What care needs to be taken, therefore, that we would not turn him away or grieve his Holy Spirit.

The spiritual soul will always long to be in a more fit condition to entertain Christ in his garden.

This leads directly into the first verse of the next chapter.

Brooks, R. (1999). Song of Songs (pp. 114–117). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.