The approach of the beloved.
How poetically does this language picture the rural maiden m her mountain home—the lover climbing the hill like a young hart for strength and swiftness, looking in through the lattice window, calling to his beloved, and inviting her to join him amidst the beauty, the fragrance, and the freshness of the spring! So comes Christ unto the soul.
I. THE VOICE OF THE BELOVED. Jesus speaks in his Word and gospel, and his utterance is
There is no voice like his; he "spake as never man spake."
II. THE GLANCE AND GAZE OF THE BELOVED.
1. Our Saviour's regard is one of interest. Never is his Church forgotten or neglected by him; never does he withdraw his attention or treat with indifference and neglect those for whom he died.
2. He makes himself acquainted with our state and our wants.
3. He looks with affectionate kindness upon those who are dependent upon his favour and bounty.
4. Christ's gracious regard awakens in the minds of his people a desire to know him more intimately. To see him once is to wish to see him again; to see him now and here is to hope for the nearer and perfect vision hereafter.
III. THE INVITATION OF THE BELOVED. We may notice in the tenth verse:
1. The address—remarkably kind, familiar, and affectionate.
2. The appeal: "Rise up!" Is there slothfulness and inactivity? The summons of the Lord is enough to rouse to earnestness and animation.
3. The entreaty: "Come away!" Thus Christ calls his people to himself, and bids them seek his society, accept that spiritual companionship, desire that affectionate intercourse, which are the prerogative of those whom he loves. Even if to act upon this invitation be to leave all that earth can offer, still there is more than compensation for such loss in the joy and privilege of the peerless friendship of the Son of God.—T.