Song of Songs 2:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In this instance, the trustworthiness of the promise is upheld by an oath. When Abraham, desiring a worthy wife for his only son Isaac, instructed his servant not to choose a Canaanite woman—a lineage deemed servile—lest the purity of his offspring be tainted, he urged that a suitable spouse be sought from his homeland and kin. Hence, he swore an oath to ensure the servant’s commitment to carry out this command, guiding him to facilitate a proper union for Isaac.

Similarly, the soul that has ascended to the heights previously mentioned, while teaching others the path to perfection, does not merely confirm her own understanding through her vow; instead, she directs them toward a virtuous existence, characterized by enduring and vigilant love, anticipating the fulfillment of His gracious will, which embodies the desire for all to be saved and to grasp the truth. The oath parallels that concerning the 'stalk' of the patriarch (Gen. 24:9) and is reflected here as "in the strength and strongholds of the village," as stated in Scripture: "I adjure you, O children of Jerusalem, by the might and fortifications of the village: if you will stand firm and awaken love to the end."

In pondering these declarations, it is essential first to discern the nature of this 'village' and then to understand what constitutes its ‘strength’ and whether these terms convey different meanings or are synonymous. Furthermore, we must explore the implications of ‘raise up’ and ‘stir up love,’ with ‘until He wills’ being elucidated by the context presented earlier. The term ‘selom,’ denoting peace, is readily comprehended from the Gospel. The transience of worldly matters, as echoed by Ecclesiastes who declared the visible as vanity—"the image of this world passeth away" (1 Cor. 7:31)—illustrates that genuine strength cannot reside in that which is fleeting. If one were to mistake worldly elements for true power, Ecclesiastes counters such notions by classifying all earthly pursuits as vanity. Vanity, being insubstantial, possesses no true power.

In exploring 'power' in its plural form, we find affirmation in sacred teachings: when 'power' appears singular, it references the Divine; in plural, it pertains to angelic beings. Christ is articulated as "the Power and Wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24), where singularity indicates divine authority, while "Bless the Lord with all His strength" (Ps. 102:21) reflects the plurality of intelligent, angelic beings. The term ‘fortress’ enhances the significance of ‘strength’; thus, through repetition of related terms, Scripture reinforces its intended meaning. In, “O Lord, my fortress and my strength” (Ps. 17:23), each term conveys similar essence, yet their close association amplifies understanding.

Thus, the plural connotation of 'powers' alongside the reference to 'fortresses' elevates our thoughts toward angelic nature, affirming that the incantation offered to trained souls serves as a power rooted not in the transient but in the eternal nature of the angels. As we are promised that post-resurrection, humanity will resemble the state of angels, we ought to prepare our earthly lives for the heavenly existence to come. While we dwell in this current world, we must not conform to its fleshly temptations but rather aspire toward life eternal. The bride, through a confirmation vow, entreats those being instructed to ensure their lives, marked by excellence within this 'village', align with heavenly ideals, emulating the purity of the angels. When love is elevated and intensified, as the bride articulates, God's will is realized, both in heaven and on earth, owing to the angelic steadfastness that also manifests within us. Thus, we heed the exhortation: "I charge you, O children of Jerusalem, by the might and fortifications of the village: if you will, awaken love to the end as He desires." If any additional words more closely encapsulate the truth sought, let us embrace grace and offer thanks to the One who unveils hidden mysteries by the Holy Spirit concerning Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be glory forever and ever! Amen.

As the effect of an oath is twofold, here the soul, who has reached the significant height previously discussed, while indicating to the souls under her guidance the path to perfection, does not merely assure her listeners of the certainty of her own knowledge; instead, through her oath, she encourages them toward a virtuous life and persistent, watchful love, until the manifestation of His good will, which is that all may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).

Here lies the third point: He asks for the resurrection of the body, which represents the Church as the body of Christ. Judas serves as a symbol of the unfaithful Jewish people who betrayed and commodified Christ for monetary gain, akin to those who prioritize wealth over faith. In response to the downfall of this unfaithful nation, Christ signifies that He will, in turn, elevate the grace of the Church. This is echoed in the Church’s declaration in the Song of Songs, If ye awaken and stir up love (Song 2:7), as it calls upon the maidens regarding Christ, for Christ embodies love. The statement: I will repay them (Ps. 40:11) is understood in this context: these individuals will suffer torments as the Church flourishes, leading them to comprehend the consequences of their betrayal when they witness the magnificence of faith and grace. Alternatively, these words suggest that the Lord is just and could assert, They repay Me with evil for good (Psalm 34:12). The term 'repay' carries a dual significance: it may imply recompensing with either evil or good. The Lord asserts He will respond with good, for Israel will experience partial blindness, but once the fullness of the Gentiles has been integrated, all Israel shall be redeemed by the mercy of Christ.

I encourage future readers to reflect upon these matters without undue speculation. Should the interpretation hold truth, let them offer thanks to God, and if it is erroneous, let them extend grace to the writer, who spoke tentatively, allowing the evaluation to rest with those who come after.