Song of Songs 4:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Like a bride who, once settled in her new home, focuses solely on pleasing her husband, we must also concentrate on how to satisfy Him and uphold the purity expected of the bride. David speaks of this bride when he writes, "The queen is at Thy right hand in gold of Ophir; her garments are sewn with gold." Would you like to see her shoes? Listen to Paul, the friend of the bridegroom, who says, "and having shod her feet in readiness to preach the gospel of peace." Would you love to see her belt made of truth? He instructs you, "having girded your loins with truth." Do you wish to behold her beauty? He reveals, "without spot or blemish." The Wise One also proclaims, "all you are beautiful, my beloved, and there is no spot on you!" Would you care to see her feet as well? "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach peace, that preach good tidings!" It is indeed remarkable that, after adorning her in such a manner, He did not arrive in all His splendor, for He did not want to overwhelm her with His beauty. Instead, He came in attire similar to hers, "having also received them" of the same "flesh and blood" (Heb. 2:14), approaching her not to bring sorrow but to interact with her according to the law that dictates the bridegroom's arrival. Moses states, "Wherefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife," and Paul writes, "This mystery is great; I speak concerning Christ and the Church." When He entered her abode and found her unclean, tarnished, naked, and stained with blood, He cleansed her, anointed her, nurtured her, and clothed her in a robe unlike any other. He Himself becomes her garment and thus embraces her. This is the one to whom the inheritance is promised.

He journeyed Himself to the mountain of Smyrna, not due to our merits (let no one take pride in this!), but by His own grace, willingly accepting death for sinners. Moreover, it emphasizes that human nature can only be purified from sin through the ‘Lamb that taketh away the sins of the world’ (John 1:29), who alone eradicated all corruption. Thus, declaring that “all that is good is My neighbour, and there is no vice in thee” and continuing with the theme of the sacrament of suffering, He makes a profound reference to Smyrna and subsequently mentions Lebanon, a symbol of the divine essence. This teaches us that whoever shares in the sufferings of Smyrna will undoubtedly also partake in the glories of Lebanon. For those who suffer with Him will certainly be glorified with Him. The one who once existed in divine glory is truly beautiful, having transcended the insatiable vice, from which we too can be liberated, thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who died and rose again for our sake. To Him belongs glory and sovereignty forever and ever! Amen.

This beauty is dedicated to divine service; when tempted and provoked by spiritual adversaries, it is not swayed by earthly enticements, but remains steadfast in its commitment to the sacred mysteries. For this devotion, it is cherished by Him whose heart is abounding in joy.

Thus, God proclaims to her: "You are all beautiful, my beloved, and there is no stain upon you" (Song 4:7), for all guilt has been removed. "Come from Lebanon, O bride, come from Lebanon! Come and journey forth from the foundation of faith" (Song 4:8), for by spreading the good news to all, you shall transition from this present age to Christ.

"Come and journey forth from the foundation of faith" (Song 4:8; LXX). You shall enter into the world to engage in battle, yet you will advance to Christ to achieve triumph over the world. You have been assured that He has protected you from the threats of lions and leopards, symbolizing the attack of spiritual weaknesses; you have learned that He finds your garments' scent preferable above all incense—the lovely fragrance of purity. You have been told that you are a locked garden, filled to the brim with the fruits of delightful trees. Therefore, pray that the Holy Spirit may envelop you, hover over your resting place, and enhance the aromas of holy thoughts and spiritual grace.

"Come from Lebanon, bride, come from Lebanon! Come and cross over" (Song of Songs 4:8; LXX). We should often remind ourselves of this verse, so that the bride may heed the call of the Lord's words, even if she does not believe the words of men. This admonition is not our own invention but is drawn from the heavenly wisdom imparted by the sacred song of mystery.

You are utterly beautiful and faultless, for you have joined yourself to me; from my dim light, you have received your radiance. Yet, how marvelous would it be if we Christians could truly achieve this, to witness the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, and to be transformed from glory to glory in that same likeness! May it be so! May it be so! Amen.