Song of Songs 5:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Hence, if the synergy of the eyes and hands is essential, we are perhaps prompted to first define what type of 'eyes' they are, followed by an exploration of their commendable characteristics. The matter of hands shall be addressed later. It is natural for eyes to function in the role of sight. Elevated by their position, they preside over all other senses, as nature intended to guide the body. In Divine Scripture, we find that leaders of truth are often referred to in this manner; one is called a ‘seer’ (1 Sam. 9:11), another a ‘watcher’ (Ezek. 3:17), indicating their divine appointment in prophetic roles. This suggests that such leaders are termed ‘eyes’ for the purpose of providing oversight and perception.

The miracle associated with eyes can be understood through comparisons that showcase their splendor. The bride affirms: "eyes like doves," which beautifully conveys purity—the absence of moral defilement and a life lived in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). The spiritual and ethereal existence is represented by this dove-like imagery, as the Holy Spirit appeared to John in dove form when descending from heaven to baptize. Thus, those appointed by God in the Church to represent the eyes must, in their mission of supervision and observation, cleanse themselves from every form of impurity. Notably, the bride mentions multiple ‘sources’ of these cleansing waters. Each virtue can be envisioned as a source of purifying waters, continually enhancing the clarity of the eyes: chastity serves as one source, humility another, alongside truth, courage, a passion for good, and a disdain for evil. Though these streams flow from the same origin, they merge into a singular fullness that cleanses the eyes from passionate blemishes. While these eyes are likened to doves due to their purity, the bride also designates milk as their source of nourishment, stating, “they are changed in milk.” This portrays the notion that such eyes are rendered more beautiful when washed with milk. Indeed, milk is recognized as a unique liquid that does not reflect the image of anything. Unlike other liquids that act as mirrors, revealing the likeness of those who gaze upon them, milk allows no such reflection.

For this reason, the praise attributed to the eyes of the Church is particularly fitting; they should not become preoccupied with illusions or sinful vanities but rather focus on what genuinely exists, steering clear of misguided perceptions of life. Therefore, the cleansing provided by milk is deemed reliable for the purity of the eyes of a virtuous soul. Consequently, it is decreed that the eyes should engage with the teachings of the Divine, represented in the saying, “They that sit in the filling of the waters.” This phrase, by commending clear vision, calls for diligent and focused study of divine truths, teaching us that by continually staying “at the filling of the waters,” we can attain the beauty inherent in pure sight. Sadly, many who have been appointed as eyes neglect their duty by drifting away from these ‘waters,’ opting instead to linger by the rivers of Babylon, thus fulfilling their own accusations before God: “They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn out for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13). Therefore, to cultivate eyes that are good, honorable, and aligned with the divine purpose, they must be immaculate, like doves, and undeceived, remaining steadfastly within the flow of the Divine “waters,” like a tree firmly planted by the “streams” (Ps. 1:3). In this state, they will yield fruit in its time, and their branches will be ever lush, adorned with goodness.

Regrettably, many spiritual eyes today fail to hurry towards these waters and show little concern for earnest engagement with the Word. Instead, they seek after treasures of greed or scrap for themselves the fleeting refuge of vanity, pride, or any other temptations that cannot sustain the desired fulfillment of true water. The accolades, power, and glory that many pursue are ephemeral, passing swiftly and leaving no lasting mark on those who are deceived by their futile pursuits. The Word aims for such eyes to be vigilant and discerning, akin to a protective wall safeguarding the Divine doctrine and serving as eyelids veiling the purity and simplicity of life enriched by humility. This way, even the slightest hint of arrogance that might cloud their vision does not obstruct sight. In due course, we will discuss the admirable qualities of the members of the Bridegroom as bestowed by God, as we continue by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him belongs glory forever. Amen.

‘His eyes resemble doves as the waters fill,’ for they are continuously directed toward the baptismal font, observing those who are destined for redemption. ‘They are transformed in the milk, situated among the overflowing waters.’ Those who require spiritual sustenance, He nourishes with the milk of His word; while those ensnared by sin, He refreshes and renews - dwelling ‘among the overflowing waters’ and bringing them enlightenment. It is certainly purposeful that she proclaimed: ‘in the filling of the waters’ - for He only receives those who approach with unwavering and steadfast faith.

It was foretold that Christ would manifest Himself in this precise and evident manner. For in the songs of the Bridegroom, it is declared, ‘His eyes are like doves by the watercourses.’ The Spirit descended in the form of a dove as a reflection of the pure and harmless dove, representing Him, which was also offered in prayer for new life and the remission of transgressions. It was foretold that Christ would reveal Himself in this specific likeness.