Song of Songs 5:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Even the esteemed John described himself as "the voice" (John 1:23) when asked about his identity, acknowledging his role as the forerunner of the Word. Blessed Paul reflected on the experience of "Christ" speaking within him (2 Cor. 13:3); in this, he borrowed His voice and found sweetness in speaking through Him. Similarly, all the Prophets, having surrendered their vocal instruments to the Spirit who inspired them, became vessels of divine sweetness, emitting spiritual nourishment that both royals and commoners embraced for healing. This delightful participation stirs desire rather than satisfied, enhancing one’s longing for more. Thus, the bride collectively identifies all of Him as desire, conveying a definition that describes the beauty of the One sought: "all of Him is desire." How fortunate are those members by which the entirety is encapsulated as "desire," owing to its perfection in all goodness, creating a harmonious beauty that reaches beyond mere eyes or hands, encompassing every part, including feet, arms, and even the larynx, with none being deemed inferior in the abundance of beauty. "This," proclaims the bride, "is my Brother; and this," she adds, "is my neighbor," addressing the daughters of Jerusalem. Conveying this imagery, she presents before them all the signs through which the sought One can be recognized, ultimately expressing, "Behold the One sought." He, who became a Brother, emanated from Judas, offered His compassion to the “fallen robber,” tending to his wounds with oil, wine, and bandages, setting him upon His steed, comforting him in an inn, providing him with two denarii, carefully overseeing his well-being, and promising to restore any additional expenses upon His return (Luke 10:30-35).

It is abundantly clear what each of these actions signifies. The lawyer, eager to elevate himself above others and displaying his arrogance by neglecting to share equal regard with them, sought to tempt the Lord with the inquiry: "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29). In response, the Word introduces a story that illustrates the entire human-loving household, highlighting the descent of humanity from lofty heights, the treachery of robbers, the stripping away of an incorruptible robe, the afflictions of sin, and the dominance of death over a significant part of creation, with only the soul remaining eternal. The futile passing of the law is evident, as neither priest nor Levite remedied the wounds of the one overtaken by robbers; "for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4). Yet, He who assumed the entirety of human nature from the inception of creation, comprising portions of every nation—Jew, Samaritan, Hellenist—came in the flesh, where He encountered human suffering. He healed the wounds, offered rest by placing him on His beast, and established an inn, a sanctuary of loving care, where all who are weary and burdened may find solace. Those who dwell in Him undoubtedly receive Him and abide in Him, for the Word affirms: "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him" (John 6:56). Thus, he who receives Him into his own life serves as a refuge for the Uncontainable, receiving from Him two coins of silver—one representing love for God with all one's heart, and the other love for one's neighbor as oneself, which aligns with the lawyer's response. And as “it is not the hearers of the law who are just before God, but the doers of the law will be justified” (Romans 2:13), it is necessary not only to accept these two coins of silver, that is, faith in God and a good conscience toward others, but also to actively fulfill these commandments through deeds. This is why the Lord reassures the innkeeper that all he has done for the one in need will be recognized at His return, according to the merit of his service. Therefore, He who, through this compassionate humanity, became our neighbor, just as He, who shone forth from Judas, became our Brother—this is the One whom the bride points out to the maidens; this is the One the pure bride proclaims to the daughters of Jerusalem, declaring, "This is my Brother, and this is my neighbor, daughters of Jerusalem." In acknowledging these signs, let us also seek and embrace Him for the salvation of our souls, guided by the Holy Spirit. To Him belongs the glory forever and ever! Amen.

In this way, the unblemished soul reflects, gazes inward, and contemplates God, overflowing with every good thing. Therefore, it is said: His words are joy, and He brings full delight (cf. Song 5:16). For God is the origin of all that is good, and indeed everything belongs to Him.

‘All desire.’ After this declaration, He turns to the young women, saying, ‘This is my brother and this is my neighbor, daughters of Jerusalem.’ When you do not recognize Him and inquire about my Brother, I show Him to you, saying, ‘This is my Brother and this is my Neighbor.’ Therefore, those of you who are bound by obligation, do not disregard your commitment but seek out my Brother and convey to Him my love. Yet, they, aware of the unique traits of the Bridegroom, questioned her further about His departure and where He had gone.