Song of Songs 8:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, the Lord of Hosts, who established the seasons and years, understands our needs more thoroughly than we ourselves. Like a compassionate healer, He knows the appropriate moment to rejoice with those who have received healing. Thus, when the time is right, the Heavenly Father will fulfill His promise by sending forth the Son.

What are the nurturing aspects of the Church if not the Sacrament of Baptism? It is aptly remarked ‘suckling,’ indicating one who, having been baptized, yearns for nourishment. ‘When I meet you on the street,’ she declares, ‘I would kiss you’ (Song 8:1), meaning ‘discovering you beyond the physical realm, I embrace you within the essence of the sacramental universe. No one shall scorn or belittle you; I will bring you into the inner sanctum of the Mother Church and into the sacred rites, so that you may partake of the cup of spiritual grace.’

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Therefore, since He emerged from the perfect state not for His own benefit but for the sake of others, coming from the embrace of eternity, He stepped outward like the Bridegroom descending from his chamber and proceeding forth (cf. Ps. 19:5). Let Him find the weak and not remain seated upon the secret throne of the Father in a light too glorious for the weak to endure. Instead, let Him be welcomed into the bride's throne and her sacred chambers, be outside Himself and within us, be present among us even when unseen (cf. Jn. 1:26).

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‘Taken up,’ it says, ‘and brought you in’ (Song 8:1). Indeed, the Word of God is received and welcomed, for it knocks at the soul, prompting her to open the door to Him. If she does not find it opened, He does not enter; but if anyone opens the door, He enters in and shares a meal with her. Thus, the bride receives the Word, and upon receiving Him, may she be instructed.

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Do not hinder the young maidens, of whom it is written, Therefore the virgins love thee (Song 1:2), and they have brought thee into my mother's house (Song 8:2). Furthermore, do not exclude even the little ones from their love for Christ: even those who were confined in their mothers' wombs bore witness to Him in prophetic joy (Cf. Lk. 1:41).

Song of Songs 8:1 Who will grant you, my brother, to nurse from my mother's breasts? When I encounter you outside, I will kiss you, and no one will bring me shame. Song of Songs 8:2 I will recognize You, I will draw You into my mother’s house, and into the embrace of my child: there I shall instruct You: I will offer You the drink of fragrant wine and the water from my apples. The Bridegroom Himself, in His humanity, was filled with the Grace of the Holy Spirit. It is written: ‘But the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him’ (Luke 2:40). Therefore, the Bride, astonished by the wonder of His humanity, observes that He too ‘nursed at the breasts of her mother,’ saying: ‘You, who out of Your immense kindness assumed my nature, as I have, nursed from the breast, not out of necessity, but to guide me on how to draw from the milk of teaching. ‘Who will provide for You, O my Brother, to nurse from my mother's breasts? When I encounter You outside, I will kiss You, and thus no one shall belittle me.’ I, filled with longing for Your love, will not only fall into Your arms in private but also openly embrace You; I will kiss You, and for this, no one will condemn me, so long as they recognize my passion for You. But when I find You, ‘I will understand You, I will bring You into my mother’s house.’ The Holy Temple, a reflection of the heavenly Jerusalem, is called ‘home’ - ‘I will offer You the pleasant wine infused with the aromas of the building, and the water from my apples.’ Here, wine refers to the teachings rich in grace and fragrant with divine essence, while the water of apples signifies the blessings from the fruits of love. In these expressions, the Bride and the Bridegroom address the maidens: Song 8:3 His left hand is under my head, and His right hand embraces me. I do not fear the threat of condemnation; I am enveloped in the blessings of the Bridegroom. For this reason, He has placed His left hand under my head, and His right hand has embraced me. Song of Songs 8:4 I urge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the power and strength of the villages: if you awaken and uphold love, as He desires. You must continuously cultivate love, that you may long for Him more fervently, and attain the perfection He desires. When the maidens heard this and beheld her beauty, they were astonished and remarked: