Song of Songs 8:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, the Lord of Hosts, the Creator of times and years, who understands our needs more profoundly than we do, akin to a compassionate healer, knows the right moment to rejoice with those who have been restored. Accordingly, when the appointed time arrives, the Father will send the Son in fulfillment of His promise.

What could the breasts of the Church represent if not the Sacrament of Baptism? It is aptly expressed, “suckling,” as if one who has been baptized seeks nourishment. "Finding you in the street," she proclaims, "I would kiss you" (Song 8:1). This signifies, "discovering you outside the body, I embrace you with the essence of the sacramental realm. No one shall despise or humiliate you; I will lead you into the embrace of the mother Church and into the chambers of the sacraments, so that you may partake of the cup of spiritual grace."

Thus, since He emerged from the complete state, not for His own benefit, but for the benefit of others—He came forth from the bosom of eternity, like the Bridegroom exiting his chamber, moving onward (cf. Ps. 19:5). He seeks the weak and does not remain on the concealed throne of the Father, amid the light undesired by the weak, but instead is welcomed into the bride's throne and her secret places. May He be outside of Himself and within us, in our midst, though unseen by us (cf. Jn. 1:26).

"Taken up," He says, "and brought you in" (Song 8:1). Indeed, the Word of God is welcomed and brought within, as it knocks upon the soul, urging her to open the door for Him. If she finds the door closed, He does not enter; but if anyone opens it, He comes in and dines with them. In this way, the Bride receives the Word, and once received, let her continue to learn.

Do not hinder the young virgins, of whom it is written, "Therefore the virgins love you" (Song 1:2), and who have brought you into my mother’s house (Song 8:2). Lastly, do not exclude even the children from love for Christ; even those who were confined in their mother’s womb bore witness to Him with prophetic joy (cf. Lk. 1:41).

Who will grant you, my brother, the ability to cherish my mother's nurturing embrace? When I encounter You outside, I will kiss You, and in doing so, I will not be shamed. I will grasp Your essence, leading You into my mother's home, into the heart of my spirit; there I will instruct You and provide for You both the wine of grace and the refreshing water of my love. The Bridegroom Himself, in His humanity, received the grace of the Holy Spirit, as it is written: ‘But the boy grew and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.’ Consequently, the Bride, marveling at His unfathomable humanity, acknowledges that He, who chose to embrace my nature, also received the nurturing of her mother. She proclaims: ‘You, who from Your exceptional grace assumed my form, received this nurturing not out of necessity, but to instruct me in receiving the sustenance of wisdom.’

“Who shall give You, O my Brother, the ability to enjoy my mother’s nurturing? When I find You outside, I will kiss You, and no one shall cast me down.” I, enthralled by Your love, will openly embrace You not only in secret places but also publicly; I will kiss You, and for this, none will accuse me if they recognize my fervent devotion to You. Upon finding You, ‘I will comprehend You, I will bring You into my mother’s abode.’ The Holy Temple, an emblem of the Heavenly Jerusalem, is termed ‘home.’ “I will provide for You the wine filled with divine essence and the water drawn from my love.” The wine signifies doctrine enriched with grace and aromatic in its presentation, while the water represents the gifts that arise from love’s fruits.

In these words, the Bride and Bridegroom converse with the young women: His left hand is beneath my head, and His right hand embraces me. I do not dread the threat of punishment; rather, I am showered with the blessings from the Bridegroom. Therefore, He has placed His hand beneath my head, and His right hand has encircled me. I urge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the strength and fortitude of the villages: if you awaken and nurture love as He desires. You must constantly cultivate love so that you may yearn for Him with greater intensity and achieve the fullness that He intends. When the young women heard this and beheld her beauty, they were astounded and spoke with wonder.