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We need not mind who said what is written in these verses; or why it was said, according to their literal interpretation. But we may consider what is said, for it is true of all people who are "of the Lord beloved."

I. THEY ARE HIS BELOVED. This more than justice; for that would have regarded them as they were in themselves - the reverse of well pleasing to him. It is more than mercy; for that, though it may have spared the wrong doer, would not have received him into affection. It is grace abounding. And Christ does thus regard his people. "Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends." What rich store of consolation to all cast-down souls there is in this!

II. THEY ARE AS "A COMPANY OF HORSES IN PHARAOH'S CHARIOT." (Cf. Zechariah 10:3, "The Lord hath visited his flock, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the day of battle.") And such comparison is frequent both in the Scriptures and in the ordinary literature of that age. In this song the ideas intended are their alacrity and vigour, swiftness, strength, grace, courage, etc. The image suggests:

1. The alacrity and vigour of the believer's service. (Cf. Psalm 119., "I will run in the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart.") And what so enlarges the heart, so causes it to swell with delightful emotion, as the consciousness that the Lord's love rests upon us.

2. Their courage. (Cf. Job's description of the battlehorse - how he "paweth in the valley," and "rejoiceth in his strength," "mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted;" "suffereth the quiver to rattle against him, the glittering spear and the shield.") And how often the dauntless courage, of which the horse is a symbol, has been found in God's servants (cf. Daniel; the three Hebrew youths; Paul; and many more)! Think of the martyrs who

"Mocked the cross and flame.
They met the tyrant's brandished steel,
The lion's gory mane." And in less marked and tragic, but in equally real way, has this courage been shown - is shown - in our own day. Illustrate: Arthur kneeling in prayer before the whole room at Rugby (see 'Tom Brown's School days'). And such courage is yet needed, and, thank God, is yet found.

3. The exquisite symmetry of form for which the choicest Arabian steeds were famous tells of that moral symmetry and harmoniousness of character which will one day, and should now, distinguish his Church and people. It is the same idea as in St. Paul's image of the symmetry of the perfected Church. Hence he tells of its "breadth, and length, and depth, and height," which "all saints" are to "comprehend," because they shall share in and exhibit it.

4. His people's unity is also suggested by the comparison with "a company" of horses. The Church is militant here upon earth, and therefore the idea of a war chariot is appropriate. But the company of steeds who draw it, are they not so esteemed because of their ordered obedience? Not struggling hither and thither as each wills, nor each struggling to get its own way and so pulling in different directions. Alas! it is a sarcasm to liken the Church of our day to "a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariot." Would to God it were not, and that what is may not much longer be!

III. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL WITH ADORNMENTS. (Ver. 10; cf. Proverbs 1:8, 9, "My son hear,... For they shall "be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.") What, therefore, these adornments are is evident. They are the graces wrought by the Spirit; what St. Paul calls, "the fruits of the Spirit" - love, joy, peace, etc. These are the golden links of the chain, added one by one, each connected with and dependent on its fellow. Frequently is the adornment of the soul set forth in Scripture under the imagery of the adornment of the body. We read of "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," etc. And thus Christ will array his Church and each individual believing soul.

IV. THEY SHALL RECEIVE "GRACE FOR GRACE;" that is, grace upon grace - grace in addition to grace already given (cf. ver. 11, "We will make thee," etc.). And this is so. We are bidden "grow in grace;" and the soul does thus advance, does receive more and more of those beautiful adornments which are the Spirit's workmanship, those good works for which we were created in Christ Jesus.

V. THE LOVELINESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS SEEN IN THEM. This the suggestion of ver. 15, "Thine eyes are doves'." We read of the "evil" eye (Matthew 20:15); of "eyes full of adultery" (2 Peter 2:14); and of the "high look and proud heart" (Psalm 101:5). But what a contrast to all these have we here! Eyes of gentleness, of purity, of heavenly mindedness; eyes through which the Holy Spirit - whose chosen emblem is the dove - looks and is seen. What a description! Would that all we who profess and call ourselves Christians corresponded to it far more than we do! - S.C.

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Parallel Verses

KJV: I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

WEB: I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots.