Songs 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 1. The use of banners, standards, or ensigns, is to gather and keep persons together: thus Christ Himself was lifted up on the cross, and is now lifted up in the Gospel, as an ensign to gather souls unto Him: and so His love, being displayed in the preaching of the Gospel, has a power and efficacy in it to draw souls after Him; for as a fruit and effect of everlasting love, "with loving kindness He draws them: and in the same way and manner Christ here drew the Church unto Himself and held her fast; and constrained her to keep close to Him, and follow hard after Him; see 2 Corinthians 5:14. 2. A banner displayed, or a standard set up, is an indication of war; it is to prepare for it and to animate to it (Jeremiah 51:12, 27), the Church of Christ here on earth is militant, and therefore in Song of Solomon 6:4, is represented as formidable and terrible as an army with banners: she has many enemies to engage with, as sin, Satan, and the world, and yet has the greatest encouragement to fight, for she is bannered under the Lord of hosts. 3. A banner displayed is also a sign of victory; sometimes when a town, city, or castle is taken, the flag is hung out as an indication of it; see Jeremiah 50:2. Christ has gotten the victory over all His and our enemies. 4. A banner is for protection and defence; hence Moses built an altar, and called it Jehovah nissi, that is, The Lord is my banner; because the Lord had been on the side of him and the people of Israel, and defended them from the Amalekites. 5. It is to direct soldiers where to stand, when to march, and whom to follow; see Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:2, which may teach us, who are enlisted in Christ's service, not to fly from our colours, but adhere closely to Christ and His Gospel, His cause and interest, His Church and people, and to follow Him, the Standard-bearer, wherever He goes; and nothing can more strongly engage us to do so than love, which is the motto of His banner; this first drew us to Him, this animates us in His service, and keeps us close to His person and interest. 6. It is to distinguish one band from another (Numbers 2:2). As one band has one motto upon its banner or ensign, by which it is distinguished from another, so the motto on Christ's banner is "love," by which His band or company is distinguished from all others. The allusion may be to the names of generals being inscribed on the banners of their armies; so Vespasian's name was inscribed on the banners throughout his armies. (John Gill, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.WEB: He brought me to the banquet hall. His banner over me is love. |
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