Song of Solomon 3:1
Song of Solomon 3:1
By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth; I sought him, but I found him not.
From hence it appears, that the day was not as yet broke, which the church had mentioned in the last verse of the preceding chapter; but that the night was still upon her, even the night of Jewish darkness, when the shadows of the ceremonial law were stretched out upon her; yet having some small knowledge of Christ by types and prophecies, which had raised in her a desire of knowing more of him, as well as filled her with love to him, she sought after him; which at present was not attended with success, it not being his will as yet to appear to her in that manner she was desirous of: though indeed the words may be taken in a more large and comprehensive sense; and may represent the state and condition of the church of Christ, and all true believers, in all ages of the world, at one time or another: and in them may be observed,
I. The church's case, which was the absence of her beloved.
II. How she behaved herself under it, or what she did in order to remove it; "she sought him." And, 1st, The person Whom she sought is described; "him whom my soul loveth." 2dly, The place where she sought him is mentioned; "on my bed." 3dly, The time when; "by night." 4thly, The success she had in seeking; "but I found him not."