III. Her success is also mentioned by her
III. Her success is also mentioned by her
"But I found him not:" which she seems to take notice of with much sorrow and concern
That though she had such an earnest desire after, so strong an affection for, and had been so diligent in her search of him, had spared no pains, and had run all risks of losing her good name, and of being exposed to danger, and yet he would not shew himself to her; she could not get sight of, nor hear any tidings concerning him; and this still shews that strong was her love; for had she not dearly loved him, she would not have been so much concerned at her disappointment in not finding him. And now this was, 1. To chastise her for her former negligence in duty, and for her indulging herself in carnal ease and security; for he seems resolved, that as she had lost him through her ease, she should not find him without "trouble;" for we are not to suppose that he resented her present way of seeking, nor her present behavior to him, which seems very agreeable; but this he does to shew how much he was affronted with her former carriage. 2. To exercise her faith, and try her patience: thus when the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8, 9) was sorely buffeted by Satan, he "besought the Lord thrice that he might depart from him;" but all the answer he could for the present obtain, was, "my grace is sufficient for thee." 3. To shew that even means themselves, though they are to be used, are not to be depended on; these cannot help souls to a sight of Christ, unless he is pleased in them to reveal himself; for, "when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?" yet nevertheless, they are to be carefully observed and diligently used by us.