8 We have a little sister, and breasts she hath not, What do we do for our sister, In the day that it is told of her? 9 If she is a wall, we build by her a palace of silver. And if she is a door, We fashion by her board-work of cedar. 10 I 'am' a wall, and my breasts as towers, Then I have been in his eyes as one finding peace. 11 Solomon hath a vineyard in Baal-Hamon, He hath given the vineyard to keepers, Each bringeth for its fruit a thousand silverlings; 12 My vineyard—my own—is before me, The thousand 'is' for thee, O Solomon. And the two hundred for those keeping its fruit. O dweller in gardens!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Song of Solomon 8:8-12
Commentary on Song of Solomon 8:8-12
(Read Song of Solomon 8:8-12)
The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to Christ themselves, should contrive what they may do to help others to him. Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians, and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual prayer with the stronger believers. If the beginning of this work were likened to a wall built upon Him the precious Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentile church would become as a palace for the great King, built of solid silver. If the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a door through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as cased with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and effectually protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what satisfaction we should look back upon the times and seasons, when we were in his eyes as those that find favour. Our hearts are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be unspeakable gainers by it.