Albert Barnes Commentary Song of Solomon 8

Royal rank and splendor have grown wearisome. The king once called her “sister” and “sister-bride.” If only he were indeed like a “brother,” her mother’s own child, whom she could meet, embrace, and welcome everywhere without restraint or shame. Her love for him is simple, sacred, and pure—free from the unrest and the stains of mere earthly passion.

Who would instruct me - Or, you should teach me (Isaiah 54:13). Some allegorists interpret the whole passage (Song of Solomon 7:11–12) as a prayer of the synagogue for the Incarnation of the Word, similar to Song of Solomon 1:2 (see note). Others understand it as a prayer of the Church under both covenants for that complete union with the Incarnate Godhead which is still future.

The bride now turns and addresses the chorus, as she did before.

That you stir not up—literally, as noted in the margin. The phrase “my love” should be read simply as “love,” as it was previously. The omission of “the roes and hinds” here is noticeable.

Hebrew scholars regard this charge, which appears here and in Song of Solomon 2:7 and 3:5, as an admonition to Israel. It is a warning not to attempt to take possession of or be restored to the promised land, and not to seek union with the Holy One there, before being inwardly prepared for it through the trials of the wilderness and the exile.

This interpretation comes very close to what appears to be the genuine literal meaning (see the note on Song of Solomon 2:7). These scholars suppose that the words here are addressed by the Messiah to Israel in the wilderness of the people (Ezekiel 20:35) during the latter days, while the former words in Song of Solomon 3:5 are from Moses in the wilderness of Sinai.

The scene changes from Jerusalem to the birthplace of the bride, where she is seen coming up toward her mother’s house, leaning on the arm of the great king, her beloved.

Who is this—Compare and contrast with Song of Solomon 3:6. In the former scene, all was splendor and exaltation, but here we find condescension, humility, and loving charm.

I raised thee up...—Beneath this apple tree, I wakened you. The king calls the bride’s attention to a fruit tree they are passing—the trysting spot of their earliest vows, in her own home and birthplace. The Masoretic pointing of the Hebrew text (the most ancient traditional interpretation) assigns these words to the bride, but the majority of Christian fathers attribute them to the king. The whole passage gains in clarity and dramatic expression with the latter arrangement.