Charles Spurgeon Commentary Song of Solomon 8

Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: (Song of Solomon 8:11–12).

"The great Husbandman has graciously let his vineyard out to me, that I may keep it, and dress it; he has made it mine for the time being. I have some ground to till, some plants to tend, some vines to prune. It may not be a very large vineyard, still, it is mine, and I am accountable for it, and must look well to it. It is before me, I am thinking of it, I am caring for it, I am praying about it."

Thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

This is our resolve — that our greater Solomon will have the profits and proceeds of his own vineyard. It is ours on lease, but the freehold is his. He "must have a thousand," and we will be well content with our share of the vintage, joyful and glad that we may have "two hundred."

You that dwell in the gardens, the companions hearken to your voice: cause me to hear it.

For to hear that voice will be far better than the 'two hundred' which will be my share of the fruit. If I may have you with me, O my Lord, I will be better pleased, though my portion of fruit should be very small indeed, for in having you my portion will be great indeed!

I hear, my Lord, that some of your people live with you until they are called your companions. There are some whom you call your friends; there are disciples whom Jesus loves.

These hearken to your voice: cause me to hear it. Unstop my deaf ear, give me a sensitive spirit, let my soul thrill, and my heart throb, and my whole being delight to obey every syllable that falls from your blessed lips.

You that dwell in the gardens, the companions hearken to your voice: cause me to hear it.

Make haste, my beloved,

"Do not let me have to wait long for you, O my Beloved! Even at the beginning of this service, cause me to realize your presence."

And be like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

"Are there mountains that divide me from you? Come and leap over them; for you are swift of foot, and sure of standing: Be like to a roe or to a young hart, and when you come, the mountains of division shall change into mountains of spices, and all around me shall be sweet."