Matthew Henry Commentary Song Of Solomon 6:11-13

"I went down into the garden of nuts, To see the green plants of the valley, To see whether the vine budded, [And] the pomegranates were in flower. Before I was aware, my soul set me [Among] the chariots of my princely people. Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, As upon the dance of Mahanaim?" — Song Of Solomon 6:11-13 (ASV)

In retirement and in meditation, the Christian character is formed and perfected. But this is not the retirement of the idle, the self-indulgent, or the frivolous person. When the Christian is released from the discharge of his duties in life, the world has no attractions for him. His prayer is, that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow within him and around him.

Such are the significant concerns and activities of the one whom the world wrongly considers unhappy and lost to his true interests. In humility and self-abasement, the humble Christian would turn away from the sight of all, but the Lord delights to honor him. However, this reference may primarily be to the ministering angels who will be sent for the soul of the Christian.

Their approach may startle, but the departing soul will find the Lord its strength and its portion forever. The church is called the Shulamite: the word signifies perfection and peace; not in herself, but in Christ, in whom she is complete through his righteousness, and has peace, which he made for her through his blood and gives to her by his Spirit.