Song of Solomon 8:12

"Baal-hamon" means Lord of a multitude. It refers to the multitude of nations — the whole earth, which now forms the vast vineyard of the Lord of glory. "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24). The millennium has come! The glory of the Lord fills the earth — every heart rejoices — Jesus reigns. A suitable return is now made to Him by the keepers of the vineyard. Everything is now under the eye of Christ, and according to the principles of His government… All will share in the riches of the fruitful, peaceful, joyful millennial earth. But Christ is Lord of all.

It is Christ come at last — Christ as King. That is what is spoken of here, and that is why He is called Solomon… "My vineyard, my very own, is before me." This is the language of the bride — of Jerusalem — because she, too, has a vineyard… She wants no vineyard apart from Him. She is identified with Him. The Jew will have no pleasure, no joy, no fruit, except in connection with Christ.

The vineyard of the bride was at her own disposal. But all its proceeds shall be for Solomon, and there shall be a portion for those who kept its fruits. This is a touching expression of her relationship to the King.

Her vineyard is Israel, seen in their privileges and responsibilities before the Lord. He has set them in that place as head over all the nations. But she claims no returns for herself. Her love for Christ makes her desire that the full amount due from her vineyard should all be His. Those who labour as keepers, however, will also have what is due to them. Here we see more than living up to one's responsibility. We see love that counts it a joy.

But the bride has her own vineyard. Restored Israel will have her special place, and she too will gladly own her subjection to Christ. But when she owns all to be His, others will get the blessing. If Solomon gets the thousand pieces of silver, others will get two hundred. Mary poured out her whole jar of very costly ointment on Christ. Yet others gained a benefit too, for "the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

Vineyards were once entrusted to her, and she did not keep her own. Instead, Christ, as royal Prince of peace, now has a vineyard at Baal-hamon… But there was a special vineyard now, once not kept, which was now before the bride. That vineyard is Israel, who through grace would now keep her vineyard carefully. Her vineyard was before her.

At the close of the song she takes the chance to show how much He is worth in her eyes… But is this what He cared for? Would the thousand pieces of silver satisfy Him? Listen to His answer: "O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it." Her voice was more refreshing to Him than any gift of money she could bring. He wanted to hear the sound of her voice. Nothing less would fully please Him… His last recorded wish is to listen to her voice. In Solomon there was no change, and in Him who is truly pictured here there is no change.