The Chiefest Among Ten Thousand

Scripture: Song of Solomon 5:9-16

Sermon preached at Gospel Light Christian Church, Singapore
by Pastor Dr Paul Choo
on 8 February 1998

Introduction: God has blessed us with many precious things (e.g. family, church, friends, food) but there is one that stands above the rest. It is a great pity that most Christians, though they know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, have not known Him as the chiefest among ten thousand. When the Bride in the Song of Solomon was asked why she considered her beloved more than other beloveds (v.9) she readily gave her answer (v.10-16). A careful study of her answer will help us to appreciate our Lord Jesus Christ more (6:1). In verse 10, she gives a general description of Christ's excellency (i.e. My beloved is white and ruddy), and states his incomparableness (i.e. chiefest among ten thousand). In the verses 11 to 16 she describes ten parts of Him that specifically describe what makes Him so incomparable, before concluding by saying "yea, he is altogether lovely". As the Bride admires the Groom's physical characteristics, we should admire Christ's spiritual attributes.

Christ, the chiefest among ten thousand: "White and ruddy" (v.10) describe a radiant healthy complexion. If there is anything wrong with a person, it usually shows in his complexion. Christ is the Perfect One, therefore He is "white and ruddy". "Ten thousand" is the largest number in the Hebrew language. It is therefore a definite great number used to describe an indefinite number. "Chiefest" means "standard-bearer". In a procession, the finest is chosen to be the standard-bearer. Of life's good things, Christ stands out among them all like a standard-bearer. Therefore, our focus should be upon Him and not on any other. The ten parts of the body described are:

(a) The head (v.11) is described first because it is the most important part of the person. It is that which determines the character of a person and by which we recognize a person. "Gold" which is precious, glorious and untarnishable represents God. The thing that makes Jesus Christ stand out from all others is that He is God.

(b) The locks (i.e. hair) are bushy and black (v.11) symbolizing youthfulness as opposed to decay and aging. Though Christ is the eternal unchanging God, He is ever fresh to us and we will never tire of Him through all eternity, while all our other loves grow old, decay and bore us.

(c) The eyes are the organs of sight (v.12). Doves clean themselves in the rivers of waters - thereby clearing their eyesight. Christ is omniscient, seeing all things past, present and future. "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good; (Proverbs 15:3) unlike idols which have "eyes that see not" (Psalm 115:5). To have a "husband" who knows everything is a great source of comfort ("For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9) Though Christ see all things (including our sins and weaknesses) yet He sees us with "the eyes of doves" (i.e. humility) and does not despise us. He sees all things through pure, holy eyes (i.e. eyes that are washed with milk) and not through selfish, sinful eyes. Christ's eyes are without deformity (i.e. fitly set) judging all things fairly.

(d) The cheeks are that part of the body that speaks of intimacy (v.13), i.e. cheek to cheek. Though Christ is the almighty God, we can enjoy the most delightful intimate fellowship with Him. This intimate fellowship with Christ is more delightful and refreshing than being in a bed of plants that produce spice and sweet flowers.

(e) The lips are the organs of speech (v.13). Christ's words to us are pure like lilies (without any hint of hypocrisy or falsehood) and full of wonderful promises (i.e. dropping sweet smelling myrrh) of love, salvation, cleansing, forgiveness, assurance, protection, patience, etc.

(f) The hands are the organs of action (v.14). Gold rings set with beryls are worn on the hands to make them more attractive. As a wife is attracted to a husband who can take good care of her, Christians adore Christ who takes good care of them and who works "all things together for good to them that love Him." (Romans 8:28)

(g) The belly is associated with strong emotions of love (v.14). This belly is adorned with a very unusual glittering ornament of bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. This unique ornament represents the unique unmatchable love of Christ "which passeth knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19).

(h) The legs represent the walk of a man, i.e. the way that he goes (v.15). The way of a man encompasses his purposes, plans and actions. Pillars of marble are strong, beautiful and durable. Pillars must be set upon solid foundations (i.e. sockets). Sockets of fine gold are the most durable foundations. Christ's ways are beautiful, sure and unchanging.

(i) The countenance is the presentation or general appearance of a man (v.15). Lebanon is a land of beautiful stately mountains. The cedars of Lebanon are tall, beautiful trees. Everything about Christ is beautiful and unsurpassed.

(j) The mouth is the organ for kissing (v.16). This speaks of Christ's active tokens of affection (directly or indirectly) to us, which are most sweet (1 Peter 1:8).

Conclusion: He is altogether lovely. Therefore, anyone who has everything but Christ is a most miserable person. The wonder of wonders is that this unimaginably wonderful One is my beloved and my friend (v.16).