Song of Solomon 4:12

“A spring shut up, a fountain sealed.” 
              — Song of Solomon 4:12

In this metaphor, which has reference to the inner life of a believer,
we have very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is a spring shut up: just
as there were springs in the East, over which an edifice was built, so
that none could reach them save those who knew the secret entrance; so
is the heart of a believer when it is renewed by grace: there is a
mysterious life within which no human skill can touch. It is a secret
which no other man knoweth; nay, which the very man who is the
possessor of it cannot tell to his neighbour. The text includes not
only secrecy, but separation. It is not the common spring, of which
every passer-by may drink, it is one kept and preserved from all
others; it is a fountain bearing a particular mark-a king’s royal seal,
so that all can perceive that it is not a common fountain, but a
fountain owned by a proprietor, and placed specially by itself alone.
So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of God were separated in
the eternal decree; they were separated by God in the day of
redemption; and they are separated by the possession of a life which
others have not; and it is impossible for them to feel at home with the
world, or to delight in its pleasures. There is also the idea of
sacredness. The spring shut up is preserved for the use of some special
person: and such is the Christian’s heart. It is a spring kept for
Jesus. Every Christian should feel that he has God’s seal upon him-and
he should be able to say with Paul, “From henceforth let no man trouble
me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Another idea is
prominent-it is that of security. Oh! how sure and safe is the inner
life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and hell could combine
against it, that immortal principle must still exist, for he who gave
it pledged his life for its preservation. And who “is he that shall
harm you,” when God is your protector?

On this day…

• Isaiah 43 – 2024
• Isaiah 42 – 2024
• Holding Fast the Word of Life in 2010 – 2011
• Praying in the Closet and in the Spirit – 2011
• If You Abide In My Word, You Are Truly My Disciples – 2011
• Bethlehem’s Antioch Moment – 2011
• Where He is known in this dimension, there is a healthy fear of the Lord – 2011
• It involves more risk than we assess prudent to take – 2011
• Psalm 90:17 – 2011
• Faithfulness – 2011