Song of Solomon 2:4
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
He brought me to the banqueting house,.... Or "into" it {q}. The "house of wine" {r}, as it is literally in the original; either the "wine cellar" {s}, as some, where stores of it were kept; or, the "place of fasting" {t}, as others, and, as we render it, a "banqueting house"; where it was distributed and drank; a banquet of wine being put for a feast, and here the nuptial feast; and may design the Gospel feast in the house of God, where there is plenty of the wine of Gospel truths, and provisions of rich food, with which believers are sweetly refreshed and delightfully regaled: and to be brought hither, under the drawings and influences of divine grace, is a special privilege, a distinguishing layout; and show a great condescension in Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, to take his people by the hand, as it were, and introduce them into his house, so well furnished, and to a table so well spread: and so the church relates it as an instance of divine favour, and as a fresh token of Christ's love to her; which further appears by what follows: the covenant of grace and the Scriptures of truth may be thought of as a banqueting house, well stored with blessings, and promises, and rich provisions; which, to be led and let into, is a singular kindness;
and his banner over me was love; signifying, that she was brought into the banqueting house in a grand, stately, and majestic manner, with flying colours; the motto on which inscribed was "love"; the allusion may be to the names of generals being inscribed on the banners of their armies; so Vespasian's name was inscribed on the banners throughout his armies {u}. Christ's name, inscribed on his, was "love", his church's love; and by which his company or band was distinguished from all others, even by electing, redeeming, calling love. It may signify the security and protection of the saints, while in the house of God, and enjoying communion with him, being under the banner of love, with which they are encompassed as a shield; and it may denote the very manifest and visible displays of it, which the church now experienced.
{q} la "in", Pagninus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Marckius, Michaelis.
{r} Nyyh tyb "domum vini", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.
{s} "Cellam vinariam", Tigurine version.
{t} "Locum convivii", Junius & Tremellius.
{u} Suetonii Vita Vespasian. c. 6.