“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2Corinthians 11:2
A chaste Virgin. This simile alludes to the legal type of the High-Priest, who might marry none but a Virgin. Leviticus 21:15. Note: The Church, or a gracious soul, is by the apostle compared to an espoused Virgin: “I have espoused you…”I have been an instrument or spokesman in the hand of my blessed Lord and Master herein.
| Simile |
Parallel |
|---|---|
| A Virgin is a person that is not defiled, one that hath been kept pure from fornication and uncleanness. | The Church of God and every sincere Christian is kept pure from idolatry, the inordinate love of the world, and all antichristian worship. Hence the forty-four thousand upon mount Sion are said to be Virgins; “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Revelation 14:4 |
| A chaste Virgin, that is espoused to an husband, is greatly beloved by him. | So the Church, and each sincere Christian, is dearly beloved by the Lord, who is said to rejoice over his people, “and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride” Isaiah 62:4-5. |
| A Virgin espoused to an husband, longeth for the wedding day. | So the Church longeth for the return of the Bridegroom, when Christ will take her to himself. “the marriage of the Lamb is come,” Revelation 19:7-8. |
| A Virgin espoused, greatly prizeth every kind token of love from her friend, and delights to hear from him. | So all sincere souls wonderfully prize every precious token of Christ’s special favour to them. “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” Song of Solomon 1:2. |
| A Virgin espoused is a man’s wife. | So is the Church the wife of Christ. |
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