Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Song of Solomon 2:13

Western Saints

Jerome

Immediately the turtle says to its fellow, "The fig tree has put forth its green figs," that is, the commandments of the old law have fallen, and the blossoming vines of the gospel give forth their fragrance.… While you covered your countenance like Moses and the veil of the law remained, I neither saw your face, nor did I condescend to hear your voice. I said, "Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear." But now, with unveiled face behold my glory, and shelter yourself in the cleft and steep places of the solid rock.

Against Jovinianus 1.30 ↗

Bede

The fig tree has produced its early fruit. They call the early and immature figs "grossi," which are unsuitable for eating and fall off even with a light touch if shaken. And when the turtle dove is singing, the fig tree produced its early fruit, for when the apostles were preaching in Judea, the synagogue produced many who had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; who would rather hold to the still imperfect and as if immature observance of the letter of the law than receive in it the sweetness of spiritual understanding. …

Commentary on the Song of Songs ↗

Bernard of Clairvaux

"Arise, my love, my bride, and come" (Song 2:13). The Bridegroom commends his great love by repeating words of affection. For repetition is an expression of feeling: and that he again urges the beloved to the labor of the vineyards shows how anxious he is for the salvation of souls. For you have already heard that the vineyards are souls. Let us not linger needlessly on things that have been said. See what follows. …

Sermons on the Song of Songs, Sermon 61 ↗