As soon as the bride was asked about her Beloved, in what way he was more than another beloved, in what way he is unique and matchless, she had no hesitation in answering. She was delighted to describe her Beloved (vv. 10–16). We will now consider what she says.

The first thing that distinguishes Him is that He is white. The Bible uses the word white as a symbol of purity, as in Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Our Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the one of whom the seraphim speak as they call one to another saying, “Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa. 6:3; Jn. 12:41). He is the one who knew no sin (2 Cor. 5:21), did no sin (1 Pet. 2:22), and in Him was no sin (1 Jn. 3:5). This could not be said of anyone else but of our Beloved.

She also described him as ruddy (or red). The one who is white and sinless is the same one “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of offenses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Is it a wonder then that those who love Him would be overwhelmed by His love?

He is indeed the chiefest among ten thousand, literally, “lifted up as a banner.” The thought is that He would be immediately recognized among ten thousand. Ten thousand is the largest number in the Hebrew language. So among all the sons of men He is unique. The Father opened the heavens and said of Him, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I have found My delight” (Mt. 17:5). Yes, He is white and ruddy and the chiefest among ten thousand.