Song of Solomon 2:1-17
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.–Song of Solomon 2:4
The Song of Solomon celebrates human love in its finest manner. As in all poetry, the book is full of extravagant language and imagery that portrays the love relationship between a couple and does hold lessons for us today.
Our reading today is part of the courtship phase of their relationship and outlines the conversation between them. Here are a few points to consider:
· Affirmation of each other
The couple is generous in their appreciation of each other- their admiration of each other is expressed so that they affirm each other. Though the bride is modest about herself (a lily among the valley- an ordinary flower), the groom is quick to bring out her uniqueness: “a lily among thorns!” Their affirmations are seen throughout the song. It goes without saying that spouses, especially early on in marriage need to affirm each other so that each feels accepted by the other. Words of affirmation go a long way in valuing your spouse.
· Add time to bond
We see a building up of their relationship with the time spent in each other’s company. There is a need for longing and companionship which makes them pursue each other. The atmosphere of spring described in the poem draws our attention to the freshness and blooming of their relationship. Time spent together brings bonding and also a growing in their knowledge of each other, which is essential in marriage. In the “tech-savvy” age we are living in, it is so easy to be caught up in social media culture that saps your time and energy. If not put in its proper place, it can take your time and attention away from your spouse. Couples who spend time with each other understand that they give their time and devotion to cement their bond which gives strong foundation in marriage.
· An Advice
V.15 speaks of catching the little foxes that spoil the vine and tender grapes. It can be alluded to all sorts of intruders that try to spoil/break up the marital relationship. It’s to be observed that they come in unnoticed or creep in and spoil the tender fruit. It can be anything that vie for their attention to distract them from their relationship. Hence a warning for couples to watch out for those “little foxes” that can spoil their affection and make sure they are kept out of their budding family.
· Assurance of love
The bride previously spoke of how the groom brought her to the banqueting table expressing his love for her. They have grown in their mutual understanding and in their commitment. Now she says: “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” (V.16), denoting the assurance of the love relationship that they share. She is assured of his devotion and faithfulness. Here is a pointer to every marriage- growing in confidence and mutual faithfulness is essential so that both spouses are assured of a lasting relationship.
All of the statements described above are possible only when one makes Christ the centre of their lives and marriage. Amongst the many Scriptures let us be reminded:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph.5:25)
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. (Eph.5:22).
May we abide in the principles of His Word for a happy married life!
Let also remember that God’s Word reminds us that Christ is the Bridegroom who gave His life to redeem His bride, the Church. He holds us close to His heart in love and expects us to be faithfully awaiting His return in order to take us to be with Him forever.
Meditate: I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)
Listen: 'LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE'
Comments