Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

The Song of Songs is an extremely interesting book. It is believed to have been written by Solomon in the early part of his reign, probably around 965 B.C. It could also have been written by the Shulamite bride and dedicated to him (she speaks almost two thirds of the verses). It is a collection of poetry, easily put to music – some see it broken into five main songs within the overall song. The two main characters are easy to spot, interact with each other (both together and apart), basing everything in the love and adoration they have for each other. It is somewhat, but not entirely, in a chronological sequence of their courtship and marriage. It is, however, very thematic in the order of what it brings up and dwells on.

It is a vivid picture of Covenant Marriage and the joys of sexual relations within that covenant. It proves that God isn’t disapproving of sexual pleasure (Genesis 1:31). He created us to experience it and we can bring Jesus with us into our marital beds as easily as we do in any other arena of human relationship. It celebrates the holiness and beauty of human love and the intimacy of lovemaking to bond us in intimacy with each other within God’s fence around the covenant relationship (marriage). In Sotah 17a of the Talmud it says: ‘When a man unites with his wife in holiness – the Shekinah dwells among them.’

It is also a picture of our relationship with God Himself – not sexual, but loving and dedicated. If you get into allegory and imagery, the book also serves both the Old and the New Covenants. In the Old, it is a song between the nation of Israel and God. In the new, it is a song between the church (the Body of Christ, whether Jewish or Gentile believers in Him) and God. It can be a verbatim celebration of human marriage and sexual connection, but it is also a parable which might make relationship with God more complicated for those who don’t seek intimacy with Him, but easier for those who do (2 Peter 3:16). It is a song between a bride and bridegroom. It is a song of the relationship between Jesus and the Church (His disciples) – both as a sibling (1 John 3:1; Romans 8:16; Galatians 3:26) and spouse (Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7-9). It is a song of the relationship between God and the nation of Israel – a great counterpoint to a reading of the books of Exodus and Joshua. The devotion with which God pursued Israel and how they responded to Him (in both good and bad ways) throughout their whirlwind romance. Solomon is therefore a stand-in for either Jesus or the Father, and the bride for the Israelites or the Church. It is a fascinating book with a LOT in it for everyone who picks it up.

Chapter one is our introduction to our two characters and their clear love for each other. Their yearning for intimate contact, physical touch, a true connection. Their love for each other is what gives each other their beauty, greater than ornaments which, while valuable, pale in comparison.

Chapter two is a yearning for each other when apart. It is also a warning against awakening physical desire before marriage – since it creates a yearning that can lead to foolish decisions and bad moral practices from God’s point of view. Instead, it calls the young to protect their desires until such a time as they have found their nurturing partner, the soul connection between two people that is the foundation of our decision to love – without break or end.

Chapter three is a discussion of the connection two people gain through marriage. A melding of two lives into a third, greater life. Not a loss of individuality or personal identity, but a gain of a mutual identity that feeds off each other and builds each other up into something better and greater than they could be alone. It is like perfume. It is like a jewelled chariot covered in finery. It has a worth that is both unique and above what we can imagine.

Chapter four is a meditation on the depth of change that undergoes the individuals in a marriage. The devotion awakened between them that they didn’t know possible. The connection so great that their presence is always desired and very much cherished. A protected relationship, guarded like a locked garden, keeping all others out so that the fullness of their affection can be expressed and enjoyed. A changed landscape of the heart, never to be the same again.

Summary

Key Players: God, Solomon, Shulamite Bride.

Key Verse(s): Song of Songs 1:2-4; 2:1-5; 3:4-5; 4:10-15