Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14
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Today we read the Song of Solomon! Now, for those of you that have not read Song of Solomon before, let me say this up front – this is a book for married folks y’all! :) Well, yes, us single folks can read it, but we would do well to know that this book is all about the beauty of love and, yes, sex - within marriage.
~ Song of Solomon ~
Author: Solomon
Date: Tenth century B.C.
Content: This book, about the love of Solomon and a Shulamite woman, consists of a series of lyrics or songs, hence the designation in the text: the Song of Songs. It is a simple but moving piece, describing the longing of two lovers for one another, of the struggles that need to be overcome, of the tender feelings that love awakens, and of the joy that the lovers find in being together. The young women of Jerusalem, who appear with Solomon and his beloved, add to the dramatic effect of the story by adding observations of their own.
Theme: The most obvious meaning of this narrative is that human love, which was ordained by God, is good and holy when enjoyed in obedience to the commands of God. Many interpreters have found a symbolic meaning in the book, however, and point to the love of God for Israel or the love of Christ for his church. Seen in this way it underscores the teaching of the New Testament that God is love (1 John 4:8). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 10-11) More great commentary on the Song of Solomon is at this link.
Song of Solomon Chapter 8 verse 4 stood out to me today when the young woman says- "I want you to promise, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right." This is an interesting concept I think - of not awakening love until the time is right. The reason I bring this up is because I know tons of people who are single. And probably a lot of folks reading this blog are single. And I've come to realize that single people can oftentimes stress out over being single... as if they are never going to get married. Which, perhaps for some, may be true. I do honestly believe that some are called to live a life of singleness. However, if you are single I think stressing about it does no good. Trying to "awaken love before the time is right" does no good. In fact, in can be very bad. I know of some folks that have gotten themselves in bad dating situations, simply because I think these folks were trying to "awaken love before the time is right." My thought here is that the Young Woman from Song of Solomon is absolutely right. If we are single, we need to remember that everything is in God's hands. If God has a plan for us to get married, then we really don't need to stress about the timing of it all. It will happen when it should happen. When the time is right. And to try to awaken love before the time is right typically does not work out well. So, that's my two cents today. :) I just hope that if you are single and feel like you've been single for too long, don't stress out about it! God's timing and God's plans for your life are indeed a mystery - but a beautiful mystery. He will awaken love when - and if - the time is right. Let us always remember in all areas of our life to "Let go and Let God"...
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Rend Collective's song "Hallelujah Anyway:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2YNV6UdRY
Have you said Hallelujah lately? Click here for your Hallelujah!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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