Day 142 – Song of Songs: Theme

“Like a lily among thistles is my darling among young women. ‘Young Woman’ Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.” Song of Songs 2:2-3 NLT

A moving story, drama, and poem, The Song of Songs (or known as Song of Solomon in some translations) features a love dialogue between a young Israelite woman (the woman of Shulam) and her lover (Solomon, the king). They describe in intimate detail their feelings for each other and their longings to be together. Throughout the dialogue, sex and marriage are put in their proper, God-given perspective. God created it and recognises its importance. That’s why Scripture contains numerous guidelines for its use and warnings about its misuse. Sex is always mentioned in the context of a loving relationship between a husband and wife. Perhaps the highlight of this Song of Songs is the intimate story of a man and a woman that chronicles their love, courtship, and marriage. Solomon probably wrote this song in his youth, before being overtaken by his own obsession with women and pleasure.

These are unpopular topics for sermons or even group discussions, but it is so important to God that He directed a whole book discussing these intimate topics in His Word. And how beautiful that He did this in the form of a love poem…

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us this beautiful poem of love, sex, and marriage. But not only as guidance for our relationship, but as a metaphor of Your love and pursuit of our souls. We might never comprehend how much You love us, Lord, but I know that You will never stop showing us. Amen.