Song of Solomon 1-2 Anticipation

“The Jewish rabbis saw the Song of Solomon as a book extolling human love and the proper use of sex in marriage.  They also saw the book as an illustration of God’s love for His people Israel and His desire to share a deeper love with His people,” my commentary said.  For Christians, it represents the love relationship between Christ and His church as well, it added.

The first two chapters were identified as “Anticipation:  The Courtship.”  The Shulamite woman worries about her looks, and it appears at first that Solomon may have been disguised as a shepherd and she didn’t know that he was the king.  She rejoices that he has chosen her,” my commentary said.

“But Solomon would have none of her confessions of unworthiness and ugliness!  He extols her beauty and calls her my love.  Solomon told her she was unique – one among many – and very special.!

“Our Lord Jesus is today using His Word to beautify His bride, and as we obey Him, we are preparing ourselves for the great heavenly wedding.”

“Solomon wasn’t ashamed of his love for her and displayed it like the banner of an army.  ‘He must love me because he brought me to this banquet and wasn’t ashamed to be associated with me,’ she muses.”  I think that’s often how we feel about God’s love for us – that such a holy God could love a sinner such as me is incredible.

“Love is not only a banquet of delights, but love is also an adventure.  There must be spontaneous expressions of affection if love is to thrive … To grow in their love for each other, they needed to be together and have different experiences in different places.  This is how we learn more about ourselves and our potential mates.  But this principle also applies to our love for the Lord.  We must go with Him into new and challenging experiences that will deepen our love and strengthen our faith.”

“True love isn’t something we work up; it’s something to Lord sends down within us when we meet the right person at the right time.”

Finally, “the little foxes represent those things that quietly destroy relationships.”

Father, I cherish the challenging experiences we’ve had together – particularly how You’ve guided me to my sons and helped me as they grew to be men.  If it is in Your will, send down true love for me with the right person, but let it be in Your timing.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford