Scripture reading – Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7
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Continuing our love story, Solomon’s bride dreamed she searched for her husband throughout the city. Not knowing she was the bride of the king, the watchmen of the city mistreated her (in her dreams), and the “daughters of Jerusalem” scoffed when she asked, “Find my beloved…tell him, that I am sick of love [love sick]” (Song of Solomon 5:8). Of course, this was a dream, and none would dare mistreat the king’s wife.
Song of Solomon 6 – Who was this Wonderful, Beautiful Bride?
Through eyes of pure love (Song of Solomon 5:10-16), she described Solomon’s physical appearance to the maidens of Jerusalem who asked (in the bride’s dream), “1Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? Whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee” (Song of Solomon 6:1). Finally, she found her husband in his royal gardens (Song of Solomon 6:2), and rejoiced in his love saying, “3I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine” (Song of Solomon 6:3a).
Solomon’s Loving Assurances (Song of Solomon 6:4-10)
The king then extolled her beauty and compared his bride to two beautiful walled cities of Israel (Song of Solomon 6:4) draped with stunning banners. Looking into her eyes, he found himself captivated (Song of Solomon 6:5), and her hair thick and flowing, like the wool of the goats in Gilead (Song of Solomon 6:5b). He gushed over her and assured her she was preferred more than a harem of “threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number” (Song of Solomon 6:8). Why? For she, unlike any other, was “undefiled.” She was the object of not only her mother’s praise but also that of the daughters of Jerusalem, queens, and concubines (Song of Solomon 6:9).
Song of Solomon 7 – Solomon’s Admiration of His Bride’s Beauty
As we continue today’s study, remember I have suggested three methods of interpretation for the Song of Solomon. The Allegorical interpretation suggests that The Song of Solomon describes God’s relationship with His people and is a parable. The Typical interpretation suggests the bride of Solomon was a type or picture of the Church, and the groom was a type or picture of Jesus Christ. The third interpretation is a Literal one and suggests this was a true love story and describes Solomon’s love for a young Shulamite girl who became his queen.
A Bridal Description (Song of Solomon 7:1-9)
With the blush of her innocence and virtue entrusted to her husband, Solomon looked upon the physical beauty of his wife with pride and satisfaction (Song of Solomon 7:1-5). He expressed his delight in his bride and boasted, writing, “6How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!” (Song of Solomon 7:6) In his eyes, she was stately like a palm tree (Song of Solomon 7:7), and he tenderly assured her of his love (Song of Solomon 7:8-9).
A Bride Secure in Her Husband’s Love (Song of Solomon 7:10-13)
With loving trust, she abandoned herself to her husband (Song of Solomon 7:10). She invited Solomon to take her away, saying, “Let us lodge in the villages…get up early to the vineyards…There will I give thee my loves” (Song of Solomon 7:12).
Closing thoughts –
The phrase “Love is blind” is credited to the English playwright William Shakespeare, who employed it several times in his plays. However, the phrase first appeared in Milton Chaucer’s Merchant Tale (1405), where he wrote, “Love is blind all day, and may not see.” Author Pauline Thomason has suggested a different, humorous perspective on the same sentiment and wrote, “Love is blind, marriage is the eye-opener.”
Please permit me to close with an observation of my own. Solomon was certainly not blind, for not one detail of his young wife’s beauty escaped his eye (7:1-5); from her sandaled feet (7:1) to her long locks of hair, he prized her beauty (7:5). She had the tanned dark skin of a peasant, the callous hands of a laborer, but the beauty and virtuous character of a princess. Solomon was in love, and love does not count the blemishes of one’s beloved.
How about the love of your life? Is your romance vibrant? Is your courtship still alive?
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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