God Speaks
A Love Song
Verse of the Day: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. . . .” (Song of Songs 6:3, see also 2:16 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Note: This short book will be taken as a whole narrative rather than as individual chapters. Some commentators view The Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs, depending on translation) as an allegory depicting the interaction of God and a believer. Others take it more literally, saying that it is the interaction between Solomon and his favorite wife. Cases can be made for both views. This blog will leave it to the reader to decide which view is preferred. The notes in the MacArthur Study Bible (pages 923-933) are quite helpful for understanding the various idiomatic expressions, culturally relevant references, or terms of endearment.
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Song of Solomon 1-8:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
1. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the LORD God has done everything necessary for people to have an ongoing, interactive, loving relationship with Himself.
2. People can and should by faith begin such a relationship and strive, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to maintain it.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Song of Solomon 1-8?
Dear LORD God, thank You that You are the One who created human beings as male and female to enjoy sexual intimacy within the bonds of marriage. You sanction and approve of romance. You created all the sights, scents, and sensations mentioned in this splendid song. You desire open, loving dialog between Yourself and a believer. You want us to bring You all our concerns and problems, even when we feel that we are “dark” and unacceptable. You are willing to deal with the “little foxes” that are ruining the vineyard. I declare along with the young woman in the song, “I am my beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.” Words cannot express how much I love You, LORD, nor what Your pure love means to me. You guard and protect me. When You describe me as beautiful and show that You love and value me, I know deep in my heart that it is true. I feel safe and secure in Your arms. I want everyone around me to know how wonderful You are. Most of all I want to bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Song of Solomon 1-8? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will explore increasing my love relationship with God using this book as a guide.
- (If married) I will discuss the Song of Solomon with my spouse.
- I will pray for the marriage of a couple I know who could use The Song of Solomon to rekindle their relationship.
- I will suggest to a newly married couple that they read this brief book together on a regular basis.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.