Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14
We read King Solomon’s favorite song. While he wrote more than one
thousand (1
Kings 4:32),
he called this one his “song of songs, more wonderful than any other” (1:1). The song was
written to praise the virtues of marriage, the love between a husband and wife.
Solomon described their relationship in three phases — falling in love (1:1-3:5), the wedding (3:6-5:1), and learning to
live together (5:2-8:14).
Many connections could be made here regarding Christ (groom) and His
Church (bride), for which marriage is certainly a picture. However, today I am
going to focus on the importance of marriage as it relates to us practically. Marriage
was God’s idea — one man and one woman for life — and, though our world is
attempting to remake marriage into its own image, it is not ours to redefine. Instead,
marriage, as God designed it, is to be embraced, esteemed, and enjoyed as
Solomon did here.
Although Solomon used poetic prose to elaborate on the couple’s
relationship, there is hidden here some wisdom for us today. The first and most
obvious truth is that sex is for marriage. A common misconception is that God is anti-sex, a
cosmic killjoy who never wants us to have any fun. This claim, of course, could
not be further from the truth. Sex was God’s idea. He wants us to
enjoy it but in the boundaries for which He designed it — marriage.
Three times in this song, Solomon’s wife charges the women of
Jerusalem, “Promise me... not to awaken love until the time is right” (2:7; 3:5; 8:4). The world, of
course, wants to make its own rules; it has attempted to normalize sex at
anytime with anyone. This blatant disregard for God’s intentions dishonors Him and incurs
serious consequences. We cannot expect the blessings of God when we reject the ways of
God.
The second truth that stands out in Solomon’s song is that the
married couple puts a high priority on their relationship. Since God desires
a deep commitment by both partners in marriage, Satan will do everything in his
power to tear the two apart. Therefore, spouses must make time for each other.
They must constantly be building new bridges. They must communicate with and
confide in one another. They must pay attention to each other’s needs, pray for
and with each other, and enjoy each other’s company.
Finally, it is evident in this song that couples
must learn to battle through difficulties. Too many times spouses fight each other instead of
fighting together against issues. We must use words that build up and refuse to
use those that tear down. We must learn to work side by side and not toe to
toe, to resolve differences, disagreements, and disputes. We must constantly
reaffirm our commitment to marriage and reject the easy ways out — neglecting
the problems, running away, or divorce. Although marriage is a blessing from
God, it involves two imperfect sinners. It will not always be easy, but with His help, it
can be successful.
Daily Reflection
What other truths did you find in this song? Are you honoring God by
honoring marriage? Are you doing your part to embrace it, esteem it, and enjoy
it?
Unfortunately, Solomon will neglect these truths (1 Kings 11:1-3); and, as he
ignored them, he would reap terrible consequences.
BiAY.org | Day 155 — 210 Days to Go
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