Today, we're looking at chapters 3 and 4 in Song of Solomon. This was honestly the hardest for me to study- this is where Solomon unmistakably begins to write about sex. (Random fact: In Bible times, Hebrew boys weren't allowed to read Song of Solomon because it was thought to be too steamy!) So go into these chapters prayerfully, understanding sex is an important thing for us as Christians to understand as God understands it. God created it for us, but sex can cause some problems if we aren't looking at it PRAYERFULLY.There are also several points in these chapters that relate to us and our relationship with God.
So, grab your Bibles and we'll start :)
Chapters 3-4 (overview)- These chapters are all about the consummation of the bride and groom's marriage. These two really, really delight in one another. He compares her to the finest things he can think of- pomegranates, ribbon, sheep, doves, etc- all symbols of beauty and luxury in their time. The sex they experience isn't about self-gratification like the world says it should be; it is an action that makes two people one in the eyes of God.
3:2- The bride leaves her bed in the middle of the night to search for her groom because she needs him that badly. In our walk with God, we should be so yearning for Him that we are willing to leave our comfort zones to find Him. This passionate pursual is a pillar of being a Christian.
3:3- This is just a small note. The bride here couldn't find her groom, so she asked someone for help. As Christians, we do not have to know all the answers. Never feel ashamed to ask someone wiser than you for advice/ answers when you are confused.
3:5- Once again, the author writes, "Do not awaken love until the time is right." This time, we aren't just talking about romantic love; we are talking about sex, the pinnacle of love between a man and woman. The world today says that sex is "just for fun" that we are "entitled" to it, whenever, because it feels good. THIS IS SO WRONG. Do you catch my drift? Sex is for one man and one woman to experience after marriage. It is God's gift to married couples, uniting them in His eyes. I'm not saying it's easy to hold out, and it doesn't always seem worth it, but ask and Godly person who did or didn't wait and I promise they will back up what I am saying. Do not try to force love to be there.
4:1-8- This passages (and ones like it) are what prohibited Hebrew school students from reading Song of Songs. The groom here describes his bride from head to toe, and how much happiness she brings him. And it's pretty detailed. He obviously loves her and everything about her. Though this is a sensual chapter, it should be noted that this can be paralleled to how absolutely God delights in us. Your nose you hate, the fact that you think you are too short or tall, the laugh of yours you think is obnoxious- whatever it is- GOD MADE YOU THAT WAY. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) by the God who created the universe. He makes no mistakes!
4:9-10- The groom sees his bride's love as all-sufficient.Even one aspect of her (her eyes, clothes, lips, etc) in enough for him. But he has all of her love. They are one in a committed relationship before God. In comparison, we as believers are one with God. He abides in us, and we are to abide in Him. Even one aspect of God should wholly captivate us (like His grace, love mercy, power), but since we as believers are one with Him, we have access to every single facet of Him!
4:12- Lastly is the part of this passage personally most important to me. The groom rejoices in the purity of his bride. He realizes she has saved herself and her virginity for him and him alone. Today, we are told that dating is a game, sex is a recreational activity, and purity is for suckers. This is all completely, totally inaccurate. Waiting on God's plan is hard, both the best and worst thing ever. I say worst because it is a daily struggle to commit to waiting on His timing; there will be temptation, frustration, and feelings of loneliness and worthlessness. What feels good is not always what is good, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. But ask anyone who has waited. They will tell you the wait is worth it, and God's plan is worth the wait.
Blessings, Mayzie
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