Reading
SAA Notes
In New Testament times, you had to be over 18 years of age before you were allowed to read this book. This meant that you were most likely married too. God never wrote a marriage manual for us, but He did cause to be written this love poem. It celebrates the joys of marriage and of sex within marriage. To understand the poetic metaphors used, you must SEE or PICTURE the various scenes or illustrations. This book is meant for couples to read out loud to each other the appropriate parts.
SJA Notes
“Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves.”
Song of Solomon is a book that can sometimes feel difficult to apply in life.
In one way it is an exclusive piece of content, specifically for marriage.
But this is God’s word, which means it is beneficial for all of God’s people across all of life (single, married, widowed).
And in this reality the book points us to Jesus. God’s word tells us that He is the groom and the church is the bride.
As with our earthly marriages, so with Jesus.
Our love is to be of exultation and rejoicing!
When at times it is hard to “feel”, we can find comfort and strength in faithfulness.
“Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves.”
Over time, little by little, layer upon layer, year after year – Taking the time to remember, to grow day by day – This is protection and sustenance in God’s good order.
Protection of marriage made under God, covenanted together with Him, a three-fold cord. Our thoughts being more and more brought into line with His, towards what true active love really is in God’s design.
And sustenance for our marriages, because we all grow tired each day, and being reminded to remember and actively call out the beauty of our beloved is beneficial and important and gives nourishment!
* Gracious Father,
Thank You for marriage.
Thank You for Jesus, the head of the church, the bridegroom.
Thank You for Your people, the bride.
Thank You that we look forward to that day when,
“… For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure …”
We long for Your return – Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Amen.