Lovers Reunited at Their Country Home
January 1, 2021
Commentary
In the culture in which Solomon and his lover lived it was improper to show public affection except between family members. Therefore, his beloved wished that her husband was like a brother so that it would be acceptable for her to display affection for him at any time (v. 1). Verses 6 and 7 seem to summarize the nature and power of the love depicted in this book.
a. It is as strong as death (v. 6).
b. It cannot be killed by time or disaster (v. 7).
c. It cannot be bought for any price because it is freely given and accepted from God (v. 7).
The girl reflects upon the days when she was younger and under the care of her brothers (vv. 8-9). As stated earlier in the book (1:6), she worked in their vineyard; leased from Solomon and submitted to their discipline. They helped her to prepare for marriage by setting strict moral standards and standing firm against sexual temptation. While there she met Solomon and he fell in love with her. In their courtship she had longed for him to take her as his bride. Now in their marriage she longed for the same intensity in their relationship. Devotion and commitment were the keys.
Application
The key to a happy marriage is love and commitment! This a goal in my life?
Song of Solomon 8:1– 14 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: Whoever Loves me First Can Have my Life
In 1976 Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was on every front page in America. She had tried to kill the President of the United States. She was 17 years old. Investigators found her proud that she was a follower of Charles Manson. The world knows Manson as a crazed killer who worked through his dedicated band of fanatical “disciples.” Reporters found that Squeaky had felt like a misfit in her town, and so she wandered across the country until she met Manson who promised to take care of her. She went with him and was willing to kill and die for him. Reporters asked, “Why would you give your life to a man like Manson?” I read her explanation in a magazine, where she explained she had made a choice early in her teenage years. Here it is: “Whoever loves me first can have my life.” Someone probably had loved Squeaky, but she was ready to give her life to whomever made her feel loved first. (Ron Hutchcraft, Five Needs Your Child Must Have Met at Home, Zondervan, 1995).