Song of Songs 2:1-7
The first two verses of this chapter are poetic descriptions of the Lover using flowers. She is like a Rose of Sharon and a Lily of the Valley, an especially fragrant flower. He exclaims she is like a lily.
But more importantly, he describes her as a lily among thorns. And she describes her Beloved as an apple tree in the midst of the woods (v. 3). In short, those who truly love see each other as special and unique. This is how love changes how we see each other. How wonderful!
The feasting and celebration of their love is totally satisfying and restoring.
The last verse today admonishes us to wait on love, let it “stir up … awaken” when the time is right. Patience. How many relationships could benefit from a bit of that … ?
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!
I keep playing with that King vs. Shepherd question. Today the Beloved is clearly a king: “He has brought me to his banquet hall…” (v. 4) Shepherds don’t have banquet halls! But there is a banquet hall being prepared for us by the King of Kings! See Revelation 19:6-9, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! Have you been invited?
How right you are, Carol, regarding Song 2:7! Lovers — especially young lovers — face a serious challenge. Their desire for one another seems like the only thing in the world, and nothing should keep them apart. It is therefore dangerous to “stir up or awaken love” prematurely. Don’t arouse those passions beyond control. Patience is indeed required — so much so that this same admonition is repeated again twice more, in Song 3:5 and Song 8:4. Perhaps we should pay attention.