Song of Solomon 8
-The bride begins with wishing for an expression of love
publicly as the last chapter of the exquisite book begins (Song of Solomon
8:1-2). Family affection was the only publicly accepted proper conduct in the
ancient Near East, and the bride wishes to show her devoted love to the
bridegroom in every way. She longs again for his support and embrace in tender
language (Song of Solomon 2:6; 8:3). The bridegroom responds with poetic
repetition to let his beloved rest until she pleases (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5;
8:4).
-The chorus responds with the question, “Who is this coming
up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved (Song of Solomon 8:5)?” This
denotes her common heritage coming into the greatness of the kingdom and the
glory that is now becoming hers.
-The bride recognizes her beloved’s benefits and expresses
her deepest and heartfelt love in an outpouring of emotion expressed through
the phrase “Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For
love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe (demanding) as Sheol (the
grave). Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many
waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it; if a man were to give
all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly despised (Song of
Solomon 8:6-7).” *Application* Love is the strongest force in the universe and
it overcomes every obstacle (see also 1 Corinthians 13). It is as strong as
death, cannot be killed by time or disaster, and it cannot be bought for any
price because it is freely given. This love comes from God as a free gift to us
out of His compassion, grace, and mercy. Accept the love of God and realize He
is jealous for you to be His own prize and possession.
-After the chorus of Jerusalem’s daughters explain her
chastity during her growing up years, the bride says because of her moral
integrity (she was a wall protected, not an open door to fornication or
immorality) she became in the eyes of her beloved “as one who finds peace (Song
of Solomon 8:10).” *Application* We too will find peace and ultimate
satisfaction when we do God’s things, God’s way. He gives complete joy in
righteousness. Wait upon the LORD!
-The bridegroom, Solomon, had a vineyard at Baal-hamon (only
mention of this biblically and in an unknown location) where he entrusted his
resources to the caretakers, of which the Shulammite was one. She had been
given the vineyard to be at her disposal, and her concern was to give the
produce of fruit and its reward to her lord taking only what she needed back as
payment. *Application* The King of king entrusts much to us in His Kingdom.
Take His spiritual gifts and realize that they are to be used as tools to give
back to Him in spiritual growth and multiplication. See the unity in the effort
by the power of love.
-The last interchange reflects the bridegroom’s desire to
hear the voice of his bride and the receptivity of the bride to hurry to
consummate this love. The wedding was just the beginning to a lifetime of
intimacy and open communication. Their faithfulness would last and last.
*Application* This represents in many ways the marriage between the bride of
Christ, the Church, and Himself at the end of the age (Revelation 19:7-9).
Trust in your Beloved. He will give you peace and rest forever!
Verses to Memorize: Song of Solomon 8:6-7
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