Song of Solomon 5:1-16
Q.1. How did the groom respond after the consummation of their marriage? For whom is true oneness available? – (Song.5:1)
The groom described the consummation of his marriage in glowing terms (Song.5:1 c.f. Song.3:6-11). Marriage is an exclusive relationship that can be shattered by infidelity. This explains why later in his life, Solomon expressed his disillusionment with women. Promiscuity always leads to insecurity and disillusionment. This explains why people turn from God ordained marriage, to sexual expressions denounced by God in the Bible – Rom.1:24-27]. The groom expressed that the enjoyment of his union came when – I have come into MY garden … gathered MY myrrh along with MY balsam. I have eaten MY honeycomb and MY honey; I have drunk MY wine and MY milk (Song.5:1 c.f. 1 Kgs.11:1-3; Ecc.2:8; 7:25-28). In the context, he extolled this experience for all who are in a true love relationship, as they were.
Q.2. Why was the oneness between the groom and bride broken? Is it easy to restore oneness in marriage? – (Song.5:2-8)
We must work hard to achieve and sustain oneness in marriage. It is easily lost through preoccupation with our own agenda, and through inattentiveness. Such selfishness is at the heart of sin’s curse. We can love our spouse, but fail to foster expression of our love, because of distraction with other activities and people. The bride was still caught up with the groom, but was slow to respond, and when she did, he was gone – I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned away and had gone! My heart went out to him as he spoke. I searched for him but I did not find him; I called him but he did not answer me (Song.5:6 c.f. Song.5:2-5). When she was ready for him, he was nowhere to be found. The watchmen of the city mistreated the bride, and with prophetic insight – They struck me and wounded me (Song.5:7). Like an estranged bride, she sought for help – If you find my beloved, as to what you tell him: For I am lovesick (Song.5:8).
Q.3. How did the bride feel about her groom? What was it about him that she admired? In what way was he more than a lover to her? (Song.5:9-16)
The bride went on to describe how she felt about her groom, as – outstanding among ten thousand (Song.5:10). Her comments were not empty praise, but detailed considerations of her groom – his hair, eyes, facial features, hands, body, and legs … She summed up – he is wholly desirable (Song.5:16). He was her esteemed lover, but more than that – This is my beloved and this is my friend (Song.5:16). He had made her aware that she was much more than a physical partner. He had become her friend who shared his whole life with her. Jesus said it best – No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you (Jn.15:15). Since friends share everything, it is hard for such a relationship to be torn apart.