Song of Solomon 8:1-14
Q.1. How comfortable was the bride with her groom? Where was the groom’s focus? How obvious was the commitment of the groom and bride to one another? – (Song.8:1-5)
Conservative scholars of previous generations, who would normally interpret the Bible literally, invariably spiritualized the Song of Solomon. Certain parts are admittedly hard to talk about, since intimacy in marriage is sacred and private – Marriage is to be held in honour among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Heb.13:4). However, God elected to include this book with its descriptions in the Bible. Moreover, regardless of the misuse of sex in our culture, we must affirm that it was God Who made us sexual beings. The bride here affirmed the restrictions placed on relating to anyone but parents and siblings, in the culture of the day (Song.8:1-2). Doubtless she was fantasizing about being intimate with her groom. God made us with five senses, to enhance our ability to enjoy the experiences of life, including marriage. Note that the bride was restricting her imaginations to her husband. She felt totally relaxed with him as she longed for him – Let his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me (Song 8:3). As previously, the groom’s only concern was for the happiness of his bride – … Do not arouse or awaken my love until she pleases (Song.8:4 c.f. Song. 2:7; 3:5). Even their friends acknowledged that the groom and bride were totally caught up with each other (Song.8:5).
Q.2. What personal information had the groom shared with his bride? What did she say about the exclusivity of love? Why was chastity preserved for a future time? – (Song.8:5-9)
The groom had shared intimate details of his own birth with her. There was complete openness in their relationship together (Song.8:5). She asked – Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm (Song.8:6). A seal is a mark of ownership. She wanted this mark of ownership to be kept in his heart, but also observably for all to see. In our culture, we express this exclusive commitment first with an engagement ring and then at the wedding with a wedding ring. This declares to everyone that we belong to someone. She explained the strong emotions that this committed love brings and the devastation of infidelity to our marriage vows – 6 … For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord (Song.8:6). God Himself is a jealous God (Ex.20:5; 34:14). Marriage is exclusive of all other suitors. Humanly speaking, nothing is more valuable than marital love – 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.8:7). She commented on the inappropriateness of sexual promiscuity, and also of the marriage of a minor before she matures (Song.8:8-9).Â
Q.3. How did Solomon’s choice of the bride change her self-consciousness? Was she willing to contribute toward the relationship? Where were their thoughts when apart? (Song.8:10-14)
The bride had kept herself chaste and pure until her marriage to her groom. Now she was at peace with expressing herself sexually with him – … Then I became in his eyes as one who finds peace (Song.8:10 c.f. Song 8:9). Solomon was a man of means who could protect her and provide for all her needs. They shared everything together, and she was more than happy to contribute to their marriage materially (Song.8:11-12). No doubt Solomon had vast responsibilities, even as a prince. He had many workers to manage. However, she was his theme all day. He longed to hear the voice of the one he had spoken of to his companions (Song.8:13). She likewise could hardly wait for his arrival home, when they could bask in their love (Song.8:14).