Bible Pathway - July 31
Read Song of Solomon 1 – 8
The song of songs, which is Solomon's (Song 1:1).
In lieu of selecting a particular verse, let us look at the overall message of this book, The Song Of Solomon. The first two things we learn are from its title. The book is a song. This song is written by Solomon.
What does the phrase “song of songs” mean? It means it is the best, or maybe most wonderful, song. There are certainly other songs in the Bible. There were many songs in the Psalms. Songs were sung by Moses, Joshua, Barak and Deborah. The Word of God, itself, calls the Song of Solomon the best.
This is most likely due to the subject matter found within the book. It is a passionate love story. The story of the great love that one can have for another.
It would seem this story is between two lovers. This is somewhat true. To the biggest extent, it is a foreshadowing of the love that Christ has for His Church. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).
The song goes into detail to describe the care the Lord has given to her. It tells of the concern He has for her. The song continues on that she seeks to be protected by the Bridegroom. It is a beautiful account of the relationship Christ has with the Church.
We can also look at this song from the other perspective. As was said before, the song could be heard as the relationship between a husband and his wife. The Scripture calls for these two loves to be the same. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:23-25).
Many men use the Scriptures to dominate their wives. This is not what God intended. Yes, the husband is called to be the spiritual head of the family. To fill this role as he should, the Spirit of God must reign in his heart, and he must lead as Christ would lead. He should do this with love and grace.
There is a reason that God formed Eve from the rib of Adam. She did not come from his head as to be over him. She did not come from his feet as to be under him. She comes from his side as to walk beside him. The rib comes from under his arm as she should be so he can protect her. The rib comes from near his heart as he should love and cherish her all his days.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself (Eph. 5:28).
Thought for Today:
Are you living so that when Jesus comes you will meet Him with joy?
Christ Revealed:
As the chiefest (outstanding) among ten thousand (Song 5:10). Jesus is the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16).
Word Studies:
1:3 savour, fragrance; 1:11 borders, ornaments; 1:12 spikenard, perfume; 1:16 our bed is green, we recline on a grassy field; 2:5 Stay me, Invigorate me; flagons, delicacies; sick of love, overcome; lovesick; 4:4 bucklers, small shields; 5:4 bowels, heart; 8:5 raised, awakened.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Ps. 37:1).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:10
