Friday, September 13 – Song of Solomon 3, 4

1. What might the “little foxes” represent in a marriage? (Song of Solomon 2:15)

2. What courtesy and care should be shown toward love? (Song of Solomon 3:5)

3. How does the poem in chapter 4 describe faithfulness in love? (Song of Solomon 4:12-14)

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary suggests that verses 1-5 of chapter 3 depict a dream of the beloved: “A dream in which the maid dreamed that she had momentarily lost her beloved. However, the separation was brief and the reunion most joyful.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Song of Solomon 3:1).

Taking care of the rest and well-being of the one you love is a profound expression of affection. Love cannot be forced, mistreated, or hurried—it must be allowed to awaken in its own time.

Verses 6 onward describe the wedding procession:

“Who is this coming out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the merchant’s fragrant powders?” This royal procession is rich with poetic allusions typical of the time. As was the custom, these processions were accompanied by aromatic scents that filled the air along the route.

The detailed description of this royal procession is filled with poetic allusions characteristic of that time. These processions were traditionally marked by fragrances that permeated the route with their aroma.

If the description of the one being carried in the litter is of the Shulammite, then she is carried in Solomon’s litter, escorted by 60 mighty men. These carriages were richly adorned, and it seems that the daughters of Jerusalem crafted all the decorations. These loving adornments expressed the affection of these maidens for King Solomon and his bride.

In the spiritual application of this chapter, the church is represented in its struggle and victory over temptation. The church takes pride in Christ.

In chapter 4, the beloved declares his love for his bride. Up to this point, the Shulamite has been the primary speaker. Now begins the groom’s extended expression of affection. He offers the most beautiful praises for his bride’s beauty, culminating in a marriage proposal, which she gladly accepts. This tender exchange between the beloved and the bride teaches us the importance of being generous with compliments, especially to our spouse, family, and friends.

To celebrate love, we don’t need to resort to crude or vulgar language that reduces women to mere objects of sexual desire. God is the author of pure love, and in marriage, we should express that love in a way that honors Him.

Verse 12 highlights marriage’s intimate and exclusive nature: “A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.” To close this third song, the bride invites her Beloved: “Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its pleasant fruits.” The groom replies: “I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends! Drink, yes, drink deeply, O beloved ones!”

Ellen White reflects: “Like every other one of God’s good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. In both the Old and the New Testament the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people, the redeemed ones whom He has purchased at the cost of Calvary. “Fear not,” He says; “thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you.” Isaiah 54:4, 5; Jeremiah 3:14. In the “Song of Songs” we hear the bride’s voice saying, “My Beloved is mine, and I am His.” And He who is to her “the chiefest among ten thousand,” speaks to His chosen one, “Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee.” Song of Solomon 2:16; 5:10; 4:7.” (Thoughts from the Mount if Blessing, 64).

Just as Christ, the Bridegroom of His Church, loves His children so much that He gave His life for them, husbands and wives should show each other that same kind of love. May the Lord help us to do so.

Blessings to all who are in love in your marriage.