Song of Solomon - Not Just Another Silly Love Song

Song of Solomon is a little book tucked away in the middle of your Bible, but contains a big story of love and passion with beautiful imagery mixed throughout. The book's purpose is three-fold: 1) to tell of the love between a bridegroom (King Solomon) and his bride 2) to affirm the sanctity of marriage and 3) to give us a visual of God's love for His bride, the Church.

Written by King Solomon during his youth, the Song of Solomon describes his love for and marriage to a beautiful country girl called the "Shulamite woman". It is a collection of love poems between a husband and wife, with occasional sections attributed to friends who shared in the couple's happiness.

One of the most misunderstood and least read books of God's Word, I challenge you today to take a minute and follow along as I share a devotion from Elizabeth George's book, Women Who Loved God, as we note the stages of Solomon's growing and deepening relationship with his bride:

Knowing - "Getting to know you" is the all-important first step in any relationship. An individual's values, character, and personality are revealed over time. Time spent together also gives one person the opportunity to observe another's love and commitment to God (Song 1:1-3:5).

Marrying- A wedding marks the beginning of two lives becoming one and the blesssing of sex and greater intimacy between partners (Song 3:6-5:1).

Cleaving - Count on it: Every marriage will be tested! As challenges and afflictions come, both partners must follow through on their commitment to the Lord and to the commitment of marriage. Properly handled with God's wisdom and grace, problems will press a couple more closely to one another and to their heavenly Father (Song 5:2-8:4).

Journeying - Hand in hand, a husband and wife who love and honor both God and one another can face the trials and tribulations of life (Song 8:5-14).

Even today, some 3000 years after it was written, Jews around the world read this exquisite love song every year at their Passover celebration.

No BLOG Question this week - Just spend time reading God's love poem and sense the same passion He has for you as the bride and groom had for each other.