Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5: Communion Broken - Restoration

LINK: Song of Solomon 2 & 3

BACKGROUND

The setting for this section is the beloved's (woman's) home north of Jerusalem (perhaps as far as Lebanon). Solomon traveled to her house and beckoned her "Come with me" because it is spring (and the spring of their love where everything was new). The beloved talked about "foxes" and some commentator believes this was spoken metaphorically. Foxes were destructive to crops, and she was asking Solomon to work out problems in their relationship.

At the beginning of Song of Solomon 3, the king returned to Jerusalem and his beloved had a dream that she lost him and sought to find him. When she finally found him, she brought him home to her mother's house.

The refrain in 3:5 marks the end of this section and the beginning of the wedding section. It is the same refrain observed in 2:7:

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 

By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, 

That you will not arouse or awaken my love 

Until she pleases.

This means that love cannot be forced but must be graciously (like gazelles and does) and patiently waited for (I frequently quoted this verse while I waited patiently for my husband to decide that he needed to marry me, and I have given it to many women anxious to find a man!).


REFLECTION in Union and Communion by J. Hudson Taylor

This section is much shorter than yesterday's and so worth reading: 

Section II: COMMUNION BROKEN - RESTORATION

APPLICATION

If you read J. Hudson Taylor's reflection, he makes this statement:

"We have to take our choice: we cannot enjoy 

both the world and CHRIST."

Are you in love with the world rather than Christ? Talk this over with the Lord.

If you are married or in a courting relationship, another application might be to pray about the "foxes" in your relationship:

The foxes represent as many obstacles or temptations as have plagued lovers throughout the centuries. Perhaps it is the fox of uncontrolled desire which drives a wedge of guilt between a couple. Perhaps it is the fox of mistrust and jealousy which breaks the bond of love. Or it may be the fox of selfishness and pride which refuses to let one acknowledge his fault to another. Or it may be an unforgiving spirit which will not accept the apology of the other. These foxes have been ruining vineyards for years and the end of their work is not in sight. (S. Craig Glickman, A Song for Lovers, pp. 49-50)

If you are single, are you anxious about finding a spouse? Pray through Song 3:5 and dialogue with God about the waiting process.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to deal with the "foxes" in our relationships. Help us not to hurry love until Your time. Finally, help us to love You more than the world. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.