# 39 2024 Dev. SS.8:6. Love for a Brother! Read all of chapter eight first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.
SS.8:6 “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death…”
Song of Songs. For centuries this book has been controversial in terms of how to read it. Is this a literal description of human relationships or is it allegorical, a rendering of the relationship of God and Israel or for Christians, Christ and the church? We see all three aspects displayed by Spiritual sagacity!
SS.8 In this last chapter, she, the lover, dominates, she wants to establish the love affair. A love that is hot but chaste like a brother and sister.
Vs.1-4 She. This appears to be the Old Testament church speaking before the incarnation. The author is in that church but his/her desire is for a love relationship like that is described in Eph 5: 25-32. The relationship desired is like a family. “His left arm is under my head and his right arm embraces me” Dt. 33:27a. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” Love begins when it is desired.
V.5 Friends.“Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?” It is the church leaning on Jesus by the power of prayer.
Vs.6-7 She. Here she uses the language of family, love, conception birth. Our God is a God of love; “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death…Our God is a jealous God; “its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” Our God is an everlasting God, His love is forever; “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.” Our God’s love is free; “If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
Vs.8-9 Friends. “We have little sister,” a young and vulnerable, believer, we will protect her, we will guide her.
Vs.10-12 She. “I am a wall”… fully grown, mature, protecting the church. My lover, Jesus, is pleased with His church, like a vineyard bearing fruit. “Tenants,” not lovers must pay for their fruit. “But my own vineyard is mine to give;” My fruit, my service to the Lord is rewarded with His love.
V.13 He. “You who dwell in the gardens” my garden “let me hear your voice!” Let Me hear your praise and see your adoration!
V.14 She. “Come away, my beloved,” Let us go back to “the spice-laden mountains.” Let us go back to paradise, to our eternal home, Lord Jesus come quickly! Praise be to God!
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