In this chapter, Solomon shares the loving thoughts of three characters, a young woman, a young man, and the perspective of young women of Jerusalem. Here’s the chapter in its entirety:
“This is Solomon’s song of songs, more wonderful than any other.
Young Woman: “Kiss me again and again, for your love is sweeter than wine. How fragrant your cologne, and how pleasing your name! No wonder all the young women love you! “Take me with you. Come, let’s run! Bring me into your bedroom, O my king.”
Young Women of Jerusalem: “How happy we are for him! We praise his love even more than wine.”
Young Woman: “I am dark and beautiful, O women of Jerusalem, tanned as the dark tents of Kedar. Yes, even as the tents of Solomon!
“Don’t look down on me, you fair city girls, just because my complexion is so dark. (Many pictures of the bible represent people as European. She is clearly a person of color.) The sun has burned my skin. My brothers were angry with me and sent me out to tend the vineyards in the hot sun. Now see what it has done to me!
“Tell me, O my love, where are you leading your flock today? Where will you rest your sheep at noon? For why should I wander like a prostitute among the flocks of your companions?”
Young Man: “If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman, follow the trail of my flock to the shepherds’ tents, and there feed your young goats. What a lovely filly you are, my beloved one! How lovely are your cheeks, with your earrings setting them afire! How stately is your neck, accented with a long string of jewels. We will make earrings of gold for you and beads of silver.”
Young Woman: “The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume. My lover is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts. He is like a bouquet of flowers in the gardens of En-gedi.”
Young Man: “How beautiful you are, my beloved, how beautiful! Your eyes are soft like doves.”
Young Woman: “What a lovely, pleasant sight you are, my love, as we lie here on the grass, shaded by cedar trees and spreading firs.” (Song of Songs 1) (It was sounding like the woman’s lover was the king, but now it sounds like the young man. I’m confused, but it doesn’t matter. This is about adoration.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us embrace what it looks and feels like to adore and build up your mate. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Comments