Song of Solomon 2: Lessons Regarding What Jesus Offers You Because He Loves You
Introduction: Jesus is the King of Kings who will marry His Church (Rev. 19:7-9; 21:2; Jo. 3:16; 3:29; Matt. 9:15; Mk. 2:19-20). Through Solomon’s love song, the Bible reveals several things that Jesus offers you as part of His Church. These include: (1) spiritual transformation, (2) fulfillment, (3) love, (4) patience, (5) joyful revival, (6) fellowship, and (7) protection.
First, the bride marveled how her groom picked her when she was no more important than an ordinary flower of the field. The groom replied that her beauty made everyone around her look like dead thorns. Through faith, Jesus transforms you into a beautiful, new creation. Second, the groom made his bride feel fulfilled and at peace. Jesus also offers you fulfillment and peace. Third, the groom publicly declared his love for his bride and made her feel love struck for him. Jesus also publicly declares His love for you. You will also feel love struck to be joined in a spiritual union with Him in heaven for all eternity. Fourth, the groom urged others not to wake his sleeping bride. He wanted her to wake up and declare her love for him when she was ready. Jesus is also patient for you to reciprocate His love for you. Fifth, the bride knew that her groom was coming and was filled with joy to hear him tell her to arise. Through faith, we hear Jesus’ call to arise and follow him. He then rewards believers with a joyful revival. Sixth, while waiting for their marriage to be joined together, the groom still sought out the bride’s fellowship. Jesus also actively seeks out fellowship with you before the spiritual marriage in heaven. Finally, the bride depended upon her groom to remove evil influences and provide. Out of love, she would also remain pure for him. You can trust Jesus to protect you and provide for you as the Good Shepherd. Out of love and gratitude, you should also desire to remain pure for Him.
1. Transformation: Through Faith, Jesus Will Transform You into a Beautiful New Creation. SoS 2:1-2.
Through faith, Jesus picks the ordinary to be extraordinary. The bride professed love-struck awe that her groom picked an ordinary person like herself. [The Bride] “1 I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.” (SoS 2:1). Many Bibles translate the Hebrew word “ḥăḇaṣṣelet” as “rose”. But this is most likely a mistranslation of the word. The Greek Septuagint translates this word as “the flower of the field”.1 Besides this SoS 2:1, the word ḥăḇaṣṣelet is only found in Isaiah 35:1. There, the KJV and NKV also translate the word as a “rose.” But the NASB, NIV, English Standard Version, Legacy and Amplified Bibles translate it as the “crocus”, a Mediterranean flower.2 For this and other reasons, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges calls “crocus” the “most probable of the proposed identifications.”3 Commentators like Albert Barnes (1798-1870) also agree.4 “Sharon” most likely referred to “the great plain of Sharon to the South of Carmel on the Mediterranean coast, stretching from Caesarea to Joppa.”5 The view as to who spoke these words has also changed over time. “The majority of Christian fathers assigned this verse to the King (Christ). Hebrew commentators generally assign it to the bride.”6 Modern Bible translations have reverted back to the earlier Jewish view that the bride spoke these words. Many believe that this phrase speaks to how Jesus picks people for redemption. Through faith alone, Jesus takes ordinary sinners and redeems them into beautify new creations. “It begins with the woman providing a somewhat self-deprecating description of herself as a common flower … The metaphor indicates the joy of those who are redeemed by God. Our translation understands that the woman refers to herself by a common flower that occurs by the myriad. She further indicates that she is just one flower (the force of the indefinite article) rather than a unique flower (which would have been signaled by the definite article. A traditional translation of the Hebrew word is ‘rose’ (KJV, NKJV), but this is impossible since this particular flower did not come to Israel until after the Old Testament period…She is also a lily of the valleys, a perhaps even more common reference.” (Tremper Longman III on SoS 2:1).7
The bride saw herself like a common flower, possibly the desert Crocus flower of Israel.8
While believers are beautiful in Jesus’ eyes, nonbelievers have the beauty of thorns. Solomon sought to encourage his finance. Others looked like thorns in comparison to her beauty. [The Groom] “2 Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the young women.” (SoS 2:2). “These are manifestly the words of Christ concerning his church,… here she is compared to one among ‘thorns’: by which may be meant wicked men, comparable to thorns for their unfruitfulness and unprofitableness;… the simile is designed, not so much to observe that Christ’s lily grows among thorns, as to show that the church is as preferable to such persons as a lily is to thorns;” (John Gill on SoS 2:2).
Jesus transforms believers into beautiful new creations through faith. Even if you don’t feel beautiful in comparison to others, Jesus will transform every believer into a new creation with greater beauty than anything currently in existence. “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a groom puts on a turban, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Is. 61:10). “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Gal. 3:27). “Let’s rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has prepared herself. It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Rev. 19:7-8).
Encourage your spouse. Just as the groom made the bride feel special, spouses should encourage each other when they feel inadequate. “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13; Eph. 4:29).
2. Fulfillment: Jesus Offers a Fulfilling, Abundant, and Peaceful Life. SoS 2:3.
Jesus offers you a fulfilling life. The groom made his bride feel blessed with fulfillment, protection, and contentment. [The Bride] “3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” (SoS 2:3). “As the apple-tree — Whose fruit is very pleasant and wholesome; among the trees of the wood — Which are barren. I sat down under his shadow — I confidently reposed myself under his protection. His fruit was sweet to my taste — The benefits which I received by him, namely, remission of sins, faith, grace, and assurance of glory.” (Joseph Benson Commentary on SoS 2:3).9
Jesus offers you fulfillment. Compared to the fruitless “trees of the forest”, the groom was like “sweet fruit” (SoS 2:3). In most English translations, the bride compared her groom to an “apple tree”. But some argue that “the apple is really the quince, the climate being too hot for our apple.” (Charles Ellicott on SoS 2:3).10 David declared how he could “taste” God’s goodness.” “Taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Ps. 34:8). His Word is also sweet. “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103). For all who turn to Jesus in faith, He offers a fruitful, sweet, fulfilling, abundant life (Jo. 10:10).
Jesus offers you protection and peace to allow you to thrive. The groom offered “shade”, and the bride “took great delight and sat down.” (SoS 2:3). This foreshadows the peace, security, and joy that Jesus offers all who repent and turn to Him in faith. “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Ps. 1:3). “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8). This also foreshadows the joy of heaven. “On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22:2b).
Offer your spouse peace, support, and fulfillment. God created marriage to provide love, comfort, and support to one appointed spouse (Gen. 1:27; 2:18-24; Matt. 19:4-6; Heb. 13:4). Just as Jesus confers fulfillment and peace, you should offer that to your spouse.
3. Love: Jesus Publicly Declares His Eternal Love for You. SoS 2:4-6.
Jesus offers you eternal love. The groom also made his bride feel overwhelmed with his deep love for her. [The Bride] “4 He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. 5 Refresh me with raisin cakes, sustain me with apples, because I am lovesick. 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me.” (SoS 2:4-6). “Solomon brings [the] Shulammite into ‘the banquet hall,’ literally ‘the home of wine.’ This is the only time this phrase is found in the Bible. Wine has already been associated with their love (1:2), and it will be again (4:10; 7:9) … The reference to a military banner used in warfare to rally and gather the troops. The ideas are those of strength, protection, and identification. Her lover is not ashamed to declare his love for her in full public display… [The] Shulammite is overcome by all of this… Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated ‘embrace’ is used in the Old Testament ‘both of a friendly greeting (Gen 48:10) and of a sexual union (Prov. 5:20)’. He is her friend and her lover…Our beautiful bride has a king who extends his banner over her and will provide for and protect for the rest of her life. This reminds me of another King who has a bride He promised to provide for and protect for all of eternity!” (Daniel Akin on SoS 2:4-6).11
Jesus loves you, and He has prepared a place for you at the great wedding banquet.12
Jesus publicly declares His love for you. The groom declared his love for his bride with a banner for all to see (SoS 2:4). Jesus also publicly declares His love for His people. “Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.” (Jo. 15:9).
Out of love, Jesus offers eternal fellowship with you in heaven. Just as the groom publicly celebrated his love for his bride in a banquet hall with a banner (SoS 2:4), Jesus will also celebrate His love for His Church with a public banquet in heaven where He will seal His loving fellowship with His people for all eternity. “Now the LORD of armies will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; a banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, and refined, aged wine.” (Is. 25:6). “Then he said to me, ‘Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.”’ (Rev. 19:9). “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, full of the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”’ (Rev. 21:9). In front of Jesus, you will remove your crowns out of awe struck love (Rev. 4:10-11).
Love your spouse the way that Jesus loves the Church. The groom made his bride feel special and overwhelmed with his deep, sincere, public love for her. Just as Jesus loves the Church, you should also love your spouse. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,” (Eph. 5:25). “Husbands, love your wives and do not become bitter against them.” (Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 Cor. 7:3-5).
4. Patience: Jesus is Patient for You to Reciprocate His Love. SoS 2:7.
Jesus is patient for you to love Him as He loves you. The groom was patient for his bride to wake up and declare her love for him when she was ready. [The Groom] “7 Swear to me, you daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, that you will not disturb or awaken my love until she pleases.” (SoS 2:7). “Those who seek genuine love must be patient, allowing it to develop naturally rather than forcing it prematurely. This reflects a broader understanding of love, patience, and the sanctity of intimate relationships, emphasizing that true affection blossoms when guided by care and respect. The imagery of gazelles and hinds suggests that love is both beautiful and delicate, demanding a gentle approach. Just as one must wait for these shy creatures to approach, so must lovers navigate their feelings with sensitivity. Impatience in love risks damaging the tender dynamics of the relationship.” (TheBibleSays.com on SoS 2:7).13
Jesus is patient for sinners to turn to Him out of genuine love. Solomon later repeated this refrain. “Swear to me, you daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, that you will not disturb or awaken my love until she pleases.” (SoS 3:5). “Swear to me, you daughters of Jerusalem: Do not disturb or awaken my love until she pleases.” (SoS 8:4). Like the groom, Jesus is patient for sinners to turn to Him when their repentance and love for Him is genuine. “Love is patient, love is kind ...” (1 Cor. 13:4). “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9).
Help a sinner count the costs before turning to Jesus. Believers should pray for all who are spiritually blind to experience a conversion like Saul did (Acts 9:18). But a person’s conversion should not be forced. If a person makes a declaration of faith in Jesus before counting the costs (Lk. 14:28-3), their faith may be short-lived (Matt. 13:20-21). “In our desire to bring those we love to Christ we may be tempted to paint a romanticized picture of the abundant life. Jesus turned around and told those following Him to count the cost. For though salvation is a free gift, the Christian life involves suffering, persecution, and sacrifice. Those who come to Christ quickly or who have a romanticized view of the Christian life may be like the seed sown on rocky ground. Because they have no root, when troubles come, they fall away.” (Dee Brestin on SoS 2:7).14
Be patient with your spouse. Just as Jesus is patient with you, be patient with your spouse. “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” (Eph. 4:2). “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;” (Col. 3:12).
If you are single, be patient for Jesus’ appointed spouse. Showing godly patience also means that you should be patient for the right spouse. If you lack patience and fail to turn to Jesus to guide you (Jam. 1:5), you might become unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
5. Joyful Revival: Jesus Offers You a Revival Filled with Joy. SoS 2:8-13.
Jesus revives your soul and fills you with joy. The groom encouraged his bride to arise, and she was filled with joy. [The Bride] “8 Listen! My beloved! Behold, he is coming, leaping on the mountains, jumping on the hills! 9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he is standing behind our wall, he is looking through the windows, he is peering through the lattice. 10 My beloved responded and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along. 11 For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. 12 The blossoms have already appeared in the land; the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. 13 The fig tree has ripened its fruit, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along!’” (SoS 2:8-13). “In the verses before us, we have a picture of revival. It is a time of joy, refreshing, and singing. It is like springtime after a long, dreary winter. Here we see the Lord Jesus Christ coming to his church…In his wisdom and grace, the Lord sends upon his church some long, cold winters; but he also sends the springtime of revival to his beloved people…She sees him coming. ‘Behold, he cometh.’ The eye of faith looks for Christ, anticipating him … The Son of God came to remove the difficulties that stood in the way of our salvation and to triumph over our enemies. He came ‘leaping over the mountains’. The powers of darkness, our own sins, and the terrible curse of God’s law had to overcome. Before the determination of love, these mountains were brought low…The windows and lattices by which he shows himself are the ordinances he has given us. As we read his Word and seek his face in prayer, the Lord Jesus gives us glimpses of his face…Then the Lord presses our hearts to come to him (vv. 11-13” (Don Fortner on SoS 2:8-13).15
Jesus comes to offer you a joyful revival.16
With faith, you will hear Jesus’ calling. The bride heard the groom’s words, “Listen! My beloved!”, and she then cried out with joy, “Behold, he is coming,” (SoS 2:8). God the Father also commands us to listen to Jesus. “And then a voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!”’ (Lk. 9:35; Matt. 17:5; Mk. 9:7). For those with the faith to listen, Jesus promises an eternal covenant. “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David.” (Is. 55:3; Jer. 32:40).
Out of love, Jesus watches over you to help you arise and follow Him. The bride knew that her groom was “looking” out for her. He had the speed of “a gazelle” and the strength of “a young stag” to intervene if needed (SoS 2:9). Jesus is also constantly watching out for you, and He will intervene with power when you are in need. “The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time and forever.” (Ps. 121:7-8; 2 Thess. 3:3).
Jesus calls you to arise and follow Him. The groom called to his bride, ‘“Arise, my darling … come along.”’ (SoS 2:10). Every person must arise and follow Jesus’ calling. “But now, this is what the LORD says, He who is your Creator, Jacob, and He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (Is. 43:1). “… the sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (Jo. 10:4b). “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me;...” (Jo. 12:26). “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23). “And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” (Matt. 4:19). “After that He went out and looked at a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, ‘Follow Me.”’ (Lk. 5:27).
Jesus offers you a joyful revival. The groom gave his bride good news. “For behold, the winter is past,…” (SoS 2:11). With his arrival, the land was filled with “blossoms” and “vines.” (SoS 2:12). Out of the winter, the desert crocus flower would blossom. This symbolized a joyful revival. “The wilderness and the desert will rejoice, and the desert will shout for joy and blossom; like the crocus. It will blossom profusely and rejoice with joy and jubilation. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.” (Is. 35:1-2). The events described in this part of the song also correspond with the timing of Jesus’ death and resurrection. “The season indicated by six signs Sol 2:11-13 is that of spring after the cessation of the latter rain in the first or paschal month Joel 2:23, i. e., Nisan or Abib, corresponding to the latter part of March and early part of April. Cyril interpreted Sol 2:11-12 of our Lord’s Resurrection in the spring.” (Albert Barnes on SoS 2:11-13).17
Jesus offers you the joy of the Holy Spirit. The groom’s arrival also brought “the voice of the turtledove….” (SoS 2:12). The turtledove foreshadowed the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16).18 Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus offers you love, joy, peace and other godly attributes. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22).
Do not delay in turning to Jesus. The groom twice called upon his fiancée not to delay. “‘Arise, my darling, … Arise, my darling,” (SoS 2:10, 13). Assuming it is authentic and not an externally forced event, each person should not delay in accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The parable of the ten virgins highlights the dangers of failing to promptly prepare for Jesus (Matt. 24:1-13). No one knows when their life will end.
Turn to Jesus without delay.19
The joy of a marriage does not need to come to an end. The bride was overwhelmed with excitement that her wedding was close. The joy of courtship may come to an end. But just as Jesus offers lasting joy, each spouse should work to offer joy to the other spouse.
6. Fellowship: Jesus Offers You His Loving Fellowship. SoS 2:14.
Jesus seeks a relationship with you. The groom was excited for the upcoming marriage. Although he would wait until the marriage to be joined with his bride, he sought out a relationship with his shy fiancée as he waited. [The Groom] “14 My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding place of the mountain pathway, let me see how you look, let me hear your voice; for your voice is pleasant, and you look delightful.” (SoS 2:14). “My dove. This word, here a pet name for the beloved, appears for the second time (cf., 1:15) and will re-appear again in 4:1; 5:2, 12; 6:9. This is the common Rock Dove (Columba livia) not the turtledove (v. 12) …. Just as the doves take refuge in the cliffs (cf. Je. 48:28) and when frightened are reluctant to leave, so the girl shyly waits in the secluded protection of the house (v. 9). Her lover’s entreaty continues with the seeing / hearing motif in a chiasmus that encourages her to come out of hiding. Let me ‘gaze upon’ (as in 1:6) your face…He wants to feast his eyes on the loveliness of her whole person, and fill his ears with the pleasing sweetness of her voice. This is the same word used in v. 12 of the voice of the turtledove, the soft gentle cooing.” (G. Lloyd Carr on SoS 2:14).20
Jesus seeks to be in fellowship with you.21
Jesus seeks fellowship with you. Without Jesus’ atonement, Moses could only stand in the “cleft of the rock” to experience God’s glory without dying in his sinful state (Ex. 33:22-23). When you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, His glory can dwell within you through the Holy Spirit (1 Jo. 4:4). But having accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior does not mean that you are always walking in fellowship with Him. Just as the groom sought out a relationship with his shy fiancée, Jesus is constantly seeking a relationship with you. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20).
Offer your spouse fellowship and support in your marriage. Jesus does not want you to take your relationship with Him for granted. You also should not take your relationship with your spouse for granted. Each spouse should communicate with the other spouse and know their needs to offer them loving fellowship and support. The groom considered the “voice” of his bride to be “pleasant” (NASB) or “sweet” (NKJB) (SoS 2:14). “The voice of Christian fellowship is, likewise, very sweet.” (Charles Spurgeon on SoS 2:14).22
7. Protection / Provision: As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Will Both Protect You and Provide for Your Needs. SoS 2:15-17.
Jesus protects and provides for you. The bride urged her groom to remove evil influences from their field. She was unified with her groom, who provided for and protected her, and she remained pure while waiting for Him. [The Bride] “15 Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom. 16 My beloved is mine, and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies. 17 Until the cool of the day, when the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.” (SoS 2:15-17). (v. 15) “Let the blossoming love of the soul be without injury and restraint. Let the rising faith and affection be carefully guarded. Both individuals and communities do well to think of the little foxes that spoil the vines.” (Pulpit Commentary on SoS 2:15).23 (v. 16). “The Shulammite woman, a shepherdess by nature, embodies the beauty of simplicity and the richness of love, while her beloved, a shepherd king, represents strength and protection.” (Rev. Michael Johnson on SoS 2:16).24 (v. 17) (“Night—is the image of the present world … turn—to me … at His first coming He [Jesus] had to overpass the gulf made by sin between Him and us (Zec 4:6, 7); in His second, He will only have to come down from the fragrant hill above to take home His prepared bride.” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on SoS 2:17).25
Submit to the Good Shepherd for protection. The bride previously referred to her groom as a shepherd over a flock (SoS 1:7). Here, she urged the groom to “Catch the foxes for us” in “the vineyards,” (SoS 2:15). Samson used foxes to ruin the Philistines vineyards (Jdgs. 15:4). Ezekial also used the term disparagingly for Israel’s false prophets. “O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts.” (Ezek. 13:4) (NKJV) “jackals” (NASB). “Persecutors are foxes (Luke 13:32); [and] false prophets are foxes (Ezek. 13:4).” (Matthew Henry on SoS 2:15).26 Jesus revealed that He is the “Good Shepherd” (Jo. 10:11; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:4). A good shepherd is willing to risk his life to save his sheep. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus loved His flock enough to die to save them: “11b the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (Jo. 10:11b). He died for everyone at the cross so that all who believe can be members of His flock (Jo. 3:16). Thus, Jesus offers protection. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:4).
Submit yourself to Jesus and be in communion with His will. The bride further declared, “My beloved is mine, and I am his;” (SoS 2:16; 6:3; 7:10). Through your submission, Jesus also seeks to be in communion with you. “Ways that I belong to Jesus; ways that “I am my beloved’s”: · I am His by the gift of His Father. · I am His by purchase, paid for by His own life. · I am His by conquest, He fought for me and won me. · I am His by surrender, because I gave myself to Him. …Ways that Jesus belongs to me; ways that “He is mine”: · He is mine by connection in the same body; He is the head and I am part of His body. · He is mine by affectionate relationship; He has given me His love. · He is mine by the connection of birth; I am born again of Him. · He is mine by choice; He gave Himself for me. · He is mine by indwelling; He has decided to live inside me. · He is mine personally, He is mine eternally.” (David Guzik on 2:16).27
Be in communion with Jesus by submitting to His will.28
Submit to the Good Shepherd for provision. According to the NASB, Berean Bible, and Amplified Bible, the groom also “pastures his flock among the lilies.” (SoS 2:16b). According to the NKJV, the groom “feeds his flock among the lilies.” (SoS 2:16b).29 In a possible reference to the lilies in the Song of Solomon, Jesus used them to illustrate that if He can provide for the lilies, He can provide for you out of love. “And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!” (Matt. 6:28-30). Thus, you can also trust Jesus to provide for you.
Jesus protects and provides for His flock.30
Prepare for Jesus’ return by remaining pure for Him. The bride urged her temporarily absent groom to return to her. “when the shadows flee, turn, my beloved,” (SoS 2:17). Like the bride, you must also wait for the return of your King of Kings. He also wants you to remain pure for Him. “The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Ro. 13:12). “for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober.” (1 Thess. 5:5-6).
Provide for your spouse and remain pure for your spouse. Each member of the household should also contribute to the family. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim. 5:8). Each spouse should also seek to remove evil influences (Prov. 8:13). Each spouse should also remain pure for the other spouse (Heb. 13:4).
Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.↩︎
Song of Solomon 2 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges;↩︎
Song of Solomon 2 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges↩︎
Tremper Longman III, Song of Songs, (Grand Rapids, MI, William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 2001) (ISBN 978-0-8028-2543-8), p. 109-111 (italics in original).↩︎
Image credit: Israel Desert Crocus Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime↩︎
Song of Solomon 2 Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers↩︎
Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus in Song of Songs, (Brentwood, TN, B&H Publishing Group, 2015) (ISBN 978-0-8054-9676-5), p. 42 (internal citation omitted).↩︎
Image credit: HEAVEN’S GREAT BANQUETS↩︎
Dee Brestin, He Calls You Beautiful, Hearing the Voice of Jesus in the Song of Songs (New York, NY, Crown Publishing Group 2017) (ISBN 978-1-60142-990-2) p. 81.↩︎
Don Fortner, Discovering Christ in the Song of Solomon (Auburn, MA, Evangelical Press USA, 2005) (ISBN 085234-581-X), pgs. 51-57.↩︎
Image credit: What Does Song of Solomon 2:8 Mean?↩︎
Image credit: Song of Solomon 2:10↩︎
G. Lloyd Carr, The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, The Song of Solomon (Downers Grove, IL, Inter-Varsity Press, 1984) (ISBN 0-87784-268), p. 100-101.↩︎
Image credit: Jesus Speaking His Disciples AI-generated image 2530851609 | Shutterstock↩︎
Charles H. Spurgeon, The Song of Solomon, (84 Sermons on the Song of Solomon, assembled by Eric Steward and Gary Morris 2020) (ISBN: 979-8-55-894256-9), p. 206 (italics in original), Sermon No. 27, “A Request of the Beloved” Sermon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington.↩︎
What does Song Of Solomon 2:16 really mean? - God's Blessing↩︎
Song of Solomon 2 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete) | Bible Study Tools↩︎
Song of Solomon Chapter 2 - Enduring Word (italics added).↩︎
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The NIV and NKJ, however, provide different translations. The NIV translates this as “he browses among the lilies.” (SoS 2:16b). The NKJ translates this as “he feedeth among the lilies.” (SoS 2:16b).↩︎
Image credit: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Guides His Flock of Sheep through a Beautiful Watercolor Landscape Stock Illustration - Illustration of green, love: 399156223↩︎