Song of Solomon 1:1 (NIV): Solomon’s Song of Songs.
Debbie and I met almost 40 years ago. In fact, our first “date” was 40 years ago in September. We went for a walk at a state park in Illinois. My heart was pounding when I asked her if she would be okay if I held her hand. It pounded even more when she agreed. We have been holding hands ever since and we are going back to that state park to celebrate our first date in a couple of months.
According to the Bible, Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. I can make a strong argument that his sexual exploits and desires are what led him to forsake God and follow other deities of that day.
In spite of that, Solomon wrote a beautiful poem call the “Song of Solomon.” I believe that the primary way to read this poem is to understand that it is about sexual intimacy. As I reflect on that type of intimacy, I feel blessed in my marriage relationship with Debbie. I believe that marriage is an opportunity to learn to be self-sacrificing with another person, just as Jesus gave sacrificial love for me and the world.
The other way to read the Song of Solomon is as a metaphor of Christ’s love for us. Regardless of how you read Solomon’s poem, the blessing of my intimacy with Debbie, and especially with my Lord and Savior is foundational for my life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I feel so blessed by the intimate relationship that I have with Jesus by You providing forgiveness and justification through His death on the cross. I also thank you for the relationship I have with Debbie and the opportunity to trust You as we have a self-sacrificing relationship through Jesus.
