June 28, 2025 - Song of Solomon 1-8

The Song of Solomon . . . a love poem/song between Solomon and his sweetheart. I once read through the book along with Hudson Taylor's (the famous 19th century missionary to China) commentary.  I quote from my thoughts then:  I have just read back through the Song . . .  The thing that strikes me is, though at times, as Taylor puts it, communion is broken (or at least, the lovers cannot find one another), that communion is restored.  And in the end is this:  “Set me as a seal upon your heart (the bride is speaking), as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death” (8:6).  And, “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it” (8:7).  And so, as a picture of our Savior’s love for us, such a love cannot end.  Taylor observes:  “Union with Christ, and abiding in Christ, what do they not secure? Peace, perfect peace; rest, constant rest; answers to all our prayers; victory over all our foes; pure, holy living; ever-increasing fruitfulness. All, all of these are the glad outcome of abiding in Christ.”  How great is Solomon's love for his bride.  But how much greater still is our Savior's love for us!

How deep the Father’s love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss –

The Father turns His face away,

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross . . .   –Stuart Townend (1995)