Continuing our look at the greatest model of marriage, why is Solomon’s Song part of Scripture? Why put “a love story” in the Bible? After all, the Bible is a book about spiritual truth. Why put in something so earthly?
One commentator well sums up the purpose of this wonderful book: “The purpose of the book is to extol human love and marriage. Though at first this seems strange, on reflection it is not surprising for God to have included in the biblical canon a book endorsing the beauty and purity of marital love. God created man and woman (Gen. 1:27; 2:20-23) and established and sanctioned marriage (Gen. 2:24). Since the world views sex so sordidly and perverts and exploits it so persistently and since so many marriages are crumbling because of lack of love, commitment, and devotion, it is advantageous to have a book in the Bible that gives God’s endorsement of marital love as wholesome and pure.”
Amen. If marriage is the very foundation of society, of living, of having and training children, of all human relationships, doesn’t it make sense that God would devote an entire book of Holy Scripture to it? If Scripture is authoritative and solely sufficient in every possible issue, would not the subject of marital love be treated in a practical, straightforward, even graphic manner?
Let’s take a brief look at this love story and compare its model with our own marriages. In the opening words of the Song (1:2-4), it’s actually the physical side of love that is mentioned first, which seems to conflict with the common view that says, “The physical doesn’t matter at all in choosing a mate.” The maiden speaks of her desire for the Beloved’s physical affection and lists the physical features that attract her to him. The desire for physically intimacy is clear. Yes, while marriage must be based on much more than just physical attraction or it will indeed fail, such desire is not only allowed, but is considered good and healthy.
In verses 5-8, the maiden speaks of herself as being “black.” The Hebrew here (shecharchoreth) refers to “skin that is swarthy, darkened, in context because of the sun’s rays.” She, therefore, feels that the Sun has marred her complexion because she worked so much outdoors, in contrast to the ladies in the palace. But here is, in fact, a key to her character—she’s not afraid to work. Nonetheless, in her insecurity, she needs the Beloved’s reassurance.
Another key to her character are the words “why should I be as one that turneth aside?” (v. 7). As Young’s Literal Translation phrases it, “For why am I as one veiled?” Unlike Tamar (Gen. 38:14-16), this girl values purity and rejects the veil (or any appearance) of the wandering prostitute. So important is propriety, in fact, that she insists on specifying a particular place and time for them to meet.
Solomon’s reassurance comes in verses 9-11. He calls her “my love” nine times, starting here in verse 9 and then in 1:16; 2:2,10, 13; 4:1,7; 5:2; 6:4. He compares her “to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.” While most girls today wouldn’t appreciate such a comparison, girls of that day would because no animal was considered more beautiful and graceful. Being poor, she doesn’t have jewelry, but he compliments her further that her “cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, [and her] neck with chains of gold.” In other words, “You don’t need jewelry. You are already adorned with natural jewels.” Husbands, when was the last time you complimented your wife? Billy Sunday is quoted as saying, “Try praising your wife, even if it frightens her at first.”
In verses 12-14 the maiden speaks of the smell of her perfume that will reach the King as he sits on his throne. Scent plays a powerful role in physical attraction. She also pictures in her mind the intimacy of their sleeping together.
In verse 15, we see the couple looking into each other’s eyes and talking, a key to intimacy. The King compliments her eyes, calling them “doves’ eyes,” as doves are known for their tranquility and purity. Verses 16-17 reveal that they are lying beside each other on the grass with the forest surrounding them. What a romantic setting! “The Bible actually talks about romance?” we might ask. Indeed, It does.
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