3 Lessons from Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It’s a beautiful story that depicts the love between Jesus and His Bride (the Church), represented by Solomon and the Shulamite woman.
Here are three lessons we can apply to our lives from the Song of Solomon.
1 - The Rose of Sharon
In Song of Solomon 2:1, the Shulamite woman says that she is the “rose of Sharon.” Because the Shulamite woman represents us as the Bride of Christ, we can study the rose of Sharon to gain insight into what Jesus desires of us.
The rose of Sharon was not a rose as we think of one, but likely a flower in the tulip family. (1) It thrives in dry summers and cold winters. (1)
Just like the rose of Sharon, we are to thrive and remain steady in harsh circumstances. Jeremiah 17:7 promises us that as we trust in the Lord, we will continue to prosper and bear fruit even in a year of drought. We can actually better demonstrate the character of Christ in hard times.
It’s also important to notice the location of this flower. It grew on the Plain of Sharon, which lied between the mountains of central Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. (2) The word “Sharon” even means a “plain or level place.” (2)
This beautiful flower was found on a low, level place. Similarly, we are to be meek and humble in heart, just as Jesus is (Matt. 11:28). In this verse, the Lord commands us to learn from Him and practice meekness and humility. I think the unique location of this flower and His words In Matthew 11:28 indicates to us that Jesus is looking for a Bride that is lowly in heart, in union with who He is.
2 - Catch the Little Foxes
In Song of Solomon 2:15, Solomon (representing Jesus) tells the Shulamite (representing His Bride) to catch the little foxes that ruin their vineyards of love. This is key wisdom when it comes to maintaining our relationship with Jesus.
In this verse, foxes symbolize distractions or intrusions that seek to interfere with our relationship with the Lord.
Notice that these intrusions are “little,” so we can easily miss them or brush them aside
These disruptions to our intimacy with Jesus can come in various forms: pride, fear, distraction, compromise, etc.
In light of this, I think it’s best for us to examine our hearts and ask the Lord if there are any “little foxes” trying to creep into our relationship with Him. We should take inventory often to evaluate these hindrances and then take action by removing them through repentance.
3 - Be Like a Dove
Throughout the Song of Solomon, Solomon refers to the Shulamite as a “dove.” On two of these occasions Solomon states that his bride has “doves’ eyes” (1:15, 4:1).
The eyes of doves are single in focus with no hypocrisy to be found in them. (3) This concept is similar to what Jesus tells us in Luke 11:34. (3) He explains that our eyes are the light of our bodies, meaning that what we give attention to and focus on is very important. He goes on to tell us that if our eyes are single we will be full of light, but if our eyes are evil we will be full of darkness.
Here we see that single-eyed, pure devotion is what Jesus desires of us. I think it’s interesting that He compares “single eyes” with “evil eyes.” This shows us that “evil eyes” are essentially divided hearts, because they are contrasted with single-eyed, pure heartedness.
Jesus is looking for a Bride (the Church) who is fully devoted to Him. He wants nothing to divide our love for Him. He wants our gaze fixed on Him alone.
References
1. YouVersion Plan: In God’s Garden (Day 1)