Song of Solomon 2:1-17

We all have roles to play in our lives and relationships.  There is a continuation of the mutual admiration of these lovers of one another, but the majority of this passage speaks to the reasons that the bride loves and admires her groom.  He has fulfilled his role in the relationship and she is eternally grateful for it.  In ha healthy relationship each member of the relationship is faithful to fulfill their God given roles as well as appreciate the role that the other person in relationship provides.  Mutual faithfulness and appreciation are vital to any healthy relationship.  The language in this chapter and this entire book for that matter can also be applied to the ultimate Lover and His bride the Church.  While many parallels can be draw, I believe that it can be dangerous to make this book and allegory and teach about Christ from it.  We have many clear passages that teach us of how Christ loves the church.  I believe it is safer for us to view this book as an illustration of how we ought to love our spouse.

A LOVER PROVIDES: The bride looks to her groom and sees a bountiful supply in his love.  He is like an apple tree in the midst of a forest of men that produce no fruit.  He has met all of her needs from the physical, emotional and spiritual realm.  She can rest content in his provision. She has waited for her marriage in order to enjoy the provision of his love.  She can ear freely of all that he gives her without remorse or guilt.  She admonishes all young women to wait until God has provided a husband to enjoy the provision and satisfaction that a man can bring to a woman in every aspect of her life.  Too often we are in a hurry to enjoy provisions that do not yet belong to us.  Too often spouses are not abundant providers for one another.

A LOVER PROTECTS: The groom come swiftly to the presence of the bride and he sweeps her off of her feet.  He takes on the responsibility of protecting her from the cold of winter and the rain of stormy days.  He is giving her a place of eternal Spring where she is safe to enjoy his love and his presence.  He will keep her secure in the cleft of a high mountain where no evil can befall her.  There will be no predators who will be able to penetrate the protection that he gives to her.  He does all in his power to protect her from any danger or evil that may threaten her.  They belong to one another and feast together in the safety of their love.  Souses must seek to protect one another from temptation of sin as well as the dangers that this sin cursed world produce.  Too often we leave one another vulnerable to temptation and danger because they care more about themselves than one-another.