Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday, and we’ll begin reading the Song of Solomon with Chapters 1 and 2. Before beginning the reading, I’ll have an introduction to the book for you. I’m calling today’s episode “The Couple.”  

Comments on Song of Solomon 1-2

Introduction to the Song of Solomon

Whether this book is to be taken literally, spiritually or allegorically has been debated over the years. Because of the nature of the content, some commentators, preachers and teachers have avoided it altogether. But even in Victorian England, Charles Spurgeon preached nearly 60 sermons on it. 

Some believe that this is a book that portrays only the love relationship between God and His people. 

Others believe that it is what it appears to be…a book showing romantic and sensual love between a man and a woman. We see snapshots of their courtship and their marriage.

I tend to believe that this book is intended to show how a loving and pure marriage relationship between a man and a woman is blessed by, and a gift of, the God who created man and woman. And at the same time, I believe that it is intended to show the intensity of how strong God wants our relationship to be with Him. G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “There are those who treat this Book as a song of human love. There are those who consider its only value is that of its mystical suggestiveness. Personally, I believe that both values are here.” 

God created the institution of marriage, and He created the act of physical love, to be shared by a husband and a wife. There is nothing shameful about it within the confines of marriage. It is the enemy who perverts it, as he does with every other thing that God created.

One important thing to note as we read through this book, is that procreation is not mentioned even once. And this should tell us that physical love is not intended solely for that purpose. It is to be enjoyed as a time of bonding and pleasure.

In some translations, this book is called the Song of Solomon. In others it is called the Song of Songs. And still others call it the Latin word for the word “songs”…Canticles. 

Solomon, the son of David, is the writer of the book. According to 1 Kings 4:32 he wrote 1,005 songs. This book is called “Song of Songs” because it is considered the greatest.

While there are other interpretations, my belief is that there are three main players to be found as we read.

First, there is the young maiden, or bride, often called “The Shulamite”. She was from a small farming village called Shunem. Then there is the young man, called “The Beloved”, who is Solomon. Lastly there is the chorus, or “the Daughters of Jerusalem”. A few other characters show up, but are not major players.

Thoughts on Song of Solomon 2

In verse five, the Shulamite says, “Sustain me with cakes of raisins, Refresh me with apples, For I am lovesick.”

Lovesick. Such an interesting word. But for anyone who has been head over heels in love, it’s also accurate. Sickness can cause a variety of symptoms not unlike the initial thrill of “falling in love.” On can feel weak, dizzy, or suffer a loss of appetite, butterflies in the stomach. But while it is definitely no fun to be ill, lovesickness is, for most, one of the great joys of life. 

Of course, scientists have studied the phenomenon of lovesickness, and they have found that there is a chemical called phenethylamine that washes over the brain when we fall in love. When this happens we have a feeling of exhilaration and being on top of the world. We might even lose our appetite. Thankfully, this admittedly wonderful feeling doesn’t last, or I think we would never get any real work done! Of course, there is a big spike in the beginning of a relationship, but it declines after four or five years. Not so amazingly, divorce rates jump during the 4-5 year mark, worldwide. 

However, the people who bail during this time miss something else that happens in the brain. A very special something. Around the four year mark in a relationship, different brain pathways with different chemicals begin to form. And these produce feelings of very deep contentment and even gratitude. One of the chemicals in this process is oxytocin, the chemical that helps create the bonding of mother and infant. 

So there are two phases. The first, thrilling phase is the “attraction” phase. The second, more fulfilled and content phase is the “attachment” phase. 

Now here is what I consider to be one of God’s greatest gifts to married couples. And I think it is a special perk that He gives us for being faithful to our spouses. As a relationship progresses through the attachment phase, the attraction phase switches on again, and many couples experience the thrill of falling in love again many times in their marriage.

The Lovely Lady LeeAnn and I will celebrate 33 years of marriage this coming New Years Eve, and I can happily attest to the accuracy of what I just told you. We are both older than we have ever been, but I have fallen in love with her over and over again during our married life. 

Yes, we have had difficulties along the way, but the commitment to never give up pays enormous dividends. Struggling through, no matter what, is worth it. 

If you’re struggling in your marriage, hang in there. Make it work if at all possible,. If you need counseling, find one who is committed to following Jesus. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-2 NKJVSupport

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT.

The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Denise
Podcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael Haner
Show Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason Paschall
Newsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney