Christ Through the Bible- Song of Solomon

Text: ''I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine'' (Song 6:3).

The key word of the Song of Solomon is ''beloved.''

Several years ago, I did a study on the Song of Solomon and its spiritual application to the Church.  I would like to once again show the comparisons of this Love Poem to the Seven Churches found in the book of Revelation.  I am well aware that this is not the normal interpretation but as an allegory is can be open for interpretation.  If you do not agree with this approach that is fine, we will still see Christ in the Song of Solomon.

The book as we have noted has the interpretation of an allegory of God’s love for Israel, Christ’s love for the Church, and Christ’s love for the believer.  I am looking at this as the relationship of Christ and the Church.   Some people say that the Song of Solomon is just a love song and therefore has no place in the Bible. A superficial reading of the book might lead to this conclusion.  I like to look at the Song as the love between Christ and His Church. I believe that across every page of the Song of Solomon could be written these words of the apostle Paul: ''This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church'' (Eph 5:32).

Introduction

The Song of Songs, sometimes called the Song of Solomon, is one of two books in the Bible that do not mention God.  The other is the book of Esther. The Song of Solomon is the closing book of the poetical section of the Old Testament. It is probably censured more and read less than any other book. Critics have said it is indecent, and it may appear to be so to the unspiritual mind. Remember, however, that the Eastern people were a passionate people, both in love and hate.

At the first reading of the book, the plot is about the courtship and marriage of a maiden referred to as the Shulammite.  This would be the interpretation of the love of a man for his bride.  However, because of the passionate allusions in this poem, ancient interpreters insisted it contained a more profound, symbolic meaning, such as God's love for Old Testament Israel, Christ's love for the church or even Christ’s love for the individual believer.

THE BRIDES FIRST LOVE.

Let Him kiss me.  There is love between the Church and Christ.  The desire was for the affection of Christ. The passion which in the heart of the saint is for the manifestation of the love of the Lord Jesus, through the influences of the Holy Spirit; and this love is desired, because its effect is more reviving and exhilarating than any of the pleasures of sense, even of wine, the most refreshing of them all. Verse 2. This desire is not a blind faith or an emotional impulse but comes from an exceptional desire for the holiness of the nature of Christ, as surpassing everything known to man.  It is this desire that the pure in heart, and they only, love him, and they cannot do otherwise than love him. Ver. 3.

This love is a perfect regulator of the powers of the soul; and carrying with it true wisdom, gives us a correct knowledge of ourselves, as the offspring of the humility to which this divine love leads, and which consists in thinking of ourselves according to the whole truth, nothing more, nothing less.

The Church rejoiced when the Holy Spirit was given- your name is an oil poured out. That is why the maidens love you.  The day of Pentecost there were five thousand add to the Church. The King brought me into His rooms. The veil of the Temple was torn, and access to the Throne of Grace was made available.  The joy or salvation was more significant than wine.

THE BRIDE’S LOST FIRST LOVE

In the First Poem, something changes with the Church.

I am black.  This is the description the Church is giving of herself.  The reason was, My mother’s sons turned their anger on me.  The Judaizers created problems between the Law and Grace.  They pushed for the Law of Moses and denied the Law of Christ.  The result they lost their first love—Had I only looked after my own.

The Church ask the question, “Where will you lead your flock to graze?”

Christ answers, I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles and are not, and hast found them, liars:  and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.  Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.  He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev. 2:2-7

THE BRIDE IS PERSECUTED

At the end of this poem, there is dialogue between Christ and the Church.  This is the Church that is suffering significant persecution.  Christ describes how he feels toward the Church at Smyrna.   I know thy works, and tribulation and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.  He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev. 2:9-11

The Church describes what is taking place currently.  While the King rest in His own room, my nards yields it perfume.  The perfume was myrrh.  Myrrh was used in the preparation of a body for burial.  The persecution at this time brought millions of Christians their death.

The poem ends with both Christ and the Church proclaiming their love for one another.

THE BRIDE SEPERATES

In the second poem, there is a separation of Christ and the Church.

After the persecution ended and Christianity became the state religion in 313 AD, there was a change in the relationship between Christ and His Church.  The LORD is excited that His Church came out of trials and tribulation with strength and power. He come leaping on the mountain, bound on the hills, only to find His Church hiding behind a wall.

 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

But I have a few things against thee because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna and will give him a white stone, and in the stone, a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Rev. 2:13-17

The Church is hiding behind the wall while Christ is peer in, calling to the Church to return to Him.  He says the “winter is past.”  The time of persecution is over.  The season for glad song has arrived.  The Church remains behind the wall.

Christ appeals to the Church at Thyatria, Come my love. He informs the Church that the “fig tree is forming its first figs.”  During this Church period, the Pope ordered the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.  Christ is calling for the Church to come out of hiding.  It was during this period that the convents and monasteries were established. This is what Christ said about this Church.

I know thy works and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.   Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not.  Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.  And I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.  And I will give him the morning star. Rev.2:19-29

The Church replies, On my bed, I sought Him whom my heart loves.  This was during the Dark Ages and the time of the Crusades.   The Church had lost its way, and there were those who were seeking the LORD.  They were asking the question, “Have you seen him whom my heart loves?”

The poem ends with the Church once again finding Christ (3:7).

THE BRIDE RETURNS

The third poem opens with the question, “What is this coming from the desert like a column of smoke breathing of myrrh and frankincense and every presume the merchants know?  The Church Sardis was the time of the Reformation. 

I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.  Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

For several years the Church has been in a barren and wasted land.  As the Church merges from a period of being dead in spiritual life while holding the name of Christian they awaken to new life.  The Reformation period had a remnant of those who had not defiled themselves with the Roman church.  Many died for the cause of Christ.

Christ says of this Church, She, is a garden enclosed, a seal fountain.  During the Reformation, there was no evangelism taking place.  It is not until the end of this Church that the Church begins to stir from sleep.

THE BRIDE AWAKENS

Third poem that there was a move to begin to evangelize.  The Church is the fountain that makes the garden fertile, a well of living water.

It is during the Philadelphia Church that we see, Awake, north wind, come, wind of the south, breathe over my garden to spread its sweet smell around.  Let my beloved into his garden, let him taste the rarest fruits.

Christ says of this Church, These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

It is this Church that spreads the message of Jesus Christ all around the world.  It was a breeze that covered the north, south, east and west.  But it was not without martyrs; I gather my myrrh and balsam.

THE BRIDE SLEEPS

The last Church is represented in the last two poems.  The Fourth Poem open with the Church admitting to being asleep.

In chapter 5, the mood changes. The bridegroom still loves, but the bride is drowsy. ''I sleep, but my heart waketh. It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh'' (5:2). Her bridegroom has been out in the night, and his head is wet with dew. He has been gathering precious myrrh. He returns to find her drowsy, so he goes away. Notice the bride's strange condition-- she is half-asleep, half-awake. Neither is beneficial. This is a fore-runner of the complete sleep.

This is what Christ had to say about this Church; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

THE BRIDE'S AWAKENING

The bride finally realized that her lover was at the door, but she was too sleepy to open it. He had been diligently working in her behalf, yet she failed to respond to him. Today, Jesus Christ is at the throne of God. He neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Night and day, He is our Advocate, warding off the accusations of Satan. Were, it not for Christ, where would we be? He says to the Father, ''I pray for them.'' And what does He desire of us? The same as He requested of His disciples: ''Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation...'' (Mark 14:38).

THE BRIDE'S EXCUSES

The bride was foolish to say, ''I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?''  A backslider usually doesn't need much of an excuse. A very weak alibi serves the purpose when a Christian is out of fellowship with God.

People who are captivated by the world, are often too preoccupied to serve the Lord effectively. The bride had put off her coat and washed her feet. She was concerned only for herself. Why should she be disturbed by a knock? The apostle Paul wrote of some Christians in his day, ''For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's'' (Philippians 2:21).

THE BRIDE'S DISCOVERY  

''I opened to my beloved'' (5:6). One version translates verse 4, ''Her head moved when she saw his hand put in by the hole of the door.'' But she did not move until ''her heart was moved'' (v.4). But when she went to open the door, he was already gone. Backsliding always begins with the heart. If there is even a pinhole of disobedience in the door, His searching hand will find it. When she finally responded, he had left. Christ sometimes withholds His blessing so that we will seek Him all the more. Christian, do not trifle with the things of God. ''Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap'' (Galatians 6:7).

THE BRIDE'S REMORSE

''My soul failed when he spoke.'' We know that the bridegroom had spoken to her (v.2). But instead of obeying immediately, she began to make excuses. Now, like Peter would do centuries later [Mat 26:75], she mournfully remembered her guilt and failure. She knew exactly what the sin was; she had chosen selfish ease over obedience to him. What a miserable condition resulted! (v.6-8).

First, fellowship was broken. ''I sought him, but I could not find him'' (v.6). Sin always leads to separation. When the Spirit of God is grieved, our communion with Christ is interrupted.

Second, her prayer was unanswered. ''I called him, but he gave me no answer'' (v.6). Our Lord said, ''If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you'' (John 15:7). This requires obedience. No Christian can expect his prayers to be answered if there is disobedience in his life. A striking association is made in the book of James between answers to prayer and the presence of sin. The failure to repent and confess short-circuits the process (Jam 5:15,16).

Third, the bride lost her testimony. ''The watchmen that went about the city found me; they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me'' (v.7). The bride was so changed that the city watchmen did not recognize her. Both sorrow and shame came upon her.

THE BRIDE'S REPENTANCE (5:10-16)

With repentant heart, the bride describes her bridegroom. She is not reluctant to acknowledge him now. Following this, he returns, and their fellowship is restored. She increasingly experiences his deep and unchanging love.

The last Church is the age we live in today.  Christ is still waiting for the Church repent.  I believe there is a group of faithful believers who will change the heart of the LORD.  At the beginning the Church  could say with an abounding heart, ''My beloved is mine, and I am his'' (Song 2:16). But now, she can declare with complete trust: ''I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me'' (7:10). It will be at that point that Christ will come for His Bride.

Are you ready for that day to come?