First Love

One Year Bible (Sep. 6)

Song of Songs 1:1-4:15

First Love

“I am my beloved’s and his desire is for me.”-- The Bride (SO 7:10)

“Song of Songs” or “The Song of Solomon” is a very unique book that only mentions the word, “God” one time, sort of….Most commentaries will then say that the books of Esther and Song of Songs do not contain any reference to God and yet they are included in the Bible.

Song of Songs 8:6 says, “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love, is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.” (ESV) Other translations translate this last phrase as “it is a blazing flame”.

The “Song of Solomon” is also unusual and unique because it would include an “R” rating if it was a movie. Perhaps you remember the movie that came out with the story of Hosea and Gomer in the theatres. Some Christians did not want to attend that movie although the theme pretty much captured the content of the Bible passage.

So, what are we to make of this book and why was it included in the canon of scripture?

The most important question that I asked was, “What does this passage mean to the Jewish community and how do they view it?”

The Jewish people know so much of the history of the Old Testament that we can not begin to understand or know how it applies. They had the Jewish rabbis teach them the inner workings of the laws of the Lord.

As a New Testament believer, I am not bound or under the law, but I can certainly learn a lot about the heritage of my faith and where it came from by learning from God’s chosen people.

Before we look at what the Jewish interpretation of this book is, I will tell you right up front that many teachers of our day such as Chuck Swindoll and many others take this book at “face value” about human love.

You will definitely find different views, but I will share with you what has swayed my viewpoint concerning interpretation. You can read it both ways and decide…

Song of Songs is part of what is known as the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible and is called, “Song of Solomon” in the King James version because it was authored by King Solomon.

Here is the first reason why I believe that the “Song of Songs” is more than just a story of love between a bride and a bridegroom. Do you know that during the Shabbat of Passover it is customary to read this “love song” each and every year?

In Jewish tradition, since Passover marks the time when their “romance” with God officially began, they choose to begin their celebration with a reading of this book.

Secondly, why do they consider this the greatest of Solomon’s songs and call it the “Song of Songs”? The greatest love known to man can only be the love of God. Human love can not be greater than his other songs that are about God. That wouldn’t make sense.

Solomon was very wise and thoroughly studied Egyptian poetry, and his poetic writing follows that style. He likens the feelings of love to animals and nature in keeping with his learning.

You only need to read the book of Ecclesiastes to see that this book is not in keeping with his own personal relationships. “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life…” (9:9)

King Solomon was certainly looking for more meaning… a Pure, Passionate, Holy Love!

I must admit that my bias as I began this book is in taking marriage advice from a man who had 1000 women and built idols to follow their misdirected leadings. This was a big roadblock for me…So, I knew that I needed to dig a little bit deeper as it is included in the Bible for a reason.

Although God was never mentioned in the book of Esther, we could see “His fingers running throughout the message of deliverance”. I would suggest that although we do not see mention of the name of God in the book of “Song of Songs” yet, we can see “God’s heartbeat for HIS perfect Bride, the Church” running through this entire book.

What does the Bible tell us about “the bride” and marriage?

Is the marriage relationship exclusive or inclusive of God?

“God created male and female in HIS image and HE blessed them and told them to be fruitful and multiply. (Gen. 1:27)

From creation, God was to be man’s first love and HE created man and woman to bear his likeness, love, and lineage…This theme runs from the very beginning (Genesis) to the end of the Bible (Revelation). That was the beginning. Now let’s look at the ending…

“For I have against you that you have abandoned your FIRST LOVE.” (Rev. 2:4)

As you read this book filled with longing, passion, and desire, can you honestly say that you are searching for God like a bride for her beloved?

“But you walked away from your first love--Why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen?... Turn back! Recover your dear early love.”

(Rev. 2:4-5, MSG)

REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE!