2023_08_16 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Psalm 72, Ecclesiastes 12, Psalm 118, Song of Songs 1
In the last two weeks of our reading, we are getting insight into David’s son, Solomon, who succeeded him as King of Israel. This week we are introduced to the Old Testament book called Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, that he authored. While we are only reading the first chapter, it is immediately evident that this is a bit different from other writings in the Bible. Here is how it begins:
“This is Solomon’s song of songs, more wonderful than any other.
Young Woman
2 Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.” 1:1–2 (NLT)
What we discover is that this is a song or poem, that depicts the love and affection between a man of royal lineage and a working-class woman. They are deeply in love, get married, and enjoy the sexual intimacy God designed for marriage. As you read through this short book you find an uninhibited celebration of healthy sexual relations between a husband and wife. While we can’t be certain, it appears that this is a relationship Solomon had early in his life and it is historical, not fiction. This passage is interesting because we discover the privilege and joy of sexual intimacy that God intended for sex, without any shame. God could have created us any way He wanted, and it’s amazing that the capacity for sexual intimacy is part of His design. His intent is that it be fully enjoyed between a man and woman united in marriage – not with anyone else. Research shows that the people with the highest sexual satisfaction are married couples, and this makes sense when you understand that God intended sex to be connected to a committed relationship.
It is odd to think there is a section of the Bible that is R-rated (or at least PG-13) but I think God included this to show that He doesn’t want the culture to hijack the conversation!
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor