story plot – The Song of Songs

The Courage of the Bridal Mare

Pamela — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:41:30 +0000

I’m noticing something in my study of the Song of Songs. Translations cannot be fully trusted to give an accurate picture of all that should be conveyed. Some seem to even tamper with the meaning, watering verses down to make them less offensive. I blame religion for this, who is knowingly or unknowingly always coming up with ways to strip the Bride of her association with Christ’s offense — thus making people fit their perfect ideal of “who gets in, and who stays out.” In 1:9 for example, a few versions translate “my mare” as a “company of horses,” when the Hebrew is clearly a female horse, who is among Pharaoh’s horses. But of course this would be a problem for the ancient mind. Often, and for a variety of suggestive details, a comparison of a woman to a mare or filly in poetic literature was a provocative one. In addition to that, horses in general were often associated with a pagan, extravagant lifestyle as well. But there's more to it than even this!

A Guided Mission (1:8)

Pamela — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 17:13:06 +0000

Finally! King Solomon sends back an answer to the Shulamite about a "noontime rendezvous." :-) In his note, he gives her instructions for the path ahead. Now the only question is, "Will she venture out?" I want to share a few things I see in his interesting response:

A Scandalous Mission

Pamela — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 16:39:11 +0000

Sometimes there’s no perfect time to do it. Love is bursting for expression, and what others think about your timing, or your method, is irrelevant. Your face is set like flint to “do the thing,” because it is love that motivates you and that is all that matters! This kind of love doesn’t overthink, or analyze the situation. It might know that it’s a “crazy” idea, but it can’t be talked out of it. This is where our story with the Shulamite continues....

A Seek And Find Mission

Pamela — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 19:04:18 +0000

There are some biblical scholars who can’t reconcile the way Solomon is portrayed in the Song of Songs. How can a great king, with all his kingdom responsibilities, be romping the hills outside Jerusalem, checking vineyards, and even moving sheep around like a lowly shepherd? I would like to ask them, “How is this not a most beautiful representation of Jesus Christ?” He is the King of kings, the “last Adam,⁠” and our “Good Shepherd” — all in one person. Besides, why wouldn’t Solomon have experience with things like shepherding? His father David was one by trade, and would have encouraged the young king-to-be to play outdoors and learn animal husbandry. It is recorded Solomon had astounding wisdom about nature.⁠¹ And he owned many animals and vineyards that he put into the care of others.⁠² Would he not check his flocks, and even for recreation spend time with his shepherd friends?⁠ Anyway, this is where the next scene in the story begins: The Woman wakes up one morning to discover Solomon is not in bed beside her. He’s on a shepherding mission, she finds out — and she wants to know where...

“Love Among the Thorns” – In the Secret Garden Part 1

Pamela — Wed, 28 May 2014 16:58:09 +0000

The moment the Shulamite woman dreamed about had finally arrived, that one she waited for, and journeyed at such great risk to experience. King Solomon was standing with her and holding her hands, staring at her adoringly. They exchanged some words of praise at their appearance to each other, skipping small talk entirely. Neither one were ever much for small talk.

The Bed of Heaven (Song 1:16-17)

Pamela — Wed, 07 May 2014 18:34:10 +0000

Look at you! How beautiful you are, my beloved, and how charming! Our bed is green! Song 1:16 I find it intriguing that when the Shulamite woman is in the garden returning the gaze of her beloved that she at first sees his beauty, and then immediately a bed. She obviously saw what he is thinking! :-) But this is no ordinary bed. The first thing she notices is that it is green.

The Fellowship of Dove Eyes (Song 1:15)

Pamela — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:03:08 +0000

Blossoms are appearing! The season of songbirds has come, and the cooing of doves is being heard in the land. Song 2:12

My family used to raise doves. Just a pair of them, in a cage. A special trait about them is their loyalty for life, and their focus. When our doves weren’t eating or …

Braveheart and The Scent of Love (Song 1:12-14)

Pamela — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:19:18 +0000

You bring pleasure to me like a sweet smell… Ex. 20:41 . If you have ever loved someone deeply, you understand what it is to long for reminders of them when apart, including smells. Like music and art, fragrances can stir emotions, invoke memories, and keep love aflame. Many of the stronger oils such as …

As a Mare Among Yoked Stallions (Song 1:9)

Pamela — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:25:25 +0000

O my darling companion, I see you as my mare among Pharaoh's chariots! Song 1:9 The journey ahead is not for the faint of heart. Courage is needed to survive the heat, and eyes to see what He sees. This is how you will carry Him into His victory!

The Pathway to Love (Song 1:8)

Pamela — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:59:56 +0000

Finally! Solomon sends back an answer to the Shulamite about how she can find him. I hope it arrived faster than it took for me to return here. :-) Now the only question remaining is, "Will she venture out?"