“The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s” ~Song 1:1
History tells us that King Solomon was known for writing 1005 songs.[1] But incredibly, the only one knowingly preserved unto this day is called the “Song of songs!” Obviously, this makes it very important. In Hebrew, the term “of” is superlative, emphasizing preeminence and choiceness. Other examples are: “King of Kings” and “Holy of Holies.” What this means for us, is to pause, and here consider the life-changing implications of treading further. How would it feel to suddenly come upon a door that reads, “You are entering a sacred place. This is the Song of Heaven itself”? This is essentially what the first part of verse 1 is communicating.
What is YOUR experience with the Song of Songs?
I believe anyone starting off on a journey of faith knows, deep down, that the “Song” is uniquely special and useful for their spiritual life. But unfortunately most don’t have the tools to properly understand it. When I was a young girl, I remember reading the Song in secret, and how it ignited desires in me for what was spiritually possible in my love-relationship with Christ. But being in a strict religious environment, I didn’t have a mature place to talk about the details of sex, let alone a book like the Song of Songs! So it was largely something that I “put on a back burner,” while meanwhile pursuing a more intellectual and dispassionate approach to studying the Bible.
I once heard it said, that a newborn’s spiritual journey begins with a revelation of a “Who.” The simplicity of this newly awakened love is pure and unadulterated. Then as we begin to mature, we take more of an interest in the “What’s” and “Why’s” of our beliefs: What do we believe in? Why do we believe them? This often takes us down more religious/church paths, as we seek out people to teach and guide us. But sadly, more often than not, a relationship with Christ is taken for granted. A revelation of spiritual family is replaced with “church” family, and we fall into pursuits and distractions that are non-intimate by nature: even good things “about” God, but that somehow leave us destitute of a truly meaningful interaction with the “Who” we were once in love with.
This has worked itself out in history, too. Listen to this quote:
| “Undefiled religion started off in Palestine as a Relationship, traveled to Greece where it became a Philosophy, traveled to Rome where it became an Institution, traveled to Europe where it became a Culture, and then to America where it became a Business.” – unknown |
I believe we are in a time of history right now, revealing a remnant of people who are no longer wandering in this wilderness, but instead focused on the “Who” of their first love. They are weary of never-ending opinions on politics, philosophy, and culture. They have shed the garments of dead religion. And they have repented of their fearful wanderings – returning with a whole heart to truly be a part of God’s “intimate Kingdom.”
It is for this remnant that the Song has been locked for, waiting to be released!
My prayer is that in the days ahead, I/we will be aware of any remaining reservations to fully entering into this deeply submitted, and fruitful love-relationship that we were born for.
He taught me how to sing the latest God song,
a praise song to our God.
More and more people are seeing this:
they enter the mystery,
abandoning themselves to God.
~Psalm 40:3 (TPT)
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[1] 1 Kings 4:32
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I think this is definitely what I have experienced, since leaving the organised church – and organised religion gradually leaves me – I am becoming less and less occupied with the ‘whats’ and ‘whys’ – and also the ‘whens’ and even the ‘hows’ – and more and more focused on the Who. There seems to be less and less of the peripheral stuff because life is becoming more and more of a clinging to Him – because I can’t survive without Him – in all kinds of ways. I suppose that’s life in the desert. Everything is stripped away – one becomes naked – which is the condition for intimacy.
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Today is Thanksgiving, and I’m thankful for you, my friend! And, for your sharing here. :-) Much love!
When I was a new Christian I read the Song of Solomon, didn’t understand it and just read it quickly while reading the Old Testament. Even after Bible school and learning how other people interpreted it, I still wasn’t impressed. The more I studied Scriptures, the more I gained head knowledge. Then slowly the Lord began to impress upon me that I knew about Him, but I did not know Him. I did a word study on the word know in the Hebrew Lexicon. It has a variety of definitions but these really impressed me – “to know in your heart” and “know one intimately (as married men and women know each other)”. As I pondered those definitions I found myself praying, “Lord, I want to Know you in my heart and not just know about you. I know Christianity is about relationships, and I want a deeper relationship, a heart relationship with you.” The next time I read Song of Solomon I began to realize that the book is about a relationship with our Savior – a deep loving relationship. After many years, I’m still learning and I’m loving Him more and am able to receive and comprehend His love for me. Love your writing, Pamela. ❤️
Author
Thank you, Uncle Sam, for this testimony. You are right that there is a difference between knowing about Christ, and knowing Christ. I don’t know, a lot of the time, if I fully comprehend what it all means. The desire for more is there. Thus this study, and my appreciation, for people like you who are on this journey with me.
Beautiful!