BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

People love good food. We love our favorite sports teams. We love our kids, our friends, and sunny weather. All of which leaves us asking: What is the nature of “love?"

You’ve seen the way Song of Songs responds to that question by focusing on the bond two intimate lovers experience. The book concludes, fittingly, with reflections on the nature of love. It suggests love is like a seal, marking the strong bond between two lovers and wielding a power greater than death itself.

Ironically, such power also makes love dangerous. It’s an unquenchable fire, the authors say, which can either spread destruction or provide warmth and light. So enjoy the intense goodness of love—sparks of attraction, the glow of affection, the fireworks of intimacy. But respect its power and proceed not with fear but with wisdom. Love misused and abused can burn everything to the ground.

Love is also divine, a gift only God can give. No one can manufacture or manipulate love, and no amount of money can buy genuine love. Whatever favor or connection it does buy might feel nice for a moment, but that’s nothing like real love.

When we read Song of Songs along with the whole Hebrew Bible, we discover that the God of love designed every human being to bear his image. That is, to be motivated in every thought and action by love for God and all creation, including every neighbor.

Watch the video to learn how Song of Songs links our deep desire for human intimacy with our deep desire for unashamed, intimate union with our creator.

Reflection Questions

• Where else in the biblical story have you seen a man’s long hair getting him tangled up in trouble? (Look back at Judges 16 and 2 Samuel 18:9-15 if you need a hint.) How might Song of Songs 7:5 be riffing on this pattern?
• The Hebrew word for “desire” in Song of Songs 7:10 is teshuqah. This rare noun also describes the desire between a woman and a man in Genesis 3:16. What does this hyperlink show you about God’s intention for male and female relationships? What other reversals of the Genesis 3 curses do you notice in Song of Songs?