Today, we turn to Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, as it has been known traditionally. This book of the Bible nearly didn’t make it as a book of the Bible, because there’s not much in it about God. Additionally, the focus is romantic love. Some have seen it as an allegory for our love for God, but it’s clear that the book is written from a man to a woman who are in love. The poetry gets a bit graphic at times, as well as strange to the 21st century reader’s ears.
In chapter 1, we see how the “song” is set forth: the woman speaks, then the man replies. At times a “chorus” adds a descriptive phrase or comment. We’re told the man is King Solomon. It would be a good guess the woman is the pharaoh of Egypt’s daughter, because of some of the references Solomon makes. He describes her as a “mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.” While poetry is often geared to the era in which is written, the specific reference makes it likely the lover is pharaoh’s daughter. As we read the back and forth between the couple, it is obvious they are young and “in love.” I put “in love” in quotes, because the comments are emotional comments. The in love experience is primarily physical and emotional. It is a good thing designed by God. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be reading about it here, but it is also temporary, put in place so that a couple might be attracted to each other, and develop a relationship where true love, what the New Testament calls “agape” can develop.
In chapter 2, many images from nature are used to describe the love between Solomon and his love. She describes him as a gazelle and stag. One of the comments made that has often been expanded on and allegorized is the “little foxes” that spoil the vineyards. Many a Christian author and preacher have expanded on what those “foxes” are that attempt to come in and ruin the love relationship between a husband and wife. Whether that was Solomon’s intent, the point is well taken: Many challenges face a couple who are committed to living in a committed marriage relationship as husband and wife.
In chapter 3, the bride is waiting for the wedding, and we aren’t certain whether she dreams she went into the city at night or she did, looking for Solomon. She finds him and brings him home. Then the scened changes to Solomon arriving with an impressive entourage for his wedding, so now, we’re more certain the bride was dreaming at the beginning of the chapter.
As we return to Mark 3, we see the conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees grow. Jesus healed a man with a withered hand in a synagogue on a Sabbath. Before doing it, Jesus asked the religious leaders whether it was lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath, but they wouldn’t respond. This filled Jesus with anger at their lack of concern for the man. He healed the man and we’re told the Pharisees went out and found the Herodians and conspired to eliminate Jesus. This alliance, the Pharisees and the Herodians, was so unlikely. These two groups hated each other, but because of their common concern that Jesus was dangerous, and would ultimately cause the Romans to attack Israel when the crowds determined to make Him king, they worked together. As we go through the rest of the chapter, Jesus continues to impress the crowds and antagonize the religious leaders. His actions disturb His family to the point that they want to come and take Him home, but that doesn’t happen. The religious leaders accuse Jesus of using the power of Satan to cast out demons. Jesus tells them this is absurd, because a house divided against itself cannot stand. He also tells them any sin committed by humanity will be forgiven, except this sin against the Holy Spirit. While some have stated the sin against the Holy Spirit is committing suicide, the obvious point of Jesus is it is a sin against the Holy Spirit to attribute His work to Satan. Jesus’ power to heal was not demonic, but was the Holy Spirit.