The Gift of Loving and Being in Love - Song of Solomon 1-2

 Song of Songs 2:3-7 (ESV Strong's)

3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest,

so is my beloved among the young men.

With great delight I sat in his shadow,

and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

4 He brought me to the banqueting house,

and his banner over me was love.

5 Sustain me with raisins;

refresh me with apples,

for I am sick with love.

6 His left hand is under my head,

and his right hand embraces me!

7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

by the gazelles or the does of the field,

that you not stir up or awaken love

until it pleases.

The Gift of Loving and Being in Love

Song of Solomon is a love song between a man (Solomon) and his wife-to-be (the Shulammite woman mentioned in 6:13).  It is a collection of poems and love songs celebrating their love and intimacy.   The above section is one of the most intimate descriptions of the love between them. It should be read metaphorically and symbolically about the interaction of their love.  It could be understood in a relational manner, or, to some, even in a sexual manner.   The word pictures are amazing when used to describe the unending, unconditional love between these two lovers.   The main and clear message is that love between a husband and a wife ought be to enjoyed and expressed. Although this section is spoke by the woman to the man, it ought to be understood as the common thread of their love for each other.   Note what is tells us:

1. The Uniqueness of your lover (v. 3a):  He is described by the woman as an “apple tree among the trees of the forest.”  There was a common apple tree in the Middle East during Solomon’s days.  However, she is speaking to him as an “apple tree” among all other trees.  She sees him as unique (we will see more, why in a moment).  The point of this verse is that are many “trees” but she takes the time to observe his uniqueness.   She does not see him as “like all the rest.”  She is in love with his idiosyncrasies ... she does not want to conform him to look like the others.  She embraces that he is not like the others. 

2.  The Protection of your lover (v. 3b): She states she sat “under the shadow” of the apple tree. She is not content to simply pass by it.  She takes time to linger under the breath of its branches and, in the extreme heat of the day, finds a place to find shelter.  The spouse ought to be that place for the other.   A place in the shadow, away from the heat of life.   

3.  The Satisfaction for your lover (v. 3c):  Although we should never make our lover the person who fills the hole in our lives (that is for Christ alone), the statement that “his fruit is sweet to my taste,” tells us that the spouse satisfies.   Point number three is only possible when you embrace numbers one and two, however.   When you see your lover as the unique person they are and that they provide that shadow from the heat, you can relax and be satisfied with them and enjoy the sweet tastes of their love. 

4.  There is an Identity with your lover (v. 4).  The word picture of bringing the lover into a banquet house and displaying a banner over her, is understood best through the Mideast lens.  The “banner” would be the man’s insignia or family crest.  The “banner” was what the army displayed in the say of a flag as they went forth to conquer.  The confession of the lover here is that she is welcoming to be included and identified with him.   The modern day equivalent would be taking on the last name of the lover.   The deeper meaning is that you are welcoming the thought of indemnifying yourself with this person for the rest of your life.   

5.  The Sustenance from your lover (v. 5).  The Hebrew word for “sustain” in verse five is, sâmaḵ. It means to “lean upon” or “lay upon.”   The thought here is that the lover ought to be able to lean into their lover for sustenance.  The “apple” is returned from verse three as a source of that sustenance.  The raisin (a delicacy in the Middle East) is included.  The lover doesn’t need to wander because they find great sustenance in their spouse.  

6.  The Comfort of touch from your love (v. 6).  Great research has been done on the power of touch.   The warmth of touch to a baby surpasses all other comforts for the child.  The warm touch to the elder as they sleep off to glory is said to be one of the most powerful of all touches, even sparking life through death.  Touch is amazing.   The “embrace” spoken of here gives us our greatest sense of intimacy between the two. It does not have to be sexual and, in fact, does not say that.  It simply talks about the power of touch and the comfort of knowing you can reach across the empty space and feel warmth.  

7.  The Timing of love for your lover (v. 7).  The Shulammite implores all others to recognize the beauty and timing of love.  Before all creation (gazelles and the doe) she “adjures” (asking them to commit an oath) to “not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”  There are many interpretations for that phrase, but the one common thread is that love has timing.   One cannot rush into love nor miss the opportunity for love.  Love is always ready but never to be common.  It is not to be taken for granted. It has a special timing and a special moment.   

We have to remember that this poem is often a metaphor for our relationship with Christ. All of this could be compared to the “I am” statements of Christ.  He is our Way, our Bread, our Shepherd, our Life, our Door, our Living Water.  He is our love.  We should never allow another to take His place.  But, the love that God ushers into our lives is for the soul purpose of giving us a way to understand that love and express that love.