The Timing of Love - Song of Songs 7-8

 Song of Songs 8:4 (ESV)

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

that you not stir up or awaken love

until it pleases.

As this love Song of Solomon and his bride draws to a close, we have another warning from the couple about the “timing” of love.  This is now the third time the reader has been admonition to not “awaken love until it pleases.”   Here are the other two:

Song of Songs 2:7 (ESV) 

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.

Song of Songs 3:5 (ESV)

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.

Although there are a few different interpretations of this verse, as stated in earlier postings about it, we know for certain that love is to be treated with respect and awe.    We could conclude that the verse(s) have the following implications:

1. Love (expressed in the marriage bond) is fragile. It is not to be rushed into. 

2. Love (expressed in marriage) is a public demonstration.  This is why these verses are addressed to the “daughters of Jerusalem.”  These “daughters” (bridesmaids?) are in the “know” about something.   That are being warned about this rushing into love and that means whatever is happening is known to others.   

3.  Love (expressed in marriage) has a fuse to it.   This “not stir up” or “awaken love” must means that love like this can be dormant or silent.   There is something about love that has fire to it that must be lit.   

4. Love (expressed in marriage) must have pleasure.  If you don’t stir it up “until it pleases” there must be moment that love is “pleased.”   When love is activated the way it is supposed to be activated, it will bring pleasure.   

5. God gives love as a gift to those whom He will.  This verse can be talking about God’s perfect timing for falling in love or even in the act of making love in a sexual way.   There is a “timing” to the entire process.   There is not to be a rushing into it, no matter the interpretation of the type of love being referred to.   As they say, “timing is everything.”  This would be true in love and love making as well.   It is not to be simply an act of passion.  It is to be an act of intention and control for the purpose it is designed to express.