Song of Songs 5—6: Affirming One Another
"THAT WAS A great meal." "You look fabulous." "Thanks for remembering." We all need to be noticed and appreciated. Sometimes we forget to affirm those we are closest to—yet they are the ones who most value our opinions. In the Song of Songs we have a picture of loving, mutual affirmation.
Warming Up to God
In what area of your life would you most like to be praised?
Read Song of Songs 5—6. »
Discovering the Word
- The image of a garden runs through this passage and the whole book (5:1; 6:2-3). How is it appropriate to the picture of marital love?
- Prompted by the friends in 5:9, the beloved describes her lover. 5:10-16 is the only place where she describes his appearance. We don't know whether he was present at that time. If he did hear her words—or if he heard about her praise—how would this have been meaningful to him?
- Why is it important to make praise specific and concrete as in 5:10-16?
- In 6:3 the beloved says, "I am my lover's and my lover is mine," while in 2:16 she says, "My lover is mine and I am his." What does this statement and the variation in wording tell you about the relationship?
Applying the Word
- This is a picture of a couple who is actively adoring, courting and pursuing each other. What is the value of this in a marriage?
- What have you seen happen when this aspect of the relationship is neglected?
- Think of someone close to you, perhaps your spouse or a parent, that you need to affirm. How can you do this?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make you a channel of love and affirmation to those you meet.
For Further Study
Five Festal Garments by Barry G. Webb