Finding True Love

October 23, 2011


Background Scripture: Song of Solomon 4:1 – 5:1
Lesson Passage: Song of Solomon 4:8 – 16; 5:1a

There have been many songs written about finding true love outside of the realm of religion. For those who are my age or older, who could forget titles such as “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places”, “Why do Fools fall in Love?”, and “Love on a Two-way Street”. Those songs reflected on the trials of those who were in pursuit of true love but somehow detoured down the wrong road and only found heartaches and disappointment. In fact, many songs outside of the area of religion lead listeners to the conclusion that true love is only a myth and not a reality. Over and over listeners are reminded that people are just out for themselves at the expense of others. The person who falls in love is bound to have their feelings trampled on by the one who is the very object of their affection. Of course in all of these cases love is spoken of as a romantic fulfillment. But even in an area as personal as romance the bible is not silent. Yes, the bible has much to say about agape’ or benevolent love but it also speaks concerning romance.

There is a love story in the bible. Better yet, there is a story of romance in the bible. The story shares with the reader dialog between two young lovers. They each speak at different times in the first person. Some passages of it are enough to make you blush as you peer through the poetic prose at its suggestive message. It doesn’t appear to be read by very many but if they knew what was in there, perhaps it would be one of the most read books in the bible. Of course I am speaking of Song of Solomon. Solomon wrote this beautiful prose as an expression of young love. It is properly placed in the poetic division of the bible along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Its structure is poetic and many of its passages are mesmerizing. Sensuality is described as scenes from nature such as wildlife and plants. The language is enough to arouse one’s visual senses as well as sense of smell without becoming lewd or offensive. Just one glance was all it took to send her lover into a state of daydreaming. Her beauty is described using scenes of untarnished nature. The enclosed garden that is shut up is descriptive of fidelity. Finally, what was described as her garden with its bouquet of pleasing aromas, he now claims as his garden that he has entered to enjoy its fruits. Unlike the non-spiritual songs that often end with tales of disappointment, this song stands on the real possibility of true love that is enduring.


Robert C. Hudson
October 11, 2011