Song of Songs 2:1-7

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

– Song of Songs 2:1-7 (NIV)

Devotion

The rose of Sharon and lily of the valleys were flowers common to the fields in Israel. The girl was probably saying “I’m not so special; I’m just an ordinary flower,” to which Solomon replied “Oh no, you are extraordinary! You are a lily among thorns.” Solomon was using the language of love. The woman responded by comparing her lover to a strong, healthy apple tree in the forest, under which she could sit down and take protection from the hot afternoon sun. She could also find fruit for her sustenance under this beautiful tree. By comparing him to a fruit tree among the usual trees of the forest, she tells him that he is one in a million. After sharing their special feelings with one another, their relationship becomes more intimate. The woman gives a word of warning to other women out of experience to let love grow naturally. Gazelles and does only mate at a certain time of the year. She is telling women to be patient and wait for God’s timing in their pursuit of a love relationship.

The Big Question

The lovers tell each other how special they are to one another. How do you communicate with the special people in your life? What are some ways you can show how special they are to you? This passage encourages us not to force romance because the emotions of love grow faster than the commitment required to make a relationship really last. We see this happen all too often in our culture today. What are some ways we can patiently wait and even test these feelings of love so that we can be sure of God’s timing and develop the commitment needed to have a long and healthy marriage?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what you have learned.