Song of Solomon 4:5-10a

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

Bible Reading

Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, that graze among the lilies. Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense. You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; come with me from Lebanon. Depart from the peak of Amana, from the peak of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of lions, from the mountains of leopards. You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!

– Song of Solomon 4:5-10a

Devotion

The language Solomon uses here is quite erotic, and yet it shows the healthy type of love between a husband and a wife. Solomon speaks not only of the physical beauty of his wife which has taken him captive, but also her character. He is in love with the entire person of his wife, not just her body. God has given spouses to one another so that that can enjoy both physical and emotional intimacy, reveling in each other as they become one in body and in spirit within the boundaries of marriage.

Our society tends to focus on physical sexual attraction (lust) instead of true love. Many movies portray sex as intimacy when, in fact, intimacy is the knowledge of the whole person. Physical beauty may grab the attention, but the inner character of a person is what holds it. Outward beauty can fade, but character can grow over time. A marriage based on physical attraction alone will lead to disaster, but a marriage based on intimate sharing of mind, soul and body will thrive.

The Big Question

If you are single, what characteristics do you find attract you to someone else? Are you more focused on outward or inward beauty? Are you more concerned with your own outward appearance or with your inner character? If you are married, how can you achieve true intimacy? What might you change to create a healthier marriage?

Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.