Song of Solomon 7:1-13

Song of Solomon 7:1-13

One theory about this chapter is that this is the story of a young woman who is loved by another but is being wooed by Solomon. According to this interpretation, the chapter closes with the final rejection of Solomon in verse 10. But there is the possibility that the young man was actually the young Solomon before he was corrupted.

Regardless, before us is a highly sexualized description of both the lovers' responses to her body. Verses 1-6 may be a description provided by the groom or by those who help dress the bride. Verses 7-9a are the descriptive words of the king, with verses 9b-13 being the description of the bride as she desires to give herself and a description of giving herself to her husband.

While the descriptions and similes may not be what we are used to, the description of giving oneself freely to one's spouse is something that transcends culture and language. There is within the safe and secure bonds of marriage a radical and open freedom. In verses 11-13, the bride and groom get away for an escape so that nothing distracts them from the delights and pleasures of sexual fulfillment.

“Lord, thank you for the freedom we enjoy in marriage. AMEN.”