by Wayne Stiles
God began the human race with marriage. His first command, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28), required the physical union the Song of Songs extols. But God clearly intended sexuality as more than a means of multiplication. He created it to crown a marriage of affirmation with pleasure.
In the Song of Songs, inspired discretion veils the couple’s erotic descriptions behind the language of metaphor. Just as Wyoming’s Grand Tetons veils its referent behind its French name, so Solomon refers to twin “mountains of spices” to describe the pleasantness of her anatomy (Song of Songs 8:14; cf. 1:13; 4:5-6). Indeed, one such reference reveals her desire for him to be like a deer “on the mountains of Bether,” literally, “mountains of separation” or “cleavage” (Song of Songs 2:17). Because Israel had no mountains called Bether, the bride’s implications are obvious.
Although the bride initially felt insecure about her looks, after Solomon’s kind words, she compared herself to a rose in the Sharon Plain (see Song of Songs 2:1). She likened him to blossoms in Engedi, an oasis beside the Dead Sea’s brackish shores (see Song of Songs 1:14). Likewise, he compared her head to Mount Carmel, a symbol of great elevation in Israel (see Song of Songs 7:5).
So many marriages today ignore the value of loving affirmation and turn instead to a critical tongue or a pointing finger. But the couple in the Song of Songs never does this. Instead, they repeatedly affirm one another in spite of their imperfections. They model the importance of frequent and sincere affirmation in marriage as well as physical union. In fact, an encouraging, godly attitude becomes the most attractive part of a person—even when physical beauty fades.
For all that needs to change in your marriage, consider starting with yourself (the only individual you can change). Apply the wisdom of Solomon and offer affirmation to your spouse—and prayers of blessing—instead of gripes, groans and eyes that roll.
Give your heart to this task today, just as you vowed to do years ago.
Post courtesy of www.waynestiles.com. Adapted from Wayne Stiles, Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands and Lessons of Christ (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2006), p. 144. Used by permission.
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