Song of Songs 7:10:

“I am my beloved’s
   and his desire is for me.”

Among the oldest interpretations of the book of Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) is that it is an allegory. Originally seen as Christ and Israel, then later understood as Christ and the true Israel (the Church). It’s one of the places we get so much imagery of the church being the ‘bride’ of Christ.

Understood in that way, this passage becomes one of the most beautiful, peaceful, comforting, exciting, encouraging, strengthening verses in all of God’s word.

As Christians we can remember that Christ’s work on our behalf wasn’t begrudging and it wasn’t a chore. And although he has carried our burden of sin, his desire remains for us and his work on our behalf is both obedient to God and joyful for us.

One of my favorite verses in all of scripture is found in Song of Solomon 2:15. It goes like this:

“Catch the foxes for us,
   the little foxes
that spoil the vineyards,
   for our vineyards are in blossom.”

It’s a beautiful peace of poetry and the sentiment of my own heart. As I reflected on it some tonight, I read Matthew-Henry’s commentary on that portion of scripture. His wording is pointed and concise. I couldn’t say it better, so I’ll let him.

“The first risings of sinful thoughts and desires, the beginnings of trifling pursuits which waste the time, trifling visits, small departures from truth, whatever would admit some conformity to the world; all these, and many more, are little foxes which must be removed. This is a charge to believers to mortify their sinful appetites and passions, which are as little foxes, that destroy their graces and comforts, and crush good beginnings. Whatever we find a hinderance to us in that which is good, we must put away.”

Solomon says:

"I am dark, but lovely." (Song of Solomon 1:5)

I say:

"I am filthy, but somehow loved."

Seems that me and Solomon share an important sentiment. This is not a matter of reason, but of reality–which might be the hardest part.