Song of Songs 3-4
-Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (NY) – today’s devotion will cover Song of Songs 2-3
Song of Songs chapters 2 and 3 continue the beautiful picture of mutual affection and love that was introduced in the first chapter. The woman and her beloved delight in one another, long for one another’s presence, and speak openly about the joy they find in being together. But these chapters also introduce another dimension of love: love must be protected, patiently received, and sometimes pursued through seasons when the one we desire feels distant.
Chapter 2 opens with the woman describing herself as a “lily of the valley” (2:1), which seems as though she is comparing herself to a rather ordinary flower that grows abundantly in the countryside in Israel. But that is exactly why the man’s response (i.e., her lover) is so meaningful. She may see herself as simply one flower among many, while he sees her as exquisite and incomparable. She is “a lily among the bramble” (2:2).
Moreover, she reciprocates with a description about the uniqueness and blessings of her lover by comparing him to “an apple tree among the trees of the forest” (2:3). and affirms that she delights to sit “in his shade” (2:3). This imagery communicates how she feels safe and refreshed in his presence. And then comes one of the most memorable statements in the book: “His banner over me is love” (2:4). His love is not something she hopes for or tries to earn but is the atmosphere surrounding her and is what is made known to her—she knows herself to be loved.
A few verses later, the beloved calls to her: “Rise up, my darling, my beautiful one, and come away.” (2:10). Winter has passed, spring flowers are appearing, and the season of singing has arrived. The imagery in this section is full of vibrancy, freshness, and new life. His love invites her out of hiding and into shared joy for something wonderful is developing in their relationship—“our vineyards are in bloom” (2:15).
Yet right alongside this excitement comes a repeated warning: Do “not stir up nor awaken love until it so desires.” (2:7). Song of Songs celebrates romantic desire, but it does not treat this desire carelessly or purely sensually. Love is powerful, and because it is so powerful, we must take care not to be manipulated or rushed into it. There is a proper time for love to awaken and a proper way for it to be expressed. But too often we are caught up on love and fall prey to the adage, “Love is blind.”
There is an interesting and difficult passage in chapter 2 that uses a striking image to teach an important lesson: “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards” (2:15). The image suggests that a vineyard may be flourishing, but little creatures (like foxes) can quietly damage what is growing. Relationships are often harmed in the same way. It is not always one enormous betrayal that shatters a relationship and breaks trust. Sometimes it is the accumulation of a bunch of small actions, such as perhaps a few too many times of neglect, some residual resentment, foolish words repeatedly spoken, too much secrecy, the presence of selfishness, or unresolved hurts and wounds. Love is something to enjoy, but also something to carefully guard and protect.
At the climax of chapter 2 is the woman’s declaration, “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” (2:16). This language of being “someone’s” is not possessive or controlling but rather is the product of mutual commitment. Love creates a place where both people can say, in effect, “I give myself to you, and I receive you with joy.” The woman and her beloved are sharing this belongingness to each other as an expression of their true love.
When entering chapter 3, it is apparent that the mood has shifted. During the night, the woman searches for the one she loves and cannot find him. She gets up, walks through the city, asks the watchmen if they have seen him, and continues searching until at last she finds him, and she says, “I held him and would not let him go” (3:4).
There is something very relatable about what is described in this scene. When we love someone, their absence can feel like an enormous hole—a vacuum that nothing can fill. What once felt secure and steadfast can suddenly feel uncertain, and our longing can quickly turn into restlessness. But the woman does not respond to her anxious thoughts with fears and inner turmoil. Instead, she goes and searches diligently until she finds him.
Although Song of Songs is primarily celebrating human romantic love, this scene can also remind us of our relationship with God. There are times when God’s presence feels close and very perceivable, like the break from the sun when sitting in the shade of tree or spring blossoms and flower blooms in spring. But there are other times when our prayers may feel dry, less connected. Maybe reading Scripture feels less insightful, more rote and mechanical, and God seems strangely distant. Those experiences do not mean that He has abandoned us, but they can expose how deeply we desire His presence—the peace and comfort only He can give.
The woman’s intense searching can challenge us in those seasons. Instead of responding to a time of spiritual “dryness” with fear and worry, we can get up and seek Him. We can continue to pray even when prayer feels difficult; we can devote ourselves to Scripture even when reading seems to lack emotion and delight; we can keep meeting with God’s people and continue to serve; and we can refuse to let a temporary feeling of distance rewrite what God has already told us about His faithfulness and nearness to us.
Chapters 2 and 3 remind us that healthy love has elements of both delight and caution. It rejoices in the presence of the one we love, respects proper timing, protects what is precious, and continues to pursue even in times when we might feel disconnected or frustrated in moments of longing. Therefore, let’s receive the love God has given us with gratitude, protect the relationships He has entrusted to us, and keep seeking Him even when we do not immediately feel what we wish we did. His love is faithful, and so let’s be faithful in loving Him back.
Reflection Questions
- What specific “little foxes” (including those of your own making) have the power of sneaking in to spoil your love relationships (both with a spouse, and/or with God)? What can you do to protect your love relationship(s) from each of these “little foxes”?
- What do you think it means to, “not stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (or various other translations, as seen in 3:5)? How many times does Solomon repeat this phrase? What is the danger in not following this advice?
- What is your common response when your love (spouse and/or God) feels difficult or distant? What would seeking look like in your case? Have you been through a dry spell that then revived? What do you think helped?
Prayer
Dear God, You are a great lover of me. Thank You for faithfully loving me. I confess the times I have allowed little foxes to eat away at my devotion to You, and times when I am more distant from You, often due to distractions I have allowed. Help me protect and pursue our love – with time, desire, effort, and a full heart. Thank you, too, for the gift of loved ones You have given. Help me to protect and pursue those relationships – particularly that of my spouse (as it applies) – what a wonderful plan for marriage and family You have created for me to honor, enjoy, protect and pursue. Help me be the spouse You want me to be.
Seek Grow Love 