True Love’s Desire

Psalm 53:4–6 ESV

4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God? 5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them. 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Colossians 1:15–23 (ESV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Song of Solomon 2:3–7 ESV

3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 5 Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love. 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me! 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

Introduction

We have now moved to a fuller statement of the relationship with the Shulamite giving expression to her esteem for Solomon.

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1. High Esteem v3

Song of Solomon 2:3 (ESV) — 3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

a. Stands Out

Song of Solomon 2:3 (ESV) — 3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

More likely an apricot tree.

“...the apricot has better claims than any other fruit-tree to be the apple of Scripture. It grows to a height of 30 feet, has a roundish mass of glossy leaves, and bears an orange coloured fruit that gives out a delicious perfume.” Easton, M. G. (1893). In Easton’s Bible dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.[1]

b. Gives Shade

Song of Solomon 2:3 (ESV) — 3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

To be in the presence of her lover gives pure contentment—it is both pleasant and edifying. He offers protection and pleasure, defence and delight. Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (p. 82). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

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Do you hold your love in high esteem? Is your fiance or spouse someone you regard highly and respect? Are you happy to be in his shade, so to speak? Further, is there a longing for intimacy with him (or with her)? Are you eager for the fruit he (or she) can offer? That is how it should be between prospective husband and wife, or man and wife. Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (p. 82). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

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2. Intimacy v4-6

Song of Solomon 2:4–6 (ESV) — 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 5 Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love. 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!

a. Banquet v4

Song of Solomon 2:4 (ESV) — 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

The place of acceptance in public way. Of feasting and joy. Of great confidence.

b. Banner v4

Song of Solomon 2:4 (ESV) — 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

Not the canopy of the Jewish wedding.

Numbers 2:2 (ESV) — 2 “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.

The rallying point for the army.

Origins of Trooping the Colour

Regimental flags of the British Army were historically described as ‘Colours’ because they displayed the uniform Colours and insignia worn by the soldiers of different units. The name ‘Colour’ continues to be used to this day. The principal role of a regiment’s Colours was to provide a rallying point on the battlefield. This was important because, without modern communications, it was all too easy for troops to become disoriented and separated from their unit during conflict.

The Guards are amongst the oldest regiments of the British Army and have served as the personal bodyguards of The Sovereign since the monarchy was restored after the English Civil War in 1660. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of King Charles II (1660 – 1685). In 1748, it was decided that this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760.

c. Hunger v5

Song of Solomon 2:5 (ESV) — 5 Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love.

When people fall in love, it is common enough for them to be unable to eat or to grow faint with love, to be lovesick, as we would say. The emotional turmoil has a physical effect on them. Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (p. 86). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

d. Longing v6

Song of Solomon 2:6 (ESV) — 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!

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On the human level, it is right that confident assurance be accompanied by longings for intimacy. There is something wrong if such feelings are absent. They need to be handled carefully, undoubtedly, but should be present. Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (p. 87). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

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3. Patience v7

Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

a. Oath

Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

It is not clear exactly what she means by the oath. It has been pointed out that the Hebrew words translated as ‘by the gazelles and by the does of the field’ sound a little like names for God and may contain a veiled reference to him. The reference to female deer matches others elsewhere to male deer and is perhaps an appropriate image for fertility, devotion and patience. Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (p. 88). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

b. Wait

Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

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Certainly the whole process of becoming one—living under the same roof, sharing the same bed—is a major undertaking. You cannot assume that just any person who happens to take your fancy can become your husband or wife as easily as that. People who entertain that belief are bound to run into heartache. Difficulty and disaster, sorrow and sadness loom. No, it is important to take care not to ‘arouse or awaken love until it so desires’. Love is a tender plant. It needs to develop at its own pace. When people try to rush things it is a little like the boy who decided to help the butterfly out of the chrysalis—it does not work. Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (p. 89). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

We turn now to what we see of Christ’s love for us

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4. High Esteem v3

Song of Solomon 2:3 (ESV) — 3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

a. Stands Out

Song of Solomon 2:3 (ESV) — 3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

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Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV) — 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Hebrews 2:9 (ESV) — 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Matthew 16:16–17 (ESV) — 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

b. Gives Shade

Song of Solomon 2:3 (ESV) — 3 As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

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John Owen wrote, ‘When the heat of wrath is ready to scorch the soul, Christ, interposing, bears it all. Under the shadow of his wings we sit down … putting our trust in him … with great delight.’ Brady, G. (2006). Heavenly Love: The Song of Songs Simply Explained (pp. 82–83). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.

Psalm 17:8 (ESV) — 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,

Psalm 91:1 (ESV) — 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 121:5 (ESV) — 5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

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5. Intimacy v4-6

Song of Solomon 2:4–6 (ESV) — 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 5 Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love. 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!

a. Banquet v4

Song of Solomon 2:4 (ESV) — 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

The place of acceptance in public way. Of feasting and joy. Of great confidence.

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Psalm 23:5 (ESV) — 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

1 Kings 17:4 (ESV) — 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”

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b. Banner v4

Song of Solomon 2:4 (ESV) — 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

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Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) — 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:19–22 (ESV) — 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 13:6 (ESV) — 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

c. Hunger v5

Song of Solomon 2:5 (ESV) — 5 Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love.

Matthew 5:6 (ESV) — 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

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John 6:35(ESV) — 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Psalm 84:1–2 (ESV) — 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

d. Longing v6

Song of Solomon 2:6 (ESV) — 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!

Psalm 42:1–2 (ESV) — 1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

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Psalm 63:1(ESV) — 1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

O for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb!

William Cowper

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6. Patience v7

Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

a. Oath

Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

Acts 4:12 (ESV) — 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

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Hebrews 12:25 (ESV) — 25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.

b. Wait

Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.

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Romans 8:22–25 (ESV)

22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Psalm 37:7 (ESV) 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Conclusion

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My dear Lord, I can but tell You that You know I long for nothing but Yourself, nothing but holiness, nothing but union with Your will. You have given me these desires, and You alone canst give me the thing desired. My soul longs for communion with You, for mortification of indwelling corruption, especially spiritual pride...Wrap my life in divine love, and keep me ever desiring You, always humble and resigned to Your will, more fixed on Yourself, that I may be more fitted for doing and-suffering. Charles H. Spurgeon

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Psalm 62:5–7 (ESV) 5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.