By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Relational Foundations
Song of Solomon 2:15–3:5
Preventative Care (2:15)
Foxes are pests that wreak havoc in vineyards. Here they represent some hindrances that are threatening to spoil the relationship of this engaged couple. The imagery of “vineyards” in this verse most likely refers to the couple’s relationship of betrothal followed by marriage.
Other plant-eating animals such as deer and bears could cause damage to vineyards, especially when the vineyards were in bloom. The tender leaves and clusters of buds that would grow and ripen into delicious grapes would develop in time if the vines were not damaged. Vineyard owners often constructed rock walls around their vineyards to keep out unwanted animals, but foxes were cunning and difficult to keep out.
The intention of this verse is to warn the groom and bride not to overlook potential issues that could threaten the long-term health of their marriage. They cannot afford to allow small but destructive matters to go unaddressed.
We tend to sweat the small things. God is teaching us that we need to practice Barney Fife theology: “We need to nip it in the bud.” If small issues are not identified and worked through biblically, they can merge with other small concerns. Eventually they blow up and cause great damage to the marriage. Christians need to be vigilant and erect safeguards to protect their marriages.
Build Trust (2:16–17)
Both the bride and the groom have chosen an exclusive relationship with each other. The language in verse 16 is of desire and delight, confidence and assurance. “My love is mine, and I am his.” He belongs to me, and I belong to him. They share a mutual understanding and confidence. They have an exclusive and intimate love for one another.
The shepherd-king also “feeds among the lilies.” He enjoys the delights, love and pleasures she has to offer. She gladly gives herself to this man as a gift because he has given himself to her. A biblical relationship is always two givers. It is not a giver and a taker, nor is it two takers. The husband gives himself without reserve to his wife. She, in return, is set free to give herself to him without reservation or hesitation.
In verse 17 the couple longs for marital union and sexual consummation. Because they belong to each other, they want each other with no barriers standing in the way.
Thinking ahead to what they will enjoy, the Shulamite woman invites Solomon to come into her with the agility, strength and beauty of a gazelle or young stag.
For a proper interpretation of her words in 2:17, we cannot forget the words she spoke to her female attendants in 2:7. She had told them: “Do not stir up or awaken love until the appropriate time.” She declared that sexual intimacy must be reserved for the appropriate time according to God. The appropriate time does not include the betrothal period but comes after the marriage ceremony.
While she had strong physical desires for Solomon, she also desired to be able to present herself to him in purity on their wedding night.
Restraint Required (3:1–5)
In 3:1–4, the Shulamite woman is dreaming on the night before her wedding. The dreams are filled with symbolic meanings relating to her anxiety about giving up her purity. Still, she longs to be sexually intimate with her future husband.
Overcoming fear, she arises and seeks her groom in the dark streets of the city. Her love for her groom was creating strong sexual yearnings within her. This strong desire for her future husband was a God-given yearning; however, the desire had to be reserved for the appropriate time.
Our lesson concludes with the bride repeating her warning not to “stir up or awaken love until the appropriate time.” The unmarried are warned about pursuing physical intimacy before marriage. Becoming sexually active before marriage is a sin and deprives people of enjoying God’s intended gift.
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