Bibledoorajar thinks about a sub-theme: two-way communication

      There are several sub-themes that can be found in the song. The one that we will be discussing today is the two-way communication that lovers seek. He says; she says. One might say that in terms of a lasting relationship such communication is a vital link. And amid the tensions of life, it requires much. To be important to each other requires boldness and concentration. But most importantly it requires honesty and loyalty. Expressing love in a meaningful way is no small task, but when you read the Song of the Bride you find that communication of love is of utmost importance. Because it must be communicated under very trying conditions. The Shulamite girl has been discovered by Solomon and brought into his summer courts out in the country. Though a traveling court, the setting is nevertheless, one fraught with all the trappings of palace life. Some academicians say that the girl had already been brought to the king's court with the intentions of marriage, but she opposed doing so because of her steadfast love of another. She has already acknowledged the interest of another suitor and has been caught up in the wonder of it all. You see, a handsome shepherd had already appeared on the scene. Ah Hah! Now, we have a situation where she loves the one (the shepherd), but is being pursued by another (the king).
     How will the young woman react? Will she go for the simplicity of her first love or be convinced by the king and his courtiers that she should forget the shepherd and "buy in" to being one of Solomon's wives? How will she handle a situation that has turned out entirely different than she expected? Can we understand that she might be feeling a little inadequate ESPECIALLY since it seems the shepherd has gone away?  All she has are the memories of his love words. Can she believe that her shepherd will return to her or should she settle for a lesser life emotionally even though it would be filled with the great and wonderful treasures of the court?
     Let's meet the bride. She is described in the story as a country girl, a Shulamite. It is interesting that Solomon, whose name means peaceful, wrote of a Shulamite girl. Shulamite also means peaceful. As a country girl, she has been busy working in her family's vineyards. She explains that by having to work in the fields she has become sunburned and feels inadequate compared to the women she has met in the courts. Because of her life's circumstances, she has not been able to enhance her beauty or groom herself. She had worked along a caravan route in the rugged hill country of Israel and had seen the passing caravans loaded with riches. Now she has been brought into the palace. She can smell the rich spices in use. She can see the beautiful ladies of the court. How can she possibly compare? But amazingly, she finds her voice.
     Jesus spoke of leaving the many safe ones and pursuing the one that was lost amid life's circumstances. You know, the ones of us that get caught up in making our way in the world. He even refers to Himself as the Shepherd, the one who wants to love us and care for us. Most of us know the experience of believing Him and even loving Him, but nevertheless, allowing the glitzy things and/or people of the world to enthrall us. We speak lovingly of our Shepherd and our "other world" relationship, all the while we are being bombarded to accept an earthly life. One hymn writer (Palmer Hartsough),  discussed the dilemma and his resolution this way:

                                     "I am resolved, no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights.                        
                                     Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.                                  
                                     I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free. Jesus, greatest highest, I will come                        
                                     to Thee."

     In the end, may we all leave behind a beautiful song, the apex of songs, one set with care and performed from the heart lauding our Shepherd who loves us so. Praise Jesus!