“If you want to be loved, love and be lovable.” -Benjamin Franklin

“Your love is sweeter than wine; the smell of your perfume is more fragrant than spices.” Song of Songs 4:10 CEV 

Another book of wisdom–but who needs a racey book about lovers? 

What are we supposed to learn from Songs of Songs? The book no preacher wants to discuss yet is a good collection of poems.

Do you remember the song “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and The News? 

🎶The power of love is a curious thing

Make a one man weep, make another man sing

Change a hawk to a little white dove

More than a feeling, that’s the power of love🎶

In the same fashion as Lewis’ statement on love, Solomon begins “Solomon’s Songs of Songs, “ which in Hebrew is like saying “The Greatest Thing.”  He wants your attention. 

This love poem expresses the human experience of love and sexual desire and the winding cycle between the lovers gets developed in repeated themes of intense desire and the joy of physical attraction. The elaborate metaphors that describe one another in Hebrew are not visual–you are supposed to reflect on the meaning of the image. 

“Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead… (SOS 4:1) may not flatter women today, but if you were an Israelite shepherd, the image of his bride’s hair flowing like a herd of goats was indeed erotic and highly praised. 

All of the author’s wisdom comes together in a sobering conclusion: 

“..for love is as strong as death and its jealousy unyielding as the grave.” SOS 8:6b

THE POWER OF LOVE 

If you are Israel: Woman =Israel; Man=God; Love =Covenant on Mt. Sinai 

If you are a Christian: Love is symbolic of Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5) 

Love is a Divine Gift and the Garden Imagery is Vivid in SOS. 

God provides a place to be in unity. To be Vulnerable and Untainted. To be in relationship.  

Love is the transcendent gift and one day will permeate the entire world. 

The song Power of Love was written for the film, “Back to the Future.”  Whether we look back or forward, I believe Solomon and Huey Lewis are wise.  

🎶It’s Strong And It’s Sudden And It’s Cruel Sometimes.

But It Might Just Save Your Life.

That’s The Power Of Love. 🎶   

Prayer: 

Thank you for your LOVE, which is perfect and never fails. How beautiful are the special people you place in our lives and the bonds you allow us to experience.  Please bless our relationships on earth to your glory. We pray that our lives are filled with the power of Your divine love, Lord, so we can make a difference and bring honor to You. Amen