The Celebration of Marriage

In chapters one and two of our series on Song of Solomon, we explored the beauty and depth of love as it begins and blossoms. Lesson 1 introduced the foundation of love, focusing on mutual admiration and the importance of self-control. The opening verses highlighted how love grows out of a genuine appreciation for both character and physical qualities, reminding us that true attraction encompasses the whole person.

We also learned about the necessity of godly restraint, as emphasized by the refrain, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases," which teaches the value of patience in preserving love's beauty and sanctity.

Chapter two built on this foundation by delving into the excitement and challenges of love in bloom. Using vivid springtime imagery, we saw how readiness and trust are crucial for cultivating a relationship. The bride's joy in her beloved's pursuit highlighted the thrill of mutual affection, while the "little foxes" served as a reminder to protect love from minor issues that could harm its growth.

Through the bride's longing for her beloved, we were reminded to trust God's timing, as love flourishes best when nurtured with care and patience. Together, these lessons invite us to celebrate love while honoring its sacred design and trusting God's plan for relationships.

As we move from the excitement and anticipation of love in bloom, highlighted in Lesson 2, we now turn to the celebration of love's fulfillment in Lesson 3.

This next part of our series focuses on the beauty of covenant commitment and the joy of marital intimacy, as expressed in Song of Solomon 3:6-5:1. Through the imagery of a wedding procession and the poetic admiration of the bride and groom, we'll see how love reaches its fullest expression within the sanctity of marriage.

I. The Wedding Procession (Song of Solomon 3:6-11)

A. Celebration of Marriage and Covenant Love (vs. 6-8)

"What is this coming up from the wilderness
Like columns of smoke,
Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
With all scented powders of the merchant?
- Song of Solomon 3:6

The bride is depicted as coming in a cloud of fragrant perfumes, symbolizing her beauty, purity, and readiness for marriage. The "columns of smoke" evoke imagery of grandeur and holiness, connecting the celebration to the sacredness of covenant love.

"Behold, it is the traveling couch of Solomon;
Sixty mighty men around it,
Of the mighty men of Israel.
- Song of Solomon 3:7

The presence of warriors guarding the procession underscores the importance and protection of the marriage covenant. This highlights the weight and dignity of marriage as a solemn, celebrated union.

"All of them are wielders of the sword,
Expert in war;
Each man has his sword at his side,
Guarding against the terrors of the night.
- Song of Solomon 3:8

The imagery of armed protection signifies the effort required to safeguard love and the marital bond. Marriage is not merely a private event but a commitment that deserves honor, defense, and care.

B. Community Involvement and Joy in Marriage (vs. 9-11)

"King Solomon has made for himself a sedan chair
From the timber of Lebanon.
- Song of Solomon 3:9

The chair, made of fine materials, reflects the value and celebration surrounding this marriage. Marriage is portrayed as something precious, worthy of preparation and adornment.

"Go forth, O daughters of Zion,
And gaze on King Solomon with the crown
With which his mother has crowned him
On the day of his wedding,
And on the day of his gladness of heart."
- Song of Solomon 3:11

The "daughters of Zion" are invited to witness the joy and splendor of the wedding, showing that marriage is a communal celebration. The reference to Solomon's crown emphasizes the honor and joy of the marital covenant, as well as its significance for the broader community.

Key Lessons

1. Marriage as a Covenant

The wedding procession symbolizes the sacredness of marriage, not just as a legal agreement but as a covenantal bond, blessed and honored by God.

2. Joy and Celebration

Marriage is a source of deep joy, celebrated not only by the couple but also by the community, reflecting its significance in the broader fabric of life.

3. Protecting the Covenant

The imagery of armed warriors guarding the procession reminds us that love and marriage require effort, intentionality, and protection against threats.

Application

For Individuals Preparing for Marriage

• Reflect on the significance of marriage as a covenant relationship, not just an emotional or practical union.
• Approach marriage with a sense of honor and readiness, preparing yourself spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

For Married Couples

• Celebrate the joy of your union regularly, remembering the sacredness of your commitment.
• Take intentional steps to guard your marriage from distractions or challenges that could harm its foundation.

Spiritual Connection

• Reflect on the parallels between the wedding procession and Christ's love for His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27). Just as the procession highlights joy, holiness, and honor, so does God's covenant love for His people.

The wedding procession in Song of Solomon 3:6-11 beautifully illustrates the sacredness, joy, and communal celebration of marriage. It reminds us that covenant love is a precious gift, requiring honor, effort, and the support of others to flourish.

II. Marital Intimacy – A poetic celebration of the bride's beauty (Song of Solomon 4:1-16)

1. Admiration of the Bride's Beauty (vs. 1-7)

"How beautiful you are, my darling,
How beautiful you are!
Your eyes are like doves behind your veil;
Your hair is like a flock of goats
That have descended from Mount Gilead.
- Song of Solomon 4:1

The bridegroom begins with a heartfelt declaration of his bride's beauty, focusing on her eyes as symbols of gentleness and purity. The repeated praise emphasizes her uniqueness and worth in his eyes.

"Your lips are like a scarlet thread,
And your mouth is lovely.
Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate
Behind your veil.
- Song of Solomon 4:3

The groom uses rich, symbolic imagery to describe his bride's physical features, celebrating her individuality and allure.

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling,
And there is no blemish in you.
- Song of Solomon 4:7

This statement reflects the bridegroom's complete admiration and acceptance of his bride, symbolizing the ideal of unconditional love in marriage.

2. The Call to Intimacy (vs. 8-11)

"Come with me from Lebanon, my bride,
May you come with me from Lebanon.
Journey down from the summit of Amana,
From the summit of Senir and Hermon,
From the dens of lions,
From the mountains of leopards.
- Song of Solomon 4:8

The groom invites his bride to join him, symbolizing the unity and mutual commitment that marriage brings. The mention of Lebanon and distant places suggests a journey together, emphasizing adventure and shared life.

"You have made my heart beat faster, my sister, my bride;
You have made my heart beat faster with a single glance of your eyes,
With a single strand of your necklace.
- Song of Solomon 4:9

The phrase "my sister, my bride" underscores both the spiritual and romantic dimensions of their relationship, reflecting closeness and respect.

"Your lips, my bride, drip honey;
Honey and milk are under your tongue,
And the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.
- Song of Solomon 4:11

The bride's words and affection are compared to honey and milk, symbolizing sweetness and abundance, reinforcing the pleasure of intimacy within marriage.

3. The Garden Imagery (vs. 12-16)

"A garden locked is my sister, my bride,
A rock garden locked, a spring sealed up.
- Song of Solomon 4:12

The bride is likened to a private garden, symbolizing her purity and the exclusivity of their relationship. The imagery reflects the sacredness of intimacy reserved for marriage.

"Awake, O north wind,
And come, wind of the south;
Make my garden breathe out fragrance,
Let its spices be wafted abroad.
May my beloved come into his garden
And eat its choice fruits!"
- Song of Solomon 4:16

This poetic invitation represents the awakening and enjoyment of marital intimacy, portrayed as a shared and cherished experience.

Lesson:
Intimacy within marriage is God's gift to be cherished.

The bridegroom's admiration for his bride reflects the joy and beauty of physical and emotional closeness within the covenant of marriage. Intimacy is portrayed as a sacred and exclusive expression of love, designed by God to strengthen the marital bond. The garden imagery reminds us that intimacy, like a garden, must be nurtured and protected to thrive.

Application

For Engaged Couples

• Prepare for marriage with a sense of awe for the intimacy God has designed to be shared exclusively within the covenant.
• Approach marriage as a partnership where emotional, spiritual, and physical connection are equally valued.

For Married Couples

• Celebrate and prioritize intimacy as a vital part of your relationship, recognizing it as a God-given expression of love.
• Invest time in affirming your spouse's worth and beauty, building a foundation of trust and mutual admiration.

Spiritual Connection

• Reflect on how marital intimacy mirrors the closeness God desires with His people, a relationship marked by love, exclusivity, and joy (Ephesians 5:31-32).

Song of Solomon 4:1-16 poetically celebrates the beauty of marital intimacy, portraying it as a sacred and joyful gift from God. Intimacy within marriage strengthens the bond between husband and wife and reflects God's design for love and unity.

III. The Joy of Covenant – The affirmation of mutual giving and receiving in marriage (Song of Solomon 5:1)

"I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride;
I have gathered my myrrh along with my balsam.
I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey;
I have drunk my wine and my milk.
Eat, friends;
Drink and imbibe deeply, O lovers."
- Song of Solomon 5:1

The bridegroom declares his joy in entering the "garden," a metaphor for the intimate union with his bride. The imagery of honey, wine, and milk conveys sweetness, abundance, and satisfaction, symbolizing the fulfillment of love and intimacy in marriage.

The phrase "my sister, my bride" reaffirms the closeness and dual dimensions of their relationship—both spiritual and romantic. It highlights mutual respect and affection, the foundation of their covenant.

The invitation to "friends" to eat and drink reflects a communal celebration of marriage, recognizing it as a blessing that brings joy not just to the couple but also to the community. This moment celebrates the culmination of their union, affirming that their covenant relationship is marked by joy, unity, and shared blessings.

Lesson
The joy of covenant lies in mutual giving and receiving in marriage.

Marriage is designed as a partnership where both individuals give of themselves freely, creating a bond of mutual satisfaction and love. True intimacy—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is rooted in this reciprocal giving, reflecting God's design for unity in marriage. The celebration of their covenant reminds us that marriage is a gift to be cherished, bringing joy not only to the couple but also glorifying God and inspiring others.

Application

For Married Couples

• Recognize the importance of mutual giving in your relationship—whether through acts of love, communication, or service.
• Celebrate the joy of your covenant by prioritizing time together and affirming your spouse's value and contributions to your marriage.

For Those Preparing for Marriage

• Understand that marriage is not about personal gain but about mutual sacrifice and shared joy. Build habits of generosity and selflessness now to strengthen your future relationship.

Spiritual Connection

• Reflect on how God's covenant with His people, marked by His sacrificial love and abundant blessings, is mirrored in the joy and unity of marriage (Ephesians 5:31-32).

Song of Solomon 5:1 affirms the joy of covenant love in marriage, celebrating mutual giving and receiving as the foundation for true intimacy and unity. Marriage is a sacred relationship designed to bring delight and fulfillment to the couple while glorifying God.

IV. Applications for Modern Day Couples

For modern couples, one of the most valuable lessons from this passage is the importance of mutual giving in a relationship. Marriage thrives when both individuals prioritize serving and loving one another selflessly.

Paul's words in Ephesians 5:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ," remind us that love within marriage is not about dominance or control but about mutual sacrifice and support. When couples commit to serving one another, they reflect God's design for a healthy, joyful partnership.

Another lesson is to cherish the joy and unity that comes from intimacy in marriage. Paul emphasizes in I Corinthians 7:3-4 that spouses belong to one another, not in a possessive way, but in a loving, giving way that fosters trust and connection.

Intimacy, both emotional and physical, should be approached as a sacred gift to be nurtured, not a duty or obligation. Couples who make intimacy a priority experience the richness of unity that strengthens their bond.

Finally, marriage is a covenant worth celebrating. Just as Jesus attended the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) and blessed the occasion by performing His first miracle, couples should take time to celebrate their union and the blessings it brings.

Whether through small, everyday gestures or special moments of joy, celebrating your marriage reflects gratitude for the gift God has given you and keeps your relationship vibrant and life-giving.