Old Testament: Song 8.1–2

To read the Bible in a year, read Song of Solomon 6–8 on September 23, In the year of our Lord Christ 2024

By Don Ruhl 

The Shulamite desired for Solomon to be like her brother so that she could have the freedom to express her love to Solomon publicly without shame, as she would her brother: “Oh, that you were like my brother, who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I should find you outside, I would kiss you; I would not be despised. I would lead you and bring you into the house of my mother, she who used to instruct me. I would cause you to drink of spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate” (Song 8.1–2). 

The nursing pictures the unashamed nature of her love. 

“In their society, a proper lady did not show outward romantic affection to a man—even her husband. Such restraint still prevails in much of Asian society. The social regulations were very restrictive. But a respectable lady could greet her brother with a kiss without shame. She feels confined when in public with her husband because of protocol. If only he were her brother, she could cling to him and greet him with a kiss like she so much wanted to do” (John Waddey). 

What is the significance of her finding him outside? Most of the time they have spoken of a private atmosphere. However, when in public she desires to be able to show her affection. 

If she found him outside, here is what she would do: She would kiss him, like she would her brother. She would not be despised, such as when she kissed her brother and no one thought anything of it. She would bring him into the house of her mother, and instruction would be given, that is, she would learn from her mother how to love Solomon. 

She would cause him to drink spiced wine, of the juice of her pomegranate. This seems to be a way of referring to giving Solomon her love. Drinking spiced wine would be a sweet and tangy experience, and so would the love that she would give Solomon. 

Here she gives herself totally to him. Love wants to be intimate with the loved one. Love wants to give to the loved one. 

Questions from today’s reading and devotional: 

• What was it about her brother that she wished Solomon was like? 
• Does the Song of Solomon embarrass you or do you find greater ways to love in it? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com