31st March 2026

31st March 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Song of Solomon 3v6-11) 


Message (Scott Woodburn)


If you picked up three commentaries on the Song of Solomon they would all probably tell you different things. Indeed, some of them would argue that Solomon is the hero of the story and in chapter three he arrives to claim his bride. Nevertheless, as I studied the Song of Solomon I became more and more convinced that the King known for his wisdom is not the hero of the story.


There are various reasons for this but let me offer just a few. Firstly, if Solomon was supposed to be the hero of the story, then why couldn't he access the hareem? Wouldn't the King ride through the gate rather than glance through the lattice? Secondly, the Shulammite portrays her true love as a shepherd - Solomon was many things but he was no shepherd. Lastly, the comment in 8v11-12 seems quite critical and a direct comparison between Solomon's multiple sexual exploits and covenant faithfulness. Therefore I'm in agreement with those who argue that Solomon is not the Shulammite's beloved.


I think we see that here too. Solomon comes from the wilderness (v6) which is perhaps a negative comment about the King. The wilderness was a place of wandering for the Israelites and later Jesus would be tempted by Satan himself in the wilds. Solomon arrived from that place and he was a sight to behold. If you had been a witness that day then you would have been aware of his coming long before you saw him.


Solomon and his followers kicked up so much dust that it looked like columns of smoke rising on the horizon but even those "columns of smoke" were scented with myrrh and frankincense and all the fragrant powders of a merchant. When Solomon did arrive he was surrounded by sixty mighty men carrying swords ready to defend their King (v7-8). No one would fear the darkest night with these soldiers near by (v8b).


But Solomon himself was within his luxurious carriage (v9). It was made with wood from Lebanon which symbolised wealth and strength. Additionally, it was built with silver, gold, a seat of purple (v10) and it's interior was inlaid with love by the daughters of Jerusalem themselves (v10b). What are we to make of this? The King had arrived filled with joy (v11) because he was about to bed the Shulammite within the carriage where he had already bedded many of the daughters of Jerusalem.


Who would the Shulammite choose? Her Shepherd beyond the wall who had to flee from danger or King Solomon himself who arrived in luxury and splendour and could have any woman he wanted? Who would you choose? The life of ease or remaining faithful to the Shepherd who you might never see again?


Brothers and sisters, the world is described as Babylon in the Scriptures and Babylon is seductive indeed. When John saw her in Revelation 17 he saw a woman dressed in purple and scarlet offering the dwellers of the world all kinds of abomination and sexual immorality. What do we want in this life? Covenantal faithfulness or anything goes?  Contentment or compromise? The new Jerusalem or Babylon? My friends, this world is not neutral and it offers all kinds of seductions. Stand firm against them and choose the Shepherd, choose Christ. 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q29 How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
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