Wednesday 16 January 2013

Background

We've all heard that absence makes the heart grow fonder. At thestart of today's passage we find the maiden again pining for herlover, from whom she has been separated. She continues yesterday's dream of him while trying to restat night, but she knows that dreaming just will not do - she needsto see him, to be reunited.

So she takes to the city streets to search for "him whom my soulloves", asking people as she goes whether they have seen him. Wesee clearly in the poetry of the passage the deep longing and thepain of separation that are part of the package of true love.There's even a slightly dark warning in verse 5, where the maidencautions her friends not to "stir up or awaken love until it isready". As far as she is concerned, such separation is simplyintolerable.

But she believes that their loveisready and that the timeisright, which is why she brings her lover to the house of hermother. Far from being a naughty premarital tryst, this action is asign that their love is legitimate. The maiden's familial home is aplace where their love can be sanctioned and approved inpreparation for their marriage. This is not the illegitimate orreckless passion of a childish fling, but the love of a true union- one that is honours moral tradition and family life.

The arrival of King Solomon and his men (verse 6) signals thebeginning of the wedding procession, with an ornate 'palanquin' (orcouch, comparable to a sedan chair). Much like arriving at thechurch in a Rolls Royce or limousine, this bride is travelling instyle!

To Ponder

• What do you long for? Is it time to go out and make the dreamreal?

• Do you ever feel estranged from God, as if from a lover? Howmight you bridge that gap?

• Is there someone you would describe as the person "my soulloves"? Why?