Beloved: A Study in Song of SolomonSample

What does it say?

Solomon’s wife told her friends that her husband had gone to his garden. Upon seeing her again, Solomon praised his wife’s beauty.

What does it mean?

The indifference Solomon’s wife had felt toward him is gone. It appears she had known all along where he was. The physical distance between them was evidence of their emotional separation. She went to Solomon for reconciliation and discovered he was more than ready to restore their emotional and physical intimacy. Just as she had done regarding him (5:10-16), Solomon focused on her beauty and the unique qualities that had caused him to fall in love with her.

How should I respond?

Various sources of strain in a marriage can create distance between spouses. If left unresolved, those issues can lead to physical separation. Physical intimacy is meant to express love and oneness between a man and his wife. So how’s your love life? Have tight finances, hectic schedules, or disagreements led to some form of distance in your marriage? Ignoring the issue causing the separation won’t improve the relationship with your spouse. Determine to face it head-on. Start a conversation with the goal of reconciliation, not winning an argument.