Work Through the Whole Bible, Part 5Sample

The text of Song of Songs describes the marriage of a man and a woman and their coming together. Christian preachers and writers have tended to avoid the book or to allegorize it out of concern that it is too racy for polite religious society.

But upon their marriage, the lovers create a household, the primary unit of economic activity in the ancient world. Passion between spouses is a glue holding the household together through the prosperity, adversity, joy, and stress that characterize a family’s life and work. 

Throughout these verses, we see imagery drawn from the landscape of Israel and its agriculture. The joy of the man and woman’s love is intimately connected to the world of their work. They express their happiness with images drawn from what they see in their gardens and flocks.

Before the Industrial Revolution, most people worked with family members in the households where they lived. This is still true in much of the world. The Song of Songs paints an idyllic view of this arrangement. The reality of household-based labor has been marred by poverty, grinding toil, humiliation, bonded service and slavery, and abusive relationships. Yet this book expresses our desire—and God’s design—that our work be woven into the tapestry of our relationships, beginning with family. 

How can you find a rhythm of work, rest, and family life?

Jesus, be with me in my work, my leisure, and my relationships. Amen. 

You've completed Part 5 of the Work Through the Whole Bible reading plan! To read more, view the complete list (Genesis through Revelation) of Work Through the Whole Bible reading plans here.