BDBD is Eccl. 2:17-26

Every early morning before I get out of bed I set my will to the same decision and then say a short routine prayer. I have never been a morning person so that is a small miracle; the will to set a morning habit and the will to keep it. Then I write BDBD and meditate before I begin work. That too is a miracle for my morning body moves much more quickly than my morning brain.

Every evening when I get into bed I try to examine the day to find satisfaction in whatever I accomplished, set a few simple plans for tomorrow, and pray. The start and finish of the day in this way probably seems foolish to the person who does not love or fear God. Yet I have found that a person can do no better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This is from the hand of God for without him who can eat and find enjoyment (24,25)?

Solomon, as a lad started out life seeking God and his will. He finished the temple, married and started having children, became financially successful, and built a palace for himself and one for his wife. Then in mid-life, he decided to investigate the essence of life without fear and love of God. He indulged himself in everything mankind believes brings ultimate pleasure, continual fulfillment, and ever-increasing happiness. After years of living this way, he hated life because the work that is done “under the sun” was grievous to him (17). He hated all the things he had toiled for “under the sun” (18). His heart began to despair over all his toilsome labor “under the sun” (20).

I have been to many places and countries in the world. Some are well off and some are the poorest in the world. Most would say that I live in the most prosperous country in the world. Though that is true for some, for others it makes no impact on their existence. Whether well off or in need all seek to find how to escape troubles and live contented and happy. The worldly way takes hard work and sacrifices.

“What does a person get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor “under the sun” (22)? “All their days their work is pain and grief; even at night, their mind does not rest. This is meaningless (23).” For when “enough” is achieved death soon comes and all that was obtained to bring peace goes to another. “This too is meaningless and a great misfortune (21).”

A simple routine rooted in Christ is good. Jesus said at the last supper, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

BDBD is Eccl. 2:12-16

“The wise have eyes in his head while the fool walks in the darkness.” (14) Honest routine self-examination with prayer guided by the Holy Spirit is eyes in the head. Several forms of Spirit-guided meditation exist. The ancient Christian meditation adopted and transformed by Ignatian is popular. The five steps are:

  1. Review the day with gratitude. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead your thoughts.
  2. Become aware of God’s presence as you look back on the events of the day.
  3. Pay attention to your emotions and thoughts during events.
  4. What was your motivation during the event? You may be shown and remember some ways that you fell short.
  5. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
  6. Look toward tomorrow and thank God.

Whether wise with eyes in the head to lighten the soul or fool in the dark both have the same fate; death (15). Contemplate the common denominator, “Like the fool, the wise man too must die!” The person who lives under the sun, without acknowledgment of God either cares not to contemplate the unavoidable destiny or lies when they say, “I do not fear death.”

BDBD is Eccl. 2:1-11

I am conducting a self-imposed psychological examination so that I may personally understand the author’s conclusion. What if I had endless wealth, unchallenged power, vast knowledge, clever wisdom, perfect health, unquestioned admiration, and was exceedingly attractive? What would I do if I had all this and was accountable only to myself; no heaven above, only sky, and no hell below? I would seek anything that would bring me pleasure (1). I would seek that which was worthwhile to do during the few days I had to live (3).

My not so hard to imagine realm would have a most glorious place to dwell in (4). Pleasant surroundings offer a touch of goodness and pleasure. Gardens and parks with flowering fruit trees and lawns carpeted with flowers and shrubs along waterfalls and lakes in vastly varying terranes occupied by all forms of animals and insects (5,6). My dwelling would include a mansion with glorious decore, pools, recreation rooms, and views of mountains, seashores, lush valleys, and exotic plants out of every large window.

My domain would include performing arts; music, dance, and acting (8). I would create, perform, and listen to sounds and melodies to please the ear and excite emotion.

I would own and command male and female slaves who would maintain, design, build and perform (7,8). I would have a harem of beautiful and alluring women to provide and share the delights of the heart and body (8).

I would deny myself nothing my eyes desired (10). I would refuse my heart no pleasure. I would live without restraint; my mind still guiding me with wisdom (3). I would undertake work that gave a full reward, pride, and satisfaction from well done (10).

Solomon lived the life I have only imagined. So have a few others. What is their life end conclusion? Everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind, nothing was gained from a life without heaven above and no hell below; a world where God is kept out of (11). “Laughter is foolish. and what does pleasure accomplish (2)?”

BDBD is Eccl. 1:16-18

Knowledge is knowing facts. The human brain learns new facts in one of four ways; visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic. A person may learn how to repair a car by watching someone else repairing a car. Another person can learn by listening to a teacher explain the law of physics. Others read about finance and write out their thoughts. Still, others learn by practicing how to play the guitar and piano. All can learn in any of these ways but we all are more prone to retain what we learn in one way more than the other three.

Wisdom is understanding how things relate to each other and practically applying the knowledge. The wise person who learned how to repair cars by watching someone will eventually make modifications and new automobile designs. The wise person who learned physics through a mentor will eventually come up with new innovations in science and technology. The wise financer will understand the market and apply their knowledge to make wise investments. The wise person who learned how to play a musical instrument will eventually write popular and long-lasting melodies.

Solomon considered knowledge, wisdom, madness, and folly (17). He concluded that they are chasing after the wind. Chasing after the wind means no matter how much we apply ourselves we will never be able to capture and retain that which we seek, need, and desire. Knowing everything there is to know, discovering all there is in the universe, and applying it in incredible ways will not end up in a higher plane of existence. They will not reach bliss, peace, contentment, and wholeness.

The wise and learned people who do not acknowledge, love, and fear God come to an ever-evident truth; God does exist, created, and is very active in that which he created. The learned and wise atheist and agnostic have sorrow and grief (18). The evidence of God is made evident to them yet they still refuse to acknowledge his existence.

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.  For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for (idols).” (Romans 1:18-23)

BDBD is Eccl. 1:9-15

What is left for a person who decides, “There is no God,” or “If God exists he, she, or it doesn’t or cannot care about me?” That person needs to find a way to improve their existence and keep things and people from taking away from that which they obtained. A godless life seeks contentment, peace, happiness, and meaning from that which they can be obtained.

People have been seeking a way to exist contently without fear or love of God for longer than history records. Mankind has developed means for godless living to the point that whatever a person may try someone already tried it (9,10). We may not be able to research their unique attempt at godless living, yet we can be sure any way to live godlessly has already been tried. They lived godlessly and died. They and their attempt at godless living were forgotten (11).

God gave Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes more wisdom than anyone before or since him (12,13). He examined and applied life pursuits of those who neither love nor fear God. His conclusion is, “What a heavy burden God has laid on men!”

Is laying a heavy burden on mankind righteous? Why would a loving God make the pursuit of contentment, peace, security, and joy without him a heavy burden?

Does love compel a person to remain idle as another pursues that which is obtainable through means that will not obtain it and only keep oneself from it? If you had all the wisdom, power, and means to make it easy for someone to obtain contentment, peace, security, and joy wouldn’t you find a way to present it to them? Then if they reject it and seek to find it themselves in ways that will not provide it wouldn’t you make it a heavy burden for them to seek such foolishness?

Life pursuits that reject God have no meaning or purpose in the end for the ultimate pursuit is never obtained. When it appears to have been obtained it is not kept for long. For that which can only be straightened by only one means will not be kept straightened without that one means (15). That which is not there cannot be counted. If it is always missing how can we know what it is and how much it weighs?

A relationship with God is the only means to the ultimate pursuit. If he is not there, then we can never figure a way to obtain what only he can bring. He is the only way to straighten life. Love and fear of God are the only means. All other pursuits are heavy burdens. If there is only one path to a city, then taking any other path is meaningless.

BDBD is Eccl. 1:2-8

“Under the sun” means a life without a relationship with God, a life with a heart and mind set on this world, a life with selfish priorities, a life where love for God is kept at a distance and love for others is second to love of self. “Under the sun” is full of excuses for making wrong decisions.
   What is gained from all our labors from which we toil when living “under the sun”?Time is relentless. No one who has ever lived nor will live can control time. We cannot stop time, slow it down, reverse time, nor go back in time. Time has one destiny for all death. After death there is judgement for which time has no control or power.

   The sun rises and set paying no attention to us. Who can stop the world from spinning? Time moves on payingno attention to us.
   The air moves here and there. Winds come. Winds go. Who can stop the atmosphere from spinning? Time moves on paying not attention to us.
  Water moves here and there. Rain and snow comes then goes.  Who can stop the hydro cycle? Time moves on paying no attention to us.

All things are wearisome.  If you disagree then why do you still age? We do not want to admit that life in general and specific makes us weary till we look in the mirror. “Where did that wrinkle come from? Why do marks appear? Weary,  worry, anxiety, and concern. All things are wearisome more than we want to say.

More, more, more. I need more. That which I aquire and experience is not enough under the sun. I need more.  What I gain is not enough under the sun. What is gained from all labors of roil under the sun? Not enough.

  Thus is life under the sun.

BDBD is Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

The book of Ecclesiastes is written to teach us about life in this world. The title “Ecclesiastes” is taken from the Greek word in the ancient Greek translation of the Bible called the Septuagint. Ecclesiastes in English is translated as teacher, preacher, and spokesman.

The author is the son of David and a king in Jerusalem in his later years of life. Most believe it is Solomon though the author’s name does not appear in the text. Solomon surely is the most likely person to have been able to make the claims found in the book.

A synopsis is stated at the beginning of the treatises.

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”

says the Teacher.

“Utterly meaningless!

Everything is meaningless.”

35 times “meaningless” is repeated in the book. Life “under the sun” meaning “with ourselves as the center instead of God” is worthless, absurd, empty, futile, vanity, and pointless. A godless life is inconsequential and insignificant. Between physical birth and death, our existence is full of enigmas, the greatest of which is how we choose to live.

The author goes into detail in the rest of the book. He shows us the logical reason he came to this understanding. His desire is for those who are able will accept his conclusion, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (12:13-14)

IS his conclusion and advice correct? In the next few weeks, we will see.

BDBD is SOS 8:13-14

The king and queen exchange final serenades as the curtains close and happily ever after awaits. The maiden had beckoned her lover to travel the garden that is she (7:11-12) from village to village. The quixotic couple traveled the countryside in a passion extravaganza. All felt their love and rejoiced as the pleasant couple paraded by. The king calls to them, “Let me hear your voice as you call to one another the testimony of our love; my queen and I.”

The queen forever invites her master and lover to come away with her, to forever be a gazelle, a young stag on her the spice-laden mountains.

A husband and wife are devoted to each other as partners, companions, lovers, and friends. They are inamorato and innamorata; duke and dutches; lover and beloved.

BDBD is SOS 8:10-12

The maiden replied to their friend’s question about their adolescent sister. She presents herself as an example. She was a wall; quiet, reserved, and shy (10). She had low body pride. When she came of age the king noticed her beauty. Her breasts grew like tall towers (10). He viewed her as one who would bring great peace and contentment; one who would bring great delight (10).

King Solomon was a businessman. He owned a vineyard and hired men to take care of it (11). The king expected each tenant to produce a prophet of 1,000 shekels of silver. As the owner, he had the right to expect such a yield.

The maiden is the king’s wife. She is his possession as he is her possession. She has a vineyard. Her vineyard is her body (12). She is the tenant of her body. As a tenant, she keeps her body up in prime appearance for her owner. As the tenants of Baal Hamon give the thousand shekels, so the maiden gives the thousand from her vineyard to her master (12). Solomon gets the owner’s portion.

Each person is given the gift of a body by God. It is my responsibility to keep and give my body. Though some can bruise, abuse, harm, and enslave me against my will. The body is still mine to take care of and give. A bonding commitment to a person of the opposite sex before God includes the fact that I will keep my body the best that I am able a present to them the owner’s portion.

BDBD is SOS 8:8-9

The friends of the newly married king and queen saw the love and romance experienced by the royal couple. They were happy for them. Then they thought about their young sister (8.) She was too young to marry. Unlike the maiden, her breasts were not yet grown. If she had children she could not nurse them.

The friends wanted their sister to be married to a handsome, capable, and mature man who loved and feared God such as the king. In their society marriage was often contracted at an early age (8.). They wanted to know what they should do to ensure she is ready.

The years of puberty always have the risk of maturing into improper and unwise decisions. Curiosity quickly leads to passion and often poor life decisions. The older brothers were determined to defend and keep the virtue of their younger sisters (9). They were also determined to do all they could to prepare her for the right young man.

“If she is a wall” meaning if she keeps her emotions in check and inside because she is shy, then they will adorn her with silver jewelry (9). “If she is a door” meaning she is outgoing and emotionally expressive and open, then they will protect her from any young man who takes personal advantage of her character.

BDBD is SOS 8:6-7

Love is...

Three truths about love are divulged.

1) Love is as strong as death.

2) Love’s intense devotion (jealousy) is as unyielding (overpowering) as the grave.

3) Love burns like a blazing fire. Love is the most invincible force in human existence.

The maiden asked her king Lover to place her like a seal over his heart (6). The reason for this is because she knew that love is the most invulnerable and indomitable emotion humans can have.

The love between a woman and a man when they are bonded by the Spirit of God cannot be broken. Though other emotions and selfishness interfere with the way we can express love, the emotion itself is the most intense force spiritually bonded spouses can ever experience in this life.

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16) “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (John 4:21)

Love is a noun and a verb. Love is real and is expressed. Love cannot be contained in the heart. Love is always expressed in positive, righteousness, and good.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8)

Love is perfect. (1 Corinthians 13:10). Love is holy for God, the source of love is holy, holy, holy. Love does not corrode, spoil, or fade.

The problem for fallen mankind and expressing love is that we are not holy until God makes us holy through Jesus. The first installment is change comes from faith in what he did on the cross and love for him. The final installment will be when he comes again.

The Beloved asks, “Place me like a seal over your heart.” The final and always to be repeated act.

BDBD is SOS 8:5

The Lover and the Beloved slowly stroll in a desert made lush by the spring rains (5). The king is adorned with a finely woven sleek cloth. The maiden is adorned with a sheer long brightly colored dress. She is leaning against her man with her head resting on his shoulder. His left arm is wrapped around her back as his hand rests on her hip. Their friends spot the heartthrobs and happily ask, “Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?”

The maiden was in a mental and emotional desert. Now she is experiencing new life.

The maiden answers with a pleasant confession in a soft voice to her lover. She addresses her lord reflecting on their sensual samba. “I aroused you under the apple tree (5).” She is elated that her king strongly responded to her. The place under the apple tree is known for copulation. They are starting a family there as his mother conceived him there. He has come to life.

Romantic love is a gift that naturally leads to sexual love. A man and a woman make a commitment before God that includes keeping the romance alive. A lasting pleasing relationship does not require money, riches, nor exotic vacations spots. Romantic love is loving self-sacrifice and submission.

BDBD is SOS 8:2-4

The maiden eagerly offers to give herself to her Lover, the king (2). She brings him to her house, her mother’s house. Her mother has taught her how to respect others. Her mother taught her to respect her husband. The Egyptian barrenness watched as her mother served her house and her husband. She learned how to please her king.

When the Beloved first saw the king Solomon and exchanged complimentary words with him she fantasized about him holding her in his arms (2:6). Now after now after sharing compliments, kisses, hugs, and delights she finds her fantasy has come true. “His left arm is under her head and his right arm embraces her.” (3) Her master is caressing her. His arm slides gently down her curvy figure. He drinks the nectar of her pomegranates (2).

The Beloved repeats “Do not arouse and awaken love until it so desires.” Love is a gift of God planted in the soul. Love is sleeping in everyone. We have the power to awaken love if we so desire.

Love is a gift we give; an act, a word, a part of us that is tender and powerful. Awakening love can be a risky and fearful action. Love needs the wisdom to conduct it, to form it into a beautiful endowment to another. Giving love does not guarantee it will be reciprocated in the way we desire. That is why love should not be awakened until it so desires.

Love is often a shower of rain and sun drops then enable a hard seed to be changed into a plant that blooms. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12–14)

BDBD is Song of Songs (SOS) 8:1

The princess relishes the time she spends with her king. Often she finds herself driven by an impulsive passion to kiss her Lover. When they are at the market, she desires to kiss him. When they are on the street, she desires to kiss him. When they are at a restaurant, she desires to kiss him (8).

However, unwritten rules for social conduct and prejudice press her to restraint (1). It is not as though no one kisses in public. Two family members, perhaps siblings may greet each other with a friendly kiss. She whispers to her master, “If only you were to me as a brother. Then, if I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me.” (2) He chuckles.

Human impulses and passions often need to be held in check for various reasons, sometimes for good reasons and others not so good reasons. When confronted with social demands some chose to abide by them, and others reject them to the point of being disruptive.

Jesus confronted some religious and social unwritten rules for conduct and prejudice to the point of being disruptive. He overturned money changer tables in the temple. He healed on the Sabbath. He changed the procedure and meaning of Passover. He claimed he was the Messiah. He accepted and forgave the gentiles, tax collectors, and social outcasts.

Jesus peacefully overturned social injustices. Then Jesus taught the way to love God and others. His guidelines for proper loving were harmonious with justice and righteousness. Many happily accepted them. Others arrested and crucified him.

The maiden’s rhetoric considered, “If only there was a sociable way for me to express my love for you with a public passionate kiss like I was your little sister greeting you in the street with a kiss.” “If only…”

BDBD is 7:9-13

The Beloved invited her Lover to kiss him. He had compared her mouth to the best wine (9). She responds by stating the wine will go straight to her lover. They kiss. They embrace. Their bodies press together. The wine warms their heart and spins their mind. The couple’s body instinctively reacts to the gentle touch of lips. Unique awakes female and male bonding into one.

“I belong to my lover,” she wisps (10). Her breathing sporadic sighs. She cuddles a joyous thought, “His desire is for me.”

The maiden presents to the lover an elope to the country villages, spending all night together exploring every door (11). She will open them so they can explore new rooms together.

The duchess offers herself completely to her master. She desires them to go to the vineyards to see if the budding blossoms have opened (12). “I will give you my love.”

The virgin as a mandrake sends out her fragrance (13). She lays before her lord every delicacy. Every delight the beloved has for her lover from her garden, both already given and yet to be given is his. She has stored up for her lover. Come lover, come.

BDBD is SOS 6:13-7:8

The king agrees that the maiden is his girl, saying she is the Shulammite (the feminine form of “Solomon”). He asks them what they hope to see when they look at her. Then he describes his duchess from her feet to her head.

His Beloved feet are beautiful (1). Her graceful curved long legs are crafted jewels shaped by a cunning artist’s hands. Her naval is the center of tight abs forming a goblet. A garland of lilies is the only adornment on her firm rolling waist.

The baroness’ breasts are as firm as fawns; tender, delicate,, and beautiful, promising full growth (3). The countess’ neck is a strong ivory tower; in eloquent strength and complexion. Her eyes are deep hidden oasis pools reflecting serenity, gentleness, and passion (4). Her nose is straight and stately.

The contessa’s head is her crown with hair a royal tapestry; shaped only as queen. The king is held captive by its tresses. Her hair is flowing locks (5).

The maiden’s breasts are like clusters of fruit; his delights. The king will climb her as a palm tree and take hold of her fruit (8). Her nipples are like the clusters of the vine he will take hold of.

Her mouth the best wine (9). He will drink and never have his fill of her. Her kisses are sweet and tangy. He indulges in his Shulammite. He will have his fill of her delights (6).

BDBD is SOS 6:11-12

Waltzing thru a mature walnut grove is a delightful experience to digest. The trunks are thick, straight, and soaring; penetrating the expanded sky filled with pillow clouds. The treetops expand into verdant foliage. Nuts falling leaves a penetrating sting. Continued promenades through a flat terrain bring emotions of shaded peace.

The king leaves the maiden in the morning (10) to traverse the walnut grow to look at the blossoms in the valley (11). The tender young shoots present peddles for the king to inspect. The sweet fragrance of lilies, roses, lavender, and lilac tantalizes the senses. The king steps into thoughts of love, passion, and efficacy his maiden shared.

Curiosity pulls the king close to the vines he desires to be in bloom and flourishing (11). They strongly wrap around the rail pulling them close together. The vine’s flower opens presenting a soft pink bouquet. The king inhales sweet perfume.

Curiosity pulls the king close to the pomegranates he desires to be in bloom and flourishing (11). Their round sculpted form is supported by red flowers, presenting themselves to the king so he may sample their sweet juice. The king’s eyes widen as his mouth pulls in their pleasing form.

Time is lost in the king’s waltz through grooves and fields. He is lost in conscious comfort, peace, and joy. He was not aware that his heart set him in the chariot of his noble people. He was amongst the pleasure chariot Amminadab, “give freely”; Amminadab, ancestor of his father David (Ruth 6:23) and head of a family of Levites who carried the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chron. 15:10-29). He has been made like the chariot of giving freely.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28) “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 5:10)

BDBD is SOS 6:10

The friends of the king and maiden enjoy the warmth of a dancing fire thru the early morning hours into a transcendent cockcrow morning. The heavens transpose into a dynamic polychromatic sonnet. The pleasing couple has been experiencing God blending two into one all night.

“Who is this that appears like the dawn?” they inquire. The fair moon and bright sun share the vault of the heavens. The friends are the majestic stars in procession. Dawn’s canopy is the majesty’s sensual plunge.

The king and the queen appear like the dawn. She is the fair moon. He is the bright sun. The friends are the majestic stars in procession, meeting the couple appearing from night’s bed of lilies.

BDBD is SOS 6:4-9

The king responds to his beautiful darling (4). He repeats his praise of her (from chapter 4). The monarch does not stop. He does not give up on her. He knows her. He understands her. She is as mysterious and magical as a caterpillar transcending into a butterfly; as splendid as the intense revealing of tender wings.

“Turn your eyes from me; they overwhelm me” (5). The intense spirit emanating from her light of life is as majestic as troops with banners (5). Her eyes are efflorescence of piercing life.

The master’s madonna in the prism of excellence; hair, teeth, temples, eyes. The pinnacle of femininity is contained in her body and soul. She is unique (9).

Sixty queens there may be, and eighty concubines, and virgins beyond number; yet the Beloved is his perfect one (9). The maidens saw her and called her blessed. She is divinely and supremely favored. The queens and concubines praised her. They weep in joy and gratitude.

BDBD is SOS 6:2-3

The Lover king and his Beloved maiden are together in intimacy delight. She is his garden of lilies (2). He has gone down to his garden. She is his garden of spices. He is experiencing the princess’s sensuous attractions.

The master is browsing in the gardens and gathering lilies. He is a graceful gazelle nibling from lily to lily in undisturbed enjoyment of exotic delicacies. She is drawn into another world of love, bliss, peace, and contentment.

The duchess Beloved is his (3). She willingly and happily submits to him. She opens her soul and body as he gathers her lilies.

The king Lover is hers (3). He willingly and happily commands and dominates her. He opens his soul and body as he gathers her lilies.

The Spirit binds them. They are dancing cord of three. They are not easily broken. Stretch and twist bind them tighter together. They are one. She is her lover’s and her lover is hers (3). They are one flesh.

“But for man no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:20–24)

The garden of spices. The field of lilies.

BDBD is SOS 5:16

The Beloved maiden finishes her praise of her Lover king with one final thought. His mouth is sweetness itself (16). Not only are his lips and teeth of perfect proportion and color; but his smile projects warmth, compassion, and deep maturity. From the king’s mouth flows wise loving truth. They are sweeter than choice fruit and more sustaining than meat and potatoes. She willfully sits at his feet and listens to him.

The countess willfully sits at his feet and listens to him. She grows faint when he speaks to her. Her heart warms. She surrenders to his articulate tongue.

The master is altogether lovely. From head to toes he is a delight. The enchanted lady’s confession is that her lord is her lover and her friend. No one knows her as he does. She gives her whole being; her heart and body to him.

“‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,’ Simon Peter answered Jesus.” (John 6:68)

“In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” (Rev. 1:16)” “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.” (Rev. 2:12)

BDBD is SOS 5:8-15

The Lover describes her Lover to the daughters of Jerusalem for they had asked, “How is your beloved better than others…” (9)

The King is radiant (dazzling; sunny-bright) and ruddy (rosy; flush) (10). When he is in a very large crowd, ten thousand or more he stands out as the best; distinguished, dominant, and excellent. His face is aglow with brilliance, warmth, and love.

The Monarch’s head is the purest gold (11). His head is holy and refined. The sovereign’s hair is wavy and black as a raven. The contrast between his radiant face and dark hair is like an x-ray film lit up from behind. Her heart’s eyes are drawing and fixated on his facial magnificent brilliance.

The Emperor’s eyes are a wonder. They are as peaceful and gentle as doves by water streams flowing from springs (12). They are pure white. His eyes are like jewels mounted. His pupils are like jewels mounted. His eyes are washed in milk.

The Potentate’s cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume (12). The fragrance tickles the nose and awakens the sinuses. His checks are a garden that produces scented herbs. The King’s lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh. His lips sweetly heal and soothe.

The Sovereign’s arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite (13). His arms are strong and incorruptible. They will never stain, fade, or tarnish. They are like a gem that radiates and reflects brilliant light. The King’s torso is like polished ivory. His chest and belly are pure smooth tan-white, a carved masterpiece of manhood decorated with sapphires.

The Lover’s legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold (15). His lower limbs are eternal brilliance carved from calcite crystals eternally locked together in dazzling puzzle pieces. They are alabaster monuments on incorruptible feet.

All together the King’s appearance is the highest majesty. He splendidly towers overall like Lebanon, choice as its cedars (15) capturing the gaze of all.

“On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:10–18)

BDBD is SOS 5:9

Passages and books of the Bible often have at least 3 layers of meaning and application. The first is the surface meaning; that is the theme apparent. The second is personal and/or social practical and constructive corporeal application. The third is a spiritual meaning. The spiritual is the revelation of truths about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, God’s interactions with mankind, and spiritual truths about mankind.

The Song of Songs is a magnificent, ingenious, and artful construction of the three layers.

The first layer, the surface and theme apparent layer is a poetic masterpiece that presents a romantic and sexual matinee between a man and woman in love.

The second layer, the corporeal application is life lessons about the best ways a man and woman should interact together when they first meet, get to know one another, court, and become engaged.

The third layer, the spiritual has been stated to be either the relationship between Jesus and those who have fallen in love with him (his congregation, his church). Jesus often referred to himself as the bridegroom in parables and his second coming as a wedding ceremony.

Verse 9 first layer are two questions from the daughters of Jerusalem directed at the Beloved, the maiden. They ask how is her beloved better than others? Then they ask it a second time. The first time they clearly state that she is the most beautiful of women. The second time they ask for a reason why she is giving them commands, especially since she is a foreigner. The friends’ question provides an opportunity for the beloved to describe the beauty of her lover – which she does only here in the following verses.

The second layer, the corporeal application is how a woman should talk publically about the one they love (whether a boyfriend, a fiancee, or a husband) and why they are in a romantic relationship with him. They should be ready to give positive and supportive reasons why they are in a relationship with a man and how to describe their man for such questions will come.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

BDBD is SOS 5:5-8

The maiden arose to open it so her lord could enter (5). Love’s eager imagination lavishly lotioned her body. Passion’s hand dripped with myrrh. Excitement’s fingers flowed with myrrh. Myrrh on the handles of the bolt on the lock.

The Beloved expecting excitement opened for her Lover. She had asked if she should put on her rob (3). He had not answered. She had not put on her rob. “I opened for my lover, but my lover had left.” He was gone.

The pounding heart of the princess sank at his departure (6). Darkness closed the room to loathsomeness. Her heart had gone out to him. She presented to her king too late. He had gone.

The duchess anxiously sought her king. She called for him and called for him. He did not answer. She looked for him and looked for him. She could not find him.

The Lover spoke to the daughters of Jerusalem, “I charge you if you find my lover, what will you tell him?” The maiden is ashamed. Her soul discretion is that she is faint with love. “Tell him I am lovesick.”

“All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.” (Ps 38:9–11)

“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9)

BDBD is SOS 5:2-4

The Beloved is laying in her bed alone. The Lover is laying in his bed alone. The passionate king and ardent maiden are alone in the middle of the night. She lays in bed unable to enter deep sleep for her heart is awake (2). Her heart listens between pulses. In the silence between throbbing the princess listens for her master.

Thump. Thump. Thump. “Listen! My lover is knocking.” (2) The lone beating of her heart is aroused and heated by her lord’s thumping. The king wants to come into her room. Her Lover is coming to her chamber.

The king commands his darling, “Open to me.” She hears him call her his darling, his dove, and his flawless one. “The Crowned Head is drenched with dew,” he explains. Her sovereign’s hair is damp with the moisture of the night. The king has been up all night with his soul fixated on his soul mate.

The Beloved is all aflutter and instinctive reactions persuade an unwanted impulse. A foolish complaint overrules her passionate lust and wantonness. “I am naked. Should I put on my robe?” (3)

The Lover thrust his hand into the latch-opening. (4) He has entered her chamber, but not as ambition craves. The king fingers the lock. The contessa’s heart pounds hard for him. She yearns for her gentleman to succeed in opening her door.

“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26). The young maiden spoke to her lover. She was not silent as before (chapter 2). However, her protest was not sincere. She did not speak her mind. She was not respectful. For a man and woman united as one it is wise to “keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” (Psalm 34:13)

BDBD is SOS 5:1

The king and the maiden have had their great times, good times, hard times, breakups, and reunions. They have declared their love. They have practiced love. They have shown respect and submission. They have made their commitment to each other. They have proven their commitment. They maintain affection and kindness. They compliment and praise each other.

The king and the maiden have had an erotic passion since the beginning. They have intentionally kept the passion alive. They embrace their God-given sexuality. They keep it solely for their union. They ensure and display to each other that they desire and lust for their lover.

The Lover fanned into flame his Beloved’s desire with sincere compliments and praises (4:1-15). The Beloved spread abroad her alluring charisma till is surrounded and brought her Lover to a boil (4:16).

The king claimed she was his garden of feminine delights. He came into his garden, his sister, his bride (1). The Lover enjoys his Beloved’s delights. He gathered his myrrh. He enjoyed his honey. He sipped his wine. He drank his milk. She is his honey and milk.

“Haven’t you read,” Jesus replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthey 19:4–6; Mark 10:6-9)

BDBD is SOS 4:16

The Beloved commands the north wind and the south wind to blow on her garden (16). She is a garden; full of exotic plants, urbs, spices, and fruit. Her body and soul are the essence of her garden.

Sweet and pleasing smells are the natural product of her garden. She desires that her aroma may emanate from her to her lover. She wants the fragrance of her charms to be wafted about to draw her Lover to her.

The maiden wants the king to taste her choice fruit. She is his and his alone. She yields herself to him. She fully submits to her lover.

When a woman wants her man she must let him know. Her submission is his excitement. When a man wants her woman he must go to her. His dominance is her excitement.

BDBD is SOS 4:9-15

The Lover; the king and bridegroom continues his poetic assessment and praise of his Beloved; the madonna and bride. The Beloved has stolen his heart with one glance of her eyes (9). Merely one precious enchanting element of her elegance is enough for affection’s spark to ignite. The king’s being is transposed by the jewel of the princess’ eyes.

The Beloved searches for expressions that mark his possession of his Lover. She is HIS sister and HIS bride (10) She belongs to no other. Likewise, the young lady owns his heart (10). His heart belongs solely to her. A person’s heart is their soul; their identity. He owns her alone and she owns him alone. The two have become one, bound in a new spiritually interlaced thread.

The maiden’s love is more pleasing than wine (10). She affects all his senses; his body and conscience. The radiance of her soul is a fragrant perfume more so than a spice. Spice is an imported luxury as she is to his life. Spices are fragrances in holy anointing oil and for the fragrant incense.

The Egyptian baroness’ red lips drip with the sweetness of the honeycomb. The bride’s tongue tantalizes like milk and honey (11).

The king’s peeress is a garden locked up (12). His bride is a spring enclosed. She is a sealed fountain. Her delights are protected and safe. She is for him alone. Her southing and refreshing sensual and sexual delights are experienced only by the bridegroom.

When anyone finds a treasure, a pot of gold, a precious jewel, a lot of cash, or an invaluable piece of art they do not give it away. A spouse and a betrothed are more valuable than these whether known or yet to be discovered. When a suitable helpmate is had they are to be made exclusive. Only a fool would share with another.

“She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:15)

BDBD is SOS 4:8

The king had ensured his Beloved, the young mademoiselle that she is beautiful in his eyes (1-7). He had come calling her at her antechamber the early morning prior asking to spend a wonderful spring day together. She refused to leave her sanctuary of self-pity. She did not answer her master. (chapter 3)

The couple worked through the problem individually and then as a couple. All was resolved. The love affair blossomed like a cherry tree in the spring.

Once again the master, the lover came calling his bride to spend not only a day together as before but now bonded for the rest of their lives (8). She had been distant. She had removed herself from her lord. To him, it was like she was on a high mountain. The young lady was as far as the mountains of Lebanon.

Mount Hermon separating Lebanon from Israel is called Senir (or Sanir) by the Sidonians (Phoenicians). Hermon means “devoted mountain”. Senir means “breastplate” because of its rounded snow-covered twin peaks.

The king commanded her to remove herself from the lions’ dens and the haunts of the leopards. The king called her down from her solitude. The bride was ordered to flee her haunts and enjoy life with her Lover.

An important part of healing is when stuck in a mental self-loathing thought and image of ourselves we need to see and be reminded of all the good things too. We need to accept the love of a friend and a spouse.

When a loved one shuts themselves down and retreats into a mountain of thoughts we can help them see the positive and show them out love and acceptance.