S) "3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest,
So is my beloved among the young men.
In his shade I took great delight and sat down,
And his fruit was sweet to my taste."
Song of Solomon 2:3 (NASB)
O) This book is chalked full of symbolism and imagery. It can actually be quite racy, depending on how much you read into some of the passages. There are three voices throughout the book. The Bridegroom, the Bride, and the Chorus. This particular verse is sung by the bride, and it has a few layers. First, the designation as an apple tree in the forest, means that the husband stands out to her. He is unique to her. This symbolism shows four particular benefits for the bride, as well. First, that he covers his wife to protect her. Second, that he provides rest. Third, he sustains her with his fruit. And last, that he is sweet to her taste - he is enjoyable to her.
A) This is not the only instance of the Bible referring to people as trees. In fact, it's a fairly common theme (see Numbers 24:5-7, Luke 6:44-45, or even Mark 8:23-35). However, this is the first time when I saw the concept of "bearing fruit" (which has become such a buzz-phrase in today's Christian vernacular) being for the direct benefit of someone else. I need to take this imagery and apply it to my marriage. I need to remember that the growth I show, the fruit I bear, my very existence, is supposed to benefit my wife in every way. So, I seek growth for myself, but also for her. I seek to be strong and unshakeable for the sake of my own relationship with God, but also so that my wife can rely on me. I seek to bear good fruit for Jesus Christ (see Luke 13:6-9), but also for my wife. This is such an excellent reminder that I am not a tree standing alone. I will seek to be an apple tree among the forest, giving shade and rest, fruit that sustains and is delightful.
A) This is not the only instance of the Bible referring to people as trees. In fact, it's a fairly common theme (see Numbers 24:5-7, Luke 6:44-45, or even Mark 8:23-35). However, this is the first time when I saw the concept of "bearing fruit" (which has become such a buzz-phrase in today's Christian vernacular) being for the direct benefit of someone else. I need to take this imagery and apply it to my marriage. I need to remember that the growth I show, the fruit I bear, my very existence, is supposed to benefit my wife in every way. So, I seek growth for myself, but also for her. I seek to be strong and unshakeable for the sake of my own relationship with God, but also so that my wife can rely on me. I seek to bear good fruit for Jesus Christ (see Luke 13:6-9), but also for my wife. This is such an excellent reminder that I am not a tree standing alone. I will seek to be an apple tree among the forest, giving shade and rest, fruit that sustains and is delightful.
P) Father, I know that I do not know everything it means to be a husband. You are the bridegroom of the church, Jesus, so show me how to better be a husband to my wife. You are, Lord, an apple tree among all the forest trees. You are shade to protect me, and give me rest. Your fruit sustains me, and is a delight. Show me how to be these things for my wife. May she find those things eternally in You, Jesus Christ, her Lord. And may I emulate that, and provide it in the physical as much as You allow, according to Your will. It is my privilege to be married to such a wonderful woman, and I want to honor You with how I live my life toward her, for You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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