SOAP 04/26/2016; Song of Solomon 6:8

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13*

S) "⁸ There are sixty queens and eighty concubines,
 And maidens without number;"

Song of Solomon 6:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Song of Solomon 6

O) Because much of this book is positive, and it presents examples of godly romance, this verse sort of surprised me. While it is certainly meant to exalt this bride above these other queens and concubines, let's not forget who's writing this. This does give us an interesting timeline, too, because Solomon went on to have seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (see 1 Kings 11:3). It kind of makes a person wonder how this bride felt about this song, after another eight hundred women came after her.

A) Somehow, this verse had always escaped my notice, and it's frustrating. There is a sense in which I had always romanticized this book, but this verse was sobering. Even without comparisons of hair to goat herds, I really can't adopt all the words of Solomon. While I have no doubt about his intent and sincerity when he wrote this, knowing his character has sort of soured his words to me. That's really the takeaway today. Even the most romantic gestures will be soured by bad character. My passion, affection, and desire for my wife cannot just be words. It's not enough that I say she's the best, "all the previous ones even say so," (v.9), when my character says I am only waiting for the next woman to best her (if my words themselves haven't already disclosed that). At the core, my words cannot define the value of my character. My character must define the value of my words.

P) Father, thank You for the grace at work in me, changing me into the man I want to be for the woman I love. When I think about all my affection for her, I think about the husband I want her to have because of how much I love her. That forms my goal for the husband I want to be for her. Please continue to create in me, both the will and the work, to become the husband I want her to have. Help me be a good husband, and a godly husband. Let me be a man of good character, that my words have value to them. Please bless her through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.