S) "3 Let his left hand be under my head
And his right hand embrace me."
Song of Solomon 8:3 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Song of Solomon 8
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Song of Solomon 8
O) There are several observations to make about this short verse. First, there can be little debate about the posture of these two, because there's really only one position a person can be, where something can be under the head. These two are lying down. That again, calls to mind the intimacy of this encounter. Other details don't really matter, but lying down with someone is always more intimate. That's not always to say that it's more sexual, either. So, this verse is an expression of the bride's desire to be more intimate with her beloved. Second, there is symbolism at work with the two placements of the hands of the bridegroom. This verse is actually verbatim of Song of Solomon 2:6, and between the context of that chapter and this one, we can see some significance to these hands. In this chapter, there is a reference to her mother who instructed her, which is intellectual, which could refer then to the head. In chapter two, there is a lot of reference to being fed, which has physical implications. Between the two, we can see a desire to connect physically and mentally. We see a desire for the husband to sustain her and instruct her.
A) When I visualized this intimacy, in my own context, I was pleased to realize that laying next to my wife, if I was to hug her, my left arm would be under her head and my right arm would embrace her. As I continued to put myself into the context of this verse, I realized how many times I have heard my wife actually express her desire for me to pick up these roles. We both know that there is a higher level, where God instructs her, and God sustains her. Still, she desires my leadership and protection. She desires to engage me intellectually as well as physically. I cannot neglect her desires in this way. These are intimate desires, even fully clothed.
P) Father, help me to be the husband I want to be. Help me to be the husband my wife wants me to be. I am thankful for the work You have done in me. Still, I recognize a long way to go. Help me to be disciplined. Help me to view things spiritually, as well as physically, especially about my marriage. Open my eyes to see and ears to hear, to know how to better love and serve my wife. Let me seek to embrace her, and our marriage, how she desires me, how she desires us. Let Your will be done in my life and in my marriage. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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