Although the Song of Solomon is one of two books in the bible that doesnt actually mention God by name, it has been hailed not only as a love letter from King Solomon to the Shulamite woman, but also from our bridegroom, Jesus, to his people. It documents his desire to be in close communion with us, his love for us that is as strong as death (8:6) and how beautiful he finds us.
In the middle of Chapter Two where the bridegroom is calling for his bride to arise and go with him to enjoy the new Spring season, there is a short warning:
Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom. (2:15)
The young couple are about to enjoy an exciting phase of their relationship when they will build the trust and intimacy between them and deepen the love that they share. The passage is a celebration of their union and the qualities that they love about one another; it is also a celebration of the exclusivity of the union between us and God. The warning that is embedded in this passage, therefore, relates to little foxes that can damage our relationship with Jesus and hinder our spiritual growth.
These will be different things for different people, but the foxes are anything that comes between you and God. It could range from watching too much television to being harsh to your children. It may take the form of something good like attending lots of meetings at church or being involved in a social outreach programme. The activity or thing will most probably not be sinful or bad in and of itself, but it distracts you from taking the time to rest in the shadow of your Almighty God.
It is important to heed the call of our Saviour:
Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me. (2:10)
Post published in: Opinions