**The Garden of Love: A Reflection on Song of Solomon 7**
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the lush landscape of the vineyard. The air was thick with the fragrance of blooming flowers and ripening fruit, a symphony of nature’s bounty. In the heart of this paradise, a young woman walked gracefully, her feet adorned with delicate sandals, her steps light and sure. She was the Shulammite, the beloved of Solomon, and her beauty was as radiant as the dawn.
Solomon, the wise and poetic king, stood at a distance, his eyes fixed upon her. His heart swelled with admiration and love as he beheld her. He began to speak, his words flowing like a river, rich with imagery and praise.
“How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O noble daughter! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand. Your navel is a rounded bowl that never lacks mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle. Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon, overlooking Damascus. Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the tresses.”
His words were not mere flattery but a celebration of her beauty, a beauty that reflected the divine craftsmanship of the Creator. Each part of her body was described with reverence, as though she were a living masterpiece, a testament to God’s artistry.
The Shulammite, hearing his words, turned to him with a gentle smile. Her heart was full, for she knew that his love was pure and true. She responded with humility and grace, her voice soft yet filled with strength.
“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Come, my beloved, let us go out into the fields and lodge in the villages; let us go out early to the vineyards and see whether the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened and the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love.”
Her invitation was an expression of her deep affection and desire to be with him. She longed to share the beauty of the world with him, to walk together through the vineyards and orchards, to revel in the wonders of creation. Her love was not possessive but generous, a gift freely given.
Solomon, moved by her words, took her hand in his. Together, they walked through the vineyard, their footsteps in harmony with the rhythm of the earth. The vines were heavy with clusters of grapes, their fragrance mingling with the scent of wildflowers. The pomegranate trees were adorned with blossoms, their crimson petals glowing in the sunlight.
As they walked, Solomon continued to speak, his voice filled with wonder and joy. “The mandrakes give forth fragrance, and beside our doors are all choice fruits, new as well as old, which I have laid up for you, my beloved.”
The mandrakes, known for their sweet scent and symbolic significance, were a reminder of the fertility and abundance of their love. The choice fruits, both new and old, represented the richness of their relationship, a blend of fresh experiences and cherished memories.
The Shulammite, her heart overflowing with gratitude, leaned into Solomon’s embrace. She felt safe and cherished, knowing that his love was steadfast and true. She whispered softly, “Oh, that you were like a brother to me, who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I found you outside, I would kiss you, and none would despise me. I would lead you and bring you into the house of my mother—she who used to teach me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the juice of my pomegranate.”
Her words revealed her deep longing for intimacy and connection. She wished for a love that was not only romantic but also familial, a bond that transcended the boundaries of time and space. Her desire to share spiced wine and pomegranate juice symbolized her willingness to give him the best of what she had, to nourish and delight him.
Solomon, understanding the depth of her love, held her close. He knew that their relationship was a reflection of God’s love for His people, a love that was passionate, faithful, and enduring. He whispered in her ear, “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”
His words were a declaration of the unbreakable nature of their love. It was a love that could withstand any trial, a love that was as powerful and eternal as the flame of the Lord. It was a love that could not be bought or sold, for it was priceless and pure.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, the Shulammite and Solomon stood together, their hearts united in love. They knew that their relationship was a gift from God, a sacred bond that reflected His love for humanity.
In the quiet of the evening, they offered a prayer of thanksgiving, their voices rising in harmony with the rustling leaves and chirping crickets. They thanked God for the beauty of creation, for the gift of love, and for the promise of eternal fellowship with Him.
And so, in the garden of love, the Shulammite and Solomon found not only each other but also a glimpse of the divine. Their story, immortalized in the Song of Solomon, continues to inspire and remind us of the power and beauty of love, a love that mirrors the love of God for His people.
