Bible Reading: Numbers 4; Psalm 38; Song of Solomon 2; Hebrews 2
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
Solomon was not ashamed of his love for the Shulamite. He brought her to his banqueting house and anyone who was invited to the royal banquet would have been able to see that he loved her. Like an army bearing their standard or banner, Solomon's love was evident to all.
Men, do your wives know the love that you have for them? When you are in public is there a banner of love over your bride? She needs it!
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)
She needs the security that comes from knowing that she is loved above all others by her husband.
This is still courtship for Solomon and the Shulamite. She is thinking ahead to her wedding night with him when she says:
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. (Song of Solomon 2:6-7)
She desires to be with him in marital intimacy, but she knows the time is not yet. Part of the man's banner over a woman in love is the promise that he will not put her in a compromising situation until they are married. She is vulnerable and he must protect and honor her vulnerability until they are wed. She speaks to the daughters of Jerusalem charging them not to stir up her love till he pleases. She wants two things. First, she wants to wait until they are married in order to honor God's Word concerning marriage. Second, she wants the commitment from him that he will be hers alone.
Men, realize that fornication is a sin. It is up to godly men of honor to spread their banner of love over a woman and protect her honor. That banner is a guarantee that you love her and are committed to her. It is a pledge of faithfulness and love. The banner brings assurance to her and to all that you belong to each other. The Shulamite knew this because she declares:
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. (Song of Solomon 2:16)
It has almost become cliché to say 'true love waits', but it is true. Marital love is a wonderful thing that must be guarded as with an army and defended as a strong city!
In Christ,
Rody
