Come With Me...My Bride!

“Come with me from Lebanon, my Bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of the leopards. You have stolen my heart, my sister, my Bride! You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.” Song of Solomon 4:8-9 NET

These two verses uncover a profound spiritual principle that is at the heart of our exploration. Our journey extends beyond mere vocabulary analysis or a methodical examination of the Song of Solomon. Instead, we are diving into the profound spiritual truths woven intricately within the Word of God. It is vital that we do not remain merely passive listeners; we must actively embody and apply these spiritual principles in our daily lives.

As we delve into this passage as an overview, we encounter a pivotal moment: King Solomon affectionately addresses the Shulamite girl, a symbol of love and beauty within the text. With tender urgency, he calls out, “Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon.” This declaration is significant, as it marks the first time she is referred to as his Bride, symbolizing the deepening of their intimate relationship. The repetition of “descend with me from Lebanon” is a powerful invocation, underscoring the gravity of his plea. Solomon wants her to fully grasp the importance of her response and the longing that fuels his words.

He continues, “Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, from the summit of Hermon.” Mount Hermon, the tallest peak in Israel, stands majestically in the northern region, a sentinel of beauty and strength. The mention of these revered heights — Amana, Senir, and Hermon — paints an image of her retreating to the lofty mountains, symbolizing a place of solitude and contemplation. While we do not want to venture too far into speculation, there is an implication that she may have sought refuge or a moment of respite in the serene heights, creating a palpable distance between them. Solomon’s heartfelt plea resonates with the urgency of a lover seeking to bridge that gap, yearning to restore their connection.

His invitation to “descend with me from these mountain peaks” is a poignant call beckoning her to leave behind the isolation of the heights and return to the verdant valleys of Israel, where love blooms and safety awaits. Solomon further entices her with vivid imagery, saying, “From the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of the leopards.” This vivid description evokes a sense of peril and wild beauty, illustrating the dangers she faces alone in these rugged landscapes. He implores her to abandon the threats of the wild and join him in a sanctuary of love and companionship, where they can thrive together.

Having previously expressed his admiration for her radiance, declaring her lovelier than any woman on earth, he amplifies his declaration of affection, exclaiming, “You have stolen my heart, my sister, my Bride! You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.” These words are laden with deep emotional resonance; they encapsulate the profound connection and passion he feels for her. Solomon’s poetic expressions reveal her unique place in his heart, a testament to their unbreakable bond. Each phrase reminds him of his fervent desire and the depth of his love, inviting her to return and fully embrace the sacred intimacy of their relationship.

In the text, Solomon profoundly invites, “Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon.” This invitation embodies a deep longing for intimacy and connection. I am deeply thankful that the Lord always invites us into His loving embrace. He calls out, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). This passage is a comforting assurance that amid life’s burdens, we can discover genuine peace and solace in His presence.

In another compelling narrative, we find, “The next day John was standing there with two of his disciples. Gazing intently at Jesus as He walked by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When John’s two disciples heard him say this, they immediately began to follow Jesus. Jesus turned around, noticed them trailing behind, and inquired, ‘What do you want?’ They replied, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘Where are you staying?’ Jesus answered, ‘Come and you will see.’ So they went, curious and eager, and saw where He was staying, and they remained with Him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon” (John 1:35-39). This moment beautifully illustrates the invitation to deep discipleship, where curiosity and faith converge in a transformative encounter.

Take a moment to reflect: Do you remember the day Jesus beckoned you to “Come”? This is the message He brings to the Church today: “Come with me.”

Let’s explore the significance of that prepositional phrase, “with.” In the rich tapestry of Hebrew, the word for “with” is “em,” which conveys a profound sense of closeness, intimacy, and companionship. He expresses a heartfelt yearning: “Darling, I want you to be with me, anchored in my presence—snuggle up, dwell close to my heart.” Consider the immense depth of this invitation. Despite our scattered existence across the vast expanse of the world, the Lord of the universe—the Creator who orchestrated the cosmos with divine precision—looks upon us with compassion and calls out, “Come with me.”

The talented songwriter C. Austin Miles beautifully encapsulated this longing in his timeless 1912 hymn “In the Garden.” The chorus resonates with heartfelt truth, declaring, “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” This lyric captures the essence of intimate companionship with Christ. He invites us not to remain lost in the metaphorical mountains of Lebanon but to dwell with Him, where true fulfillment and joy reside. The mountains of Jesus, rich in spiritual insight and divine experience, are far superior to the transient mountains this world offers.

In our earlier discussions, we explored the metaphorical “mountains” of life, such as the mountains of myrrh and the hills of frankincense, symbolizing the wealth of spiritual experiences available through Christ. With Jesus, numerous transformative encounters await us, much like the majestic Mount of Transfiguration, offering an invitation to be renewed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit as we grow to more closely resemble Him.

Mount Calvary is a poignant reminder of Jesus’s redemptive sacrifice for our salvation. Through His profound act of love—His death and resurrection—we have been welcomed into an intimate relationship with Him that offers hope and purpose. Are we prepared to take up our crosses daily, deny ourselves, and follow Him boldly in faith and obedience?

Next, we encounter the Mount of Olives, a significant landmark where Jesus ascended into heaven, promising to return one day. This promise urges us to prepare ourselves for His second coming and the glorious establishment of His Kingdom on earth. We are being shaped and formed into His likeness, empowering us to manifest the kingdom of love and righteousness in our lives and communities as He actively brings His Kingdom to fruition.

Ultimately, we are reminded that the mountains of the Lord stand tall and majestic, far superior to those in the world. These mountains symbolize His strength, unwavering stability, and divine majesty. This profound truth beckons us into a relationship with Him that is richer and deeper than we could ever imagine, illuminating the paramount importance of nurturing our connection with God.

Yet, this little Shulamite woman has drifted from that precious intimacy. The Song of Solomon, which we explored earlier, unfolds through a series of phases—beautiful moments of closeness intermingled with periods of separation. When they are united, everything feels extraordinarily sweet and precious, evoking the lyrics of “Every Day with Jesus is Sweeter than the Day Before.” The longer I walk with Him and serve Him, the more I discover He is sweeter than honey in the honeycomb, providing emotional joy and profound spiritual nourishment and fulfillment that lingers in the soul.

During times of separation, her drifting may stem from moments of carelessness or distraction, perhaps losing sight of the intimacy that once characterized their relationship. Yet, it is crucial to remember that we all can slip into such carelessness; life’s demands and distractions can often pull us away from that sacred fellowship with our Savior, leaving us with a sense of emptiness and longing. There are instances when this separation serves a greater purpose, though it seems to reflect her waywardness in this case.

Sometimes, the Lord may deliberately withdraw His presence, inviting the Shulamite to continue loving Him even when He appears absent. Though unseen, He remains ever close in spirit, working silently in the background, praying for her, and encouraging her from the shadows. This temporary withdrawal is a powerful reminder of His unwavering love, urging her to seek Him ardently and rely on her faith, even amid silence and uncertainty.

We all experience these moments when the Lord’s presence feels distant or elusive, like a gentle breeze that slips through our fingers. These times truly challenge our faith, pushing us to trust in His goodness and promises beyond what our eyes can see or our hearts can feel. During these difficult periods, we may be wrestling with our doubts and fears, battling against our flesh to maintain steadfast faith. Yet, these trials are essential for our spiritual development, shaping us into more resilient and devoted followers of Christ. They remind us that even in silence, our pursuit of Him must remain fervent, and our hearts yearn to be united with the One who loves us unconditionally.

“Come with me from Lebanon, my Bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, the lofty heights of Senir, and the majestic summit of Hermon.” He extends a heartfelt invitation to leave behind the breathtaking heights of the world—these mountains that present stunning panoramas and awe-inspiring vistas. The views from peaks like Hermon, renowned for its dramatic, snow-dusted landscapes, Amana, celebrated for its rolling hills and vibrant flora, and Senir, with its rugged cliffs and serene beauty, can be mesmerizing. Yet, these mountains symbolize beauty and the allure of worldly temptations. They represent the captivating yet deceptive nature of what the world has to offer. Many alluring sights may seem enchanting at first glance, but they can mask the emptiness beneath, as mere illusions of fulfillment. This mirrors the Devil’s shrewd tactics, preying on the lust of the eyes, the desire of the flesh, and the pride of life. The appeal of such worldly heights can be intoxicating, reminiscent of when the Devil tempted Jesus in the desert.

During that pivotal encounter, the Devil brought Jesus to a towering mountain and revealed all the world’s kingdoms to Him, showcasing their magnificence and splendor, the shimmering cities, and the promise of power and wealth. He then made a tempting offer: “I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me.” But Jesus stood resolute, responding with unwavering conviction, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You are to worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’” (Matthew 4:8-10). In this decisive moment, Jesus triumphed over the seductive enticements the world presents, illustrating the strength of steadfast faith and devotion.

Beloved Church, come and walk with the Lord. He invites us on a journey with Him, extending His gentle call, “My Bride, My Spouse.” This term resonates with warmth and deep affection, highlighting a sacred intimacy. He does not chastise or scold her for her temptation toward the mountains of the world; instead, He tenderly woos her, referring to her as “My darling, My Bride.” His lovingkindness extends like a vast ocean, surpassing any human expression.

Furthermore, the Hebrew verb “come” is “bo. “It reflects an ongoing gentile invitation rather than a one-time stark command. It signifies a heartfelt invitation to engage in a continuous relationship— “Please come; I am here for you always, and I will never leave your side.” This invitation is inclusive; it extends to every one of us. We are all welcome to embrace a transformative journey of walking with the Lord, finding solace, strength, and purpose in His unwavering presence.

I want to stop here momentarily and ask if you are hanging on to some element of the world that the Lord may be calling you out of. Is there some habit or addiction that has you within its grip, some gaming or video habit involving things or people who tempt us with the lust of the eyes, which we believe is not under the watchful eye of the Lord? He says, “Come, away from these mountains of distraction, come away, and I will prove to you that I will be all you need.” This is an invitation to us individually, much like Solomon to His Bride. It is also an invitation to the Church to come away from the world, into a deeper relationship with Jesus, and enjoy His sweet fellowship. The world has many alluring scents, wild flowers, tree blossoms, pleasant fruit trees, and mountains with majestic views; the world has all those things, including the lust of the eyes.

But there is something else the world has, according to verse eight, “from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of the leopards.” The world has those things that are sweet and pleasant to the eye, but some lions and leopards hiding out there are ready to tear us apart. It is a picture of the Devil and his cohorts who are distracting God’s people from their path of hope and to salvation in Christ. Be sober and alert. “Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. The Devil wants to eat you alive, gobble you up like a lion, and hinder your Christian walk and testimony, and the leopards are also animals of prey. If I am a lamb in God’s flock, then the Lord is my shepherd; all those leopards would attempt to leap upon me and destroy me, but they don’t even stand a chance. I’m glad His rod and staff comfort and protect me, even in the presence of my enemies. It is an invitation to come away with Him, and not to love the world and its trappings. 1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world.” If you love the mountains of the world, then you have not experienced the mountains of delight that Jesus can give, and we have been called to walk these mountains of delight with Him.

“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride!” In this powerful statement, He affectionately refers to her as both “My Bride” (spouse) and “My Sister,” weaving together two profound relationships. There are two essential reasons for this duality within the context of the Bible, which I firmly believe are relevant here.

First, “My Sister” signifies a deep, physical familial bond. She is His sister by virtue of being human, God’s child, and an Israelite. Second, by calling her “My Sister, My Bride,” He implies a richer, spiritual connection that transcends the physical realm. While “sister” represents a natural and nurturing bond, “bride” conveys a unique, intimate relationship filled with love and commitment.

Jesus wanted to connect with us as human beings. He chose to come into the world as a man, born of a woman from humble origins. As prophesied, He grew up like “a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2), symbolizing His modest beginnings. The verse beautifully describes Him: “He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; He had neither stately form nor majesty that might catch our attention.” He embraced our humanity (John 1:14), declaring, “Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory—the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.” This remarkable event is known as the incarnation or the “virgin birth.”

Once He became man, He could reach out to us with the warmth and familiarity of “brother” and “sister.” He was fully human, a Jew, embodying our human nature while remaining without sin. In addressing us as “My Sister, My Bride,” He forges a deep familial connection, inviting us to be part of His eternal family. He willingly laid down His life on the cross for us, and the Spirit of the living God moves upon our hearts, drawing us to Him. When we place our believing loyalty in Him, we are cleansed by His sacrificial blood, and He lovingly asks, “Will you marry me? Will you be My Bride? I will protect you, cherish you, and lead you to heaven; we will never be separated again.”

To elaborate: “My Sister” highlights the physical bond, while “My Bride” emphasizes the spiritual union. The familial connection is rooted in our physical reality, while His role as our Savior reflects our eternal relationship. This beautiful duality I believe explains why He uses both terms.

In the cultural context of the time when the Song of Solomon was written, it was not unusual for a man to express affection toward his sister—holding hands or wrapping an arm around a sister for protection was considered completely acceptable. This kind of physical affection was expected from brothers, whereas gestures like this toward a girlfriend or a betrothed before marriage would not be deemed appropriate. This contrast may suggest a longing for a deeper intimacy, reflecting His desire for a closer bond.

When He says, “You have stolen my heart,” He employs the Hebrew word “labab,” which conveys that she excites Him, causing His heart to race. One scholar beautifully translated it to mean, “your love intoxicates me.” It’s captivating to realize that this humble woman, who starts chapter one feeling unattractive and sunburnt, and so self-conscious that she can so profoundly capture the king’s heart. Solomon responds, “Oh no, just one glance at you captivates me; you are breathtaking and irresistible.”

Some modern scholars even say, “Honey, you make me crazy” or “you thrill me beyond measure.” When we grasp this concept, it’s astounding to think that we, as redeemed sinners, can shed our worldly burdens, desire Him earnestly, and engage in personal and heartfelt fellowship. The idea that we could capture His heart is extraordinary, and I would not dare to mention it if it weren’t clearly expressed in this text.

Jesus reigns majestically over the world, seated at the right hand of God the Father, a position that embodies His divine authority and everlasting power. He walks alongside each person who has wholeheartedly committed to Him by embracing faith, offering unwavering support and solace as they traverse the arduous paths of life, especially during the dark and daunting valley of the shadow of death. In these trials, He guards His beloved family with His rod, defending them fiercely against adversaries. At the same time, His staff serves as a gentle guide, leading us toward righteousness and peace.

As followers of Christ, we are invited to envision an eternal promise—a breathtaking new heaven and a new earth, where sorrow, pain, and suffering will be replaced by joy, love, and complete fulfillment. If we genuinely love Him, we are called to surrender completely, letting go of the fleeting worldly desires that often distract us. Instead, we can desire to run and leap with Him across the magnificent mountains of delight, experiencing the profound joy and satisfaction that come from a life entirely devoted to pursuing His heart.

In doing so, we can captivate His heart, bringing Him immense joy at the prospect of a deep, personal relationship with us. Yet, despite this beautiful truth, many of us find ourselves riddled with doubt and insecurity, questioning, “Can this truly apply to me? In light of my current struggles, hardships, health challenges, or even what I have done, how could I ever believe that I could captivate His heart?” However, precisely in these fragile moments of uncertainty and vulnerability, we can encounter His boundless love and grace in the most profound ways, reminding us that we are cherished in His eyes beyond measure.

Let’s take the Bible at face value and explore its profound truth: that we can captivate Jesus with just one glance of our eyes. In a moment of deep intimacy, He responds this way: “I’m looking into your eyes, and it overwhelms me. I am entirely captivated and drawn to you. That neck of yours, adorned with the beautiful necklace I have given you, holds such significance—just one jewel would be enough to thrill my heart.”

When Solomon speaks of her neck, He refers to more than physical appearance; it symbolizes good posture—a posture that reflects inner strength and the unwavering resolve to overcome the Devil and resist the myriad temptations of this world. He says, “Just one jewel from your necklace would be enough for me to be drawn to you.” Imagine the joy and wonder of being in His presence, especially when considering the promise of eternity together. Through David in Psalm 32:8, God expressed, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” His guidance is profoundly relational and personal; He can’t guide me with His loving gaze unless my eyes genuinely focus on Him.

Solomon responds, “I am thrilled beyond measure; just one jewel of your necklace would be sufficient to capture my affection.” This reflects the depth of our relationship with Jesus. An old Puritan preacher named George Burroughs once shared a beautiful truth: “If you are saved and part of the Bride, you are thrilling and ravishing Him just as much right now as you will when you step into glory and walk on the streets of gold.” This idea challenges us to reassess our understanding of what it means to be accepted and cherished by God in present terms.

We often fall into the trap of believing that through our pride or ego that inclines us to think, “If I just separate myself a little more from the world, or become more consecrated or dedicated, I will truly thrill the Lord.” However, this perspective misses the essential point about grace, intimacy, and the story itself.

The Shulamite woman may have been wandering amidst the distractions of worldly pursuits, in the high mountains, but He still calls out to her, “Come, My Bride, come.” His invitation is persistent and full of love. She feels compelled to respond, but He continues His response, “Come with Me, for you have captivated (or ravished) My heart. You have ignited and intoxicated my heart.”

In Proverbs, there’s a beautiful analogy about the bond between husband and wife: “A loving doe, a graceful deer; may her breasts satisfy you at all times; may you be captivated by her love always.” (Proverbs 5:19) Just as husbands are meant to be captivated by the love of their wives, so too is Jesus, our Bridegroom, entirely enraptured by us.

The apostle Paul writes, “And thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19) This transcendent love goes beyond what human understanding can grasp. Still, His love for us continually reaches out to us.

I want to convey that Jesus becomes genuinely excited when we approach Him in our prayer closets, taking time to commune with Him deeply. Each moment spent in prayer brings Him joy and delight; this is captured beautifully in Hebrews 4:16, which states, “Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.” In these moments, He is thrilled because we engage in a relational fellowship that captivates His heart.

I urge you to be intentional and make an effort to thrill your Savior today. Seek to captivate His heart; express your love for Him through your actions and devotion. Live for Him wholeheartedly; dedicate quality time to prayer and worship. Sing to Him in joy and surrender, and immerse yourself in His presence. Separate yourself from worldly distractions and actively pursue His mountain of delights. Show Him one of the beautiful jewels from the necklace He has given you, and rather than only keeping one eye on Him in casual observation, place both eyes upon Him in wholehearted adoration today.

Solomon beckons, “Come with me from Lebanon.” This verse emphasizes the concept of separation, with the word “from” appearing six times throughout the text. It highlights our journey of coming from the world and moving toward Jesus. In biblical discussions of separation, we encounter a twofold dynamic: we come from something—namely, the distractions and temptations of the world—and often, this is where many of us stop our introspection and growth.

However, biblical thought does not conclude there; it invites us to come “to” something substantial or extraordinary: the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. By leaving worldly influences behind and drawing closer to Jesus, we can open our hearts to a transformative relationship. I assure you, as we seek Him earnestly, we will capture His attention and deeply captivate His heart. This profound promise offers us hope and encouragement, invigorating our spirits as we embark on this spiritual journey.

Stephen Barnett