How Delightful Is Your Love, My Sister, My Bride!

“How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine; the fragrance of your perfume is better than any spice! Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb, my bride, honey and milk are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon. You are a locked garden, my sister, my bride; you are an enclosed spring, a sealed-up fountain. Your shoots are a royal garden full of pomegranates with choice fruits: henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon with every kind of spice, myrrh and aloes with all the finest spices. You are a garden spring, a well of fresh water flowing down from Lebanon.” Song of Solomon 4:10-15

The King continues His address, building upon the themes presented in verses 8-9 from my previous post. If you remember, He extended an invitation to her, calling her to leave behind the distractions and temptations of the world to join Him in a more profound and intimate relationship. He assured her that He would be her protector, safeguarding her from the dangers of wild lions and leopards that roam the wilderness, symbolizing the threats and trials of life.

In the next part of His discourse, the Bridegroom reveals that she has utterly captivated His heart. This expression of being “captivated” or “ravished” signifies that her love has overtaken and intoxicated Him, creating a powerful emotional bond. The imagery in these verses beautifully intertwines with the themes we will explore further in the text.

As we listen to His praise for her love, we see that this Shulamite woman, though humble and seemingly ordinary, embodies the Church. She is on a journey of learning to authentically love her Bridegroom, which reflects our own spiritual journey. Just as she grows and matures in her affection for Him, we too are called to deepen our love and relationship with Jesus Christ, continually seeking to embody His boundless love and grace in every aspect of our lives.

Beginning in verse ten, “How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!” Notice How He is particularly praising her love, which would not be her love for her brothers, or her vineyard, but her love for Him. Though I may add from our last post that He gets excited, He is captivated by her love, similarly, He becomes exhilarated, (beside Himself), when we love Him, particularly when we express that love. “…my sister, my bride!” We have covered those two terms in the previous post. I believe it goes from one degree of love…my sister, to another degree of love…my Bride.

“How much better is your love than wine.” This powerful declaration is not phrased as a question, as if the speaker is unsure; rather, it is a bold statement of affirmation. The King James Version emphasizes this significance by ending the phrase with an exclamation point, reinforcing its declarative nature. In the Ancient Near East, wine (or grape juice) was a staple in diets, a product of the lush vineyards surrounding Jerusalem. Known for its delightful sweetness, even today, grape juice carries a rich and pleasing aroma. The speaker exuberantly proclaims, “Your love is better than wine.” This comparison suggests that her love surpasses the enjoyment and pleasure one might find in fine wine; while the exact extent of this superiority might be difficult to quantify, in the Bridegroom’s mind, her love is infinitely more valuable and fulfilling. He is, in essence, lifting her love to a place of high praise.

It’s worth noting that the bride was previously situated in the majestic mountains of Lebanon. Within that context, her surroundings served as a rich symbol of the broader world and its enticing beauty. From the towering peaks of Amana, Senir, and Hermon—being Israel’s highest mountain—she experienced awe-inspiring views. These natural wonders offered her a sense of awe and fulfillment. Yet, amid this beauty, His call to her was clear and intimate: “Come with me.” He sought to draw her away from the world’s distractions and into a deeper relationship with Him. His excitement over her love is palpable, as He declares that “her love is better than wine.”

It is crucial to understand that while He frequently praises her beauty elsewhere, in this instance, He focuses specifically on the beauty of her love. This love, though genuine, may be imperfect, incomplete, and somewhat immature, reflecting the evolving nature of their relationship. In the next chapter, when He approaches her for fellowship, she will surprisingly refuse to rise from her bed to welcome Him. This response could be interpreted as a sign of an imperfect love, bordering on a lukewarm devotion. Yet, despite this, Jesus fully comprehends that our love for Him often mirrors her own—imperfect and immature. I want to highlight that this is not meant to offend, but is an acknowledgment of our human condition. Even when our love operates on only four cylinders of an eight-cylinder engine—falling short of its full potential—He still cherishes it deeply. He affirms, “That love you have for Me is beautiful; I would choose it over indulging in a lavish banquet with the finest wine.” This statement is a testament to His profound value on our love, no matter how flawed it may be.

“The fragrance of your perfume surpasses that of any spice!” This exquisite declaration captures the enchanting essence of love and allure, suggesting that the scent of her devotion is unparalleled. The Hebrew word for “fragrance” is “reakh,” which translates to an ‘odor of soothing.’ This term evokes soothing feelings of comfort, warmth, and tranquility, much like the gentle embrace of a beloved.

The Apostle Paul beautifully echoes this theme in 2 Corinthians 2:15, where he writes, “For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” This passage reminds us that our presence and actions can create a pleasing scent before the Lord, resonating with hope, grace, and the transformative power of love.

Like the Shulamite woman, who passionately expresses her unwavering love for King Solomon, we are invited to reflect on the profound significance of love in our lives. Her dedication is vividly symbolized through her use of exquisite oils and delicate perfumes, enhancing the radiance of her affection. The intoxicating aroma of her love, reminiscent of the finest spices, becomes a testament to her devotion, transcending even the most opulent fragrances known in her era.

Solomon captures the depth of his admiration when he proclaims, “There is nothing that smells better than you; your love exceeds even the finest spices.” His rich, comparative language reveals His intense excitement and longing for her presence. Through these poetic expressions, the imagery of fragrance transforms into a powerful metaphor for love, intimacy, and the breathtaking beauty of human connection, inviting us, like Solomon, to cherish and celebrate the bonds we share with those we hold dear.

“Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb.” In this poetic declaration, Solomon celebrates the beauty of his bride’s lips and emphasizes the richness and value of the words that flow from them. The imagery evokes a sense of tenderness and delight, mirroring the sentiments found in Psalm 141:3, which implores, “O Lord, place a guard on my mouth; protect the opening of my lips.” This plea highlights the importance of speaking words that are life-giving and loving.

When Solomon proclaims, “Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb,” he illustrates that sincere, heartfelt expressions can be as delightful as the sweetest nectar. Consider the moments when you whisper, “Jesus, I love you.” In response, He paints vivid pictures in your mind, touching your heart deeply. Jesus, who taught in parables, relishes these expressions of love, showing how deeply connected He is to our emotions and words.

You may think, “I can’t articulate my feelings as eloquently as a pastor or a person involved in professional ministry.” However, it’s essential to understand that your genuine words carry immense weight, no matter how simple. Speak to Him authentically; sharing your heart captivates the Lord, stirring His excitement and affection for you. This kind of love is often learned through observation—just as she learned to express her love for Him by understanding how He first loved her.

1 John 4:19 states, “We love because He first loved us.” This scripture underscores the reality that our capacity to love is rooted in His initial act of love for us. Through this reciprocal relationship, she reflects His love back to Him, creating a beautiful cycle of devotion.

Psalm 45, a wedding Psalm, depicts the King marrying His Bride, serving as a powerful parallel to the relationship between Jesus and His followers. In verse two, the psalmist writes, “You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore, God has blessed you forever.” This imagery adds to the understanding of grace and worthiness, as it illustrates how deeply valued we are in His eyes.

When your lips articulate how much He means to you and convey His significance in your life, this becomes an act of worth-ship—or worship. Even though our imperfect expressions of love may fall short in our own estimation, He delights in them, comparing them to “the sweetness dripping from the honeycomb.” He cherishes the intimate conversations we have about our love for Him.

In Malachi 3:16-17, we encounter the Lord affirming those who honor and respect Him: “Then those who respected the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord took notice. A scroll was prepared before Him, in which were recorded the names of those who respected the Lord and honored His name. ‘They will belong to me,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘in the day when I prepare my own special property. I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.’” This passage beautifully conveys the profound sense of belonging and value of loving and honoring the Lord, illustrating how He treasures our devotion.

Moreover, we are invited to confidently and boldly approach His throne of grace. This invitation to pray is not merely a ritualistic act but a heartfelt engagement reflecting our trust and love. When we seek Him for guidance, comfort, or strength, we affirm our deep faith in His willingness and ability to respond. There’s an underlying truth in prayer: we do not reach out to someone we do not love or trust. Through prayer, we enter into a sacred dialogue with the Lord, fostering a deeper and ever-evolving relationship built on unwavering faith and profound love.

“My Bride; honey and milk are under your tongue.” We have heard that before; it is like describing Canaan, a land described as flowing with milk and honey, except it is reversed here, honey and milk. “Honey and milk are under your tongue,” you begin to testify for me, when you start to brag on me, when you do that, it is like honey and milk under your tongue, nourishing and healthy, filled with vitality. He knows what comes through our lips and what is under our tongue. He knows what we are speaking and thinking and what is in our hearts. He knows what is way down under our tongue, in the innermost recesses of our being.

Solomon then makes a prediction; it is not a leap of interpretive skill here, she has left the mountains of Lebanon, which were previously described as a type of the world. He is about to describe her, and He will use the word Lebanon, but differently, as an orchard, a very fruitful place with plants, flowers, and fruit trees, being a very fragrant place. He will use Lebanon in each of these poems, which are independent in that they express different thoughts and ideas; these poems tend to stand alone in their content, which can give leeway for those teaching them to follow and use.

“The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.” He declares, “Darling, whenever I am near you, the delightful scent of your clothes captivates my senses.” It’s as if she has wandered through a vibrant floral garden, where the delicate essence of blossoms has intertwined with the fabric of her attire, creating an alluring symphony of aromas that beckon to be experienced.

In the book of Jude, verse twenty-three, we find a reminder: “save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh.” This verse challenges us to recognize and reject garments stained by our inherent sinfulness. Our attempts at righteousness are described as filthy rags, as illustrated in Isaiah 64:6: “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” This imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the necessity for spiritual renewal and a repudiation of the stain of sins.

Yet, a transformation occurs. “Oh no! Your garments possess the captivating scent of Lebanon.” The term “fragrance” resonates with the same Hebrew word utilized in verse ten, which beautifully describes the alluring aroma of her perfume. The Hebrew term “reakh” is intricately linked to “ruach,” which indicates Spirit in the Old Testament. What is it that imbues her garments with such an enthralling scent? It is none other than the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He arrives like a gentle breeze on a warm summer day, refreshing the spirit and invigorating the soul. The fragrant essence of her garments and the “ruach,” God’s Spirit (or breath), envelops her in a divine fragrance of love and grace.

Solomon gazes upon her and observes, “Darling, your garments are infused with the very essence of Lebanon, enriched by the rich scents of the exquisite spices used in the Holy anointing oil.” He relishes the alluring aromas of crocus flowers, blooming roses, and pomegranate blossoms—each vivid, blood-red petal symbolizing vigor and life. The fragrance of spices associated with the Lamb wafts through the air, creating a lush tapestry of scents that embodies purity and a divine spirit.

Psalm 133 beautifully articulates the richness of unity and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit: “Look! How good and pleasant it is when brothers truly live in unity. It is like fine oil poured on the head, flowing down the beard—Aaron’s beard—ultimately cascading down his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, which flows down upon the hills of Zion. Indeed, that is where the Lord has decreed a blessing will be available—eternal life.” The fragrance of the Holy Spirit enveloped Aaron and his garments, illustrating the intimate connection between the divine anointing and the profound unity among believers.

Solomon further appreciates her essence, stating, “Darling, your garments resonate with the fragrant essence of Lebanon, imbued with the aromatic spices of the Holy anointing oil.” Psalm 45:8 elaborates: “All your garments are perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. From the luxurious palaces comes the music of stringed instruments that makes you happy.”

How did she come to adorn herself with such exquisite and sweet-smelling garments? She learned from Jesus, who Himself wears garments imbued with a heavenly fragrance. Her life reflects the love and grace He extends to her, illuminating her very being and presence. The connection between her captivating garments and her relationship with Christ beautifully showcases the transformative power of His love, manifesting in every aspect of her life. “Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2.

In the opening verses of this post, we have encountered the Shulamite woman as an exquisite embodiment of love, radiating a fragrance that captivates the heart and soul. Now, let us explore the depths of verse twelve, which proclaims: “You are a locked garden, my sister, my bride; you are an enclosed spring, a sealed-up fountain.” This transition is significant; we move from reveling in the enchanting scent of her perfume and spices to revealing the source of her fragrances, her garden, a rich symbol of purity and exclusivity. The Lord Jesus now draws a profound analogy, inviting us to see ourselves as His Sacred Garden, a testament to divine love.

The book of Proverbs offers a stark contrast by depicting the perilous nature of the adulterous woman. Her words, though pleasant and tempting, conceal a deep bitterness that permeates her being: “For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.” Unlike her—who portrays an open garden accessible to all—the Shulamite woman is illustrated as a private, cherished garden: “You are a locked garden, my sister, my bride.” Her heart is loyal and devoted entirely to her Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus, illustrating a profound intimacy that speaks of unwavering commitment.

This exclusive devotion emphasizes that I have no right to exploit the exquisite fragrances of the Holy Spirit or diminish their sacredness by allowing the world to intrude upon them. Each of us has been redeemed at an astonishing price; we mirror the perfume encased as in the alabaster jar—a treasure untold for the Master, yet essential for His divine purposes. Breaking the jar symbolizes a beautiful surrender, allowing the extravagant scents of our lives—representing Christ’s essence within us—to cascade forth and bring unparalleled delight to our Master.

A flourishing garden thrives on the nourishment from a vital water source, ensuring its vibrancy and beauty. Solomon captures this imagery perfectly when he describes the Shulamite woman, saying, “You are an enclosed spring,” a metaphor for fresh, pure, and invigorating water that sustains life. She is also called a “sealed-up fountain,” underscoring her pristine purity and unique devotion.

In John 7:37-38, Jesus issues a beautiful invitation to those who are spiritually thirsty, declaring: “On the last day of the feast, the greatest day, Jesus stood up and shouted out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, from within him will flow rivers of living water.’” Furthermore, during His transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus promises, “Everyone who drinks some of this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks some of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again; the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14). This poignant comparison captures how the Shulamite woman embodies a hidden spring, safeguarded wholeheartedly for the Lord Jesus.

As devoted guardians of this sacred wellspring, we must be vigilant, ensuring that we do not allow the world to draw from our fountain—this is not about restricting our reaching out to others for Jesus, but rather about protecting our intimate communion and fellowship from external distractions that can lead us astray. Upholding our integrity as devoted followers of Christ is vital, as we resist the seductive allurements of worldly temptations that seek to divert us from our love and commitment toward Him. By doing so, we cultivate and protect the sanctity of our garden, ensuring it remains vibrant, fruitful, and a source of joy for our Master, echoing the sweet aroma of His presence.

Jesus holds the keys to our hearts, representing His profound authority and presence in our lives. In Romans 12:1, Paul articulates a deep and transformative call for us to consecrate ourselves, urging us to offer our entire beings—mind, body, and spirit—to God. He writes: “Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service.” This act of offering is not merely a ritual but a powerful daily commitment, inviting us to align our actions, thoughts, and choices with God’s divine purpose. In doing so, we surrender the keys of our lives to Him, opening the gateway to a deeper relationship.

The imagery of “a locked garden, an enclosed spring, and a sealed fountain” resonates with the essence of intimacy and sanctity in our connection with God. These metaphors evoke a sense of purity and exclusivity, assuring us that His promises bind us to Him. Ephesians 1:13-14 beautifully underscores this truth: “And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation)—when you believed in Christ—you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, who is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” This passage illustrates that God’s love does not merely mark us; we are also guaranteed and sealed in a rich and eternal inheritance through the Holy Spirit’s active work in our lives.

Eden, a timeless symbol of divine residence, now dwells within us as we recognize that Jesus has become our sacred space of refuge. He beckons us closer, creating an environment in which the fruits of the Holy Spirit—such as love, joy, peace, and patience—can blossom and flourish. Each day, as we experience His redemptive grace, we undergo a profound transformation, gradually reflecting the character of Jesus in our thoughts and actions. This continual metamorphosis, the formation of the new man, infuses our lives with hope and inspiration, encouraging us to embrace the sacred journey ahead.

Paul passionately emphasizes that this mission forms the very foundation of his ministry: “I became a servant of the Church according to the stewardship from God—given to me for you—in order to complete the word of God, that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints. God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:25-27) His words reveal a deep commitment to uncovering the truth of God’s word and sharing the ineffable riches of His grace with believers. Through his teachings and guidance, Paul invites us into a realm of spiritual enlightenment, fostering an understanding of our faith’s depth and the fullness of our inheritance in Christ. His ministry serves as a beacon, illuminating the way toward deeper communion with God and encouraging us to explore the boundless wonders of our relationship with Him.

The Lord used this same imagery in Isaiah 5:1-4 when He describes His people as vineyards. See how similar the language is to the Song of Solomon. “I will sing to my love—a song to my lover about his vineyard. My love had a vineyard on a fertile hill. He built a hedge around it, removed its stones, and planted a vine. He built a tower in the middle of it, and constructed a winepress. He waited for it to produce edible grapes, but it produced sour ones instead. So now, residents of Jerusalem, people of Judah, you decide between me and my vineyard!” This vineyard was walled up with hedges, consecrated, dedicated, and separated for the use of the Savior.  In the ancient Middle East, a historical fact is that when a king ruled over a province or city, he would have a royal garden and a royal fountain sealed by his decree, and no one could enter these spaces other than the King.

In verse thirteen, the thought continues: “Your shoots are a royal garden full of pomegranates with choice fruits: henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon with every kind of spice, myrrh and aloes with all the finest spices.” The words “royal garden” are often translated as “orchard,” which is the Hebrew word “Pardes,” where we get our word for paradise. Now she is a paradise, with pomegranates, choice fruits, henna, spikenard, saffron, calamus, and cinnamon. We have read about these before; these are all sweet-smelling spices. Sweet-smelling trees of myrrh and frankincense, aloes from plants that promote healing and beauty, and all the choice spices. It has been said that in Noah’s ark, all animal life was represented; she is His ark, garden, orchard, and sacred space. She is His (Noah’s) ark of plants, perfumes, and fragrances.

And finally, we come to verse fifteen: “You are a garden spring, a well of fresh water flowing down from Lebanon.” This vivid imagery beautifully encapsulates the profound delight He feels over the love she has for Him. It’s essential to recognize that this love is not without its imperfections. He never anticipated her to be anything more than the earnest and humble Shulamite woman she was—a devoted caretaker of her family’s vineyards, working tirelessly under the sun. Yet, He perceived something far greater and more precious within her spirit and heart. This resonates with how Jesus sees us; He loves us as we are, without demanding that we reach an unattainable standard of perfection. In fact, His ultimate sacrifice reflects His willingness to endure our death so we could partake in His resurrection, transforming us into new creations in Him. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!”

Throughout the Bible, wherever God chose to manifest His presence—be it in the vibrant gardens of Eden or the majestic heights of mountains—there was always a nearby water source, symbolizing life, abundance, and nourishment. In the idyllic garden of Eden, God walked and conversed with Adam in the cool of the evening air, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. While He was present, He established a river that flowed through and sustained the garden. Similarly, in the prophetic vision of the millennial temple described by Ezekiel in chapter 47, water flows abundantly from the temple, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s life-giving presence that revitalizes all it touches. Today, this divine essence resides within us, transforming us into the very dwelling place (or temple) of the living God. The living water that now courses through our hearts and souls is, indeed, none other than the Holy Spirit.

As Solomon gazes longingly at her, he exclaims, “Darling, you may feel far from perfect, but I love you deeply and cherish you just as you are. Even a single gem from your delicate necklace, or merely a fleeting glance from your captivating eyes, fills me with immeasurable joy and excitement. You are my garden, my orchard—the sacred space I call my home.”

We are the planting of the Lord, an exquisite garden that He delights in nurturing and cherishes as His own. It brings Him immense pleasure and joy to hear us openly express our love for Him, reflecting a sincere desire to value Him above all else. I find it fascinating that God chooses to walk in His garden during the gentle, cooling breezes, reminiscent of how we seek Him in the early morning light or the serene quiet of evening. The Holy Spirit is often described as a gentle breath of wind; in Genesis 3:8, the Hebrew word for “cool breeze” is again “ruach,” which signifies “spirit” and conveys a sense of life, divine presence, and intimacy with Jesus.

Our standing before God is not contingent upon our abilities or offerings; in reality, we possess nothing of value to bring to Him, as our human nature contains no merit that He desires. However, through the awe-inspiring sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are granted the extraordinary privilege of approaching the Heavenly Father. His sacrificial death on the cross is a bridge, allowing us to abandon our sinful past and step into a vibrant new life, infused with the Holy Spirit’s transformative power.

In this remarkable journey, Jesus ignites an insatiable desire to seek Him, awakening a profound yearning in our hearts that urges us to draw closer to His presence. This divine love, showered upon us mercifully, is what He cherishes above all else. He delights in our earnest pursuit of Him, as it mirrors the deep, intimate relationship He longs to cultivate with each of us.

Thus, I invite you to come to Him today. Let us fully surrender ourselves, allowing Him to receive the heartfelt honor and reward of His incredible sacrifice and suffering. In doing so, we step into a life replete with purpose, boundless hope, and the transformative essence of His unending love.

Stephen Barnett