Make Haste My Beloved!

“O you who stay in the gardens, my companions are listening attentively for your voice; let me be the one to hear it! Make haste, my Beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.” Song of Solomon 8:13-14 NET

We have finally reached the last two verses in the Song of Solomon, and I have to admit that I am a bit sad. Our fellowship around the word of God has been so enjoyable and fruitful, and now it’s almost over. I will study other passages next time, which will present new opportunities for fellowship and study, which will be just as delightful as we explore together the treasures of God’s word.

In the poignant closing verses of the book, the bride and her beloved Bridegroom share a deeply intimate exchange that captures the essence of their relationship. Many biblical commentators describe these final verses as lackluster, suggesting they fall short of the depth and spirituality one might yearn for at such a momentous conclusion. Yet I find their ending anything but disappointing; instead, the entirety of the Bible offers a richness that resonates profoundly with me. The bride remains fiercely in love with her Bridegroom, while the Bridegroom’s desire to hear His lover express her profound longing; He says, “I want to hear your voice. Please pray, cry out to me, and share with me your needs, burdens, as well as the intense desires of your heart.”

One commentator noted that the abrupt conclusion leaves a void, a longing for a climactic resolution similar to the narrative arcs found in timeless love stories like Romeo and Juliet or other love classics. However, it’s essential to remember that the Holy Spirit artfully orchestrates the endings of each biblical book in accordance with His divine wisdom and intent.

When we consider other biblical texts that similarly conclude without clear resolution, the book of Acts serves as a striking example. It culminates with the Apostle Paul imprisoned in Rome, leaving readers grappling with uncertainty. What will become of him? Does he achieve liberation? We are never told. Will he journey on to preach in distant lands? Again, the text offers no confirmation, allowing us only to speculate based on his previous mission work. Paul’s unresolved fate echoes the themes of ambiguity and the mystery of divine providence, reinforcing that not every story follows a tidy conclusion.

In a similar vein, the book of Jonah leaves us lingering in uncertainty. After God brings about a remarkable revival in the city of Nineveh, Jonah sits outside the city, consumed by bitterness and discontent. This abrupt ending compels the reader to reflect: Did Jonah ever reconcile with God? Did he seek forgiveness for his resentful heart? While I believe he ultimately did, the narrative chooses to leave that resolution hanging, offering space for contemplation and discussion.

In verse 13, we find the wise King Solomon addressing his cherished Shulamite bride, proclaiming, “My companions are listening attentively for your voice; let me be the one to hear it!” This tender request resonates with profundity, marking the conclusion of their romantic dialogue. The Bridegroom’s earnest desire to hear from his beloved expresses a beautiful longing; he implores, “I want to hear your voice. Please pray, cry out to me, and share with me your needs, burdens, and the profound longings of your heart.”

What makes this moment especially significant is that from the very beginning, the Bridegroom expresses a heartfelt need to hear her voice. He affirms, “I love your voice; I want to talk with you because that excites me.” This declaration underscores the importance of communication in their relationship and also serves as a powerful metaphor for how He cherishes our voices and earnestly desires to engage with us.

Regardless of where we stand in life—whether we are the wide-eyed children at the tender age of 9 or the wise elders filled with experience at 90—He delights in the sound of our voices and yearns to hear our voices. This truth should inspire boundless joy and comfort, reminding us that we are perpetually invited to communicate with Him, to lay our hearts bare before Him, and to relish in the loving dialogue that He cherishes. Glory to His name!

Let’s carefully explore in greater detail verse 13, particularly the evocative phrase, “O you who stay in the gardens.” This line signifies a deliberate progression of thought, creating a stair-step effect throughout the Song of Solomon. At the outset of Chapter 1, the bride expresses a poignant sense of unworthiness as she implores, “Do not look at me, for I have not kept my body.” In this moment, she lays bare her internal struggle, feeling spiritually neglected and unworthy of attention. She sees herself not as a carefully tended garden or a bountiful vineyard, but rather as a desolate landscape—barren and unkempt—pleading for Solomon to refrain from gazing upon her perceived flaws.

As her love for Solomon blossoms, characterized by His genuine affection and delight in her presence, she undergoes a transformative journey. This deepening connection inspires her to cultivate her garden—an allegory for her heart and spiritual life—infusing it with sweet-smelling, fragrant blooms. This nurturing process signifies her active engagement in spiritual growth, culminating in a lavish and vibrant garden that mirrors her enriched fellowship with her Savior.

In a moment of spiritual awakening and maturity, she invites Solomon to share in this flourishing space, and He responds with eagerness, cherishing their intimate communion. This interaction not only illustrates the beauty of their deepening relationship but also represents a broader mission; as she matures, she envisions the two of them exploring other gardens together. She dreams of reaching into the world beyond, engaging in soul-winning efforts to reclaim those who have wandered away and guiding them back to the comforting embrace of divine fellowship.

The Bridegroom’s call, “O you who stay in the gardens,” reveals an essential truth: it underscores the Lord’s recognition of those who possess a compassionate heart and are diligent in leading others to Him. The term “gardens” evokes the image of sacred spaces carefully guarded, nurtured, and spiritually protected—a depiction of the Lord’s garden where love, grace, and fellowship flourish.

“My companions are listening attentively for your voice.” As we ponder who the Bridegroom’s companions might be, we might initially envision the attending maidens of Jerusalem. These maidens could represent a collective of fellow believers who inhabit the same spiritual garden and share in the bride’s sacred journey. For instance, Psalm 45:14-15 eloquently describes the bride and the maidens, “In embroidered robes she is escorted to the king. Her attendants, the maidens of honor who follow her, are led before you. They are bubbling with joy as they walk in procession and enter the royal palace.” This imagery emphasizes community and unity within the faith, highlighting the joy of shared worship.

Alternatively, interpreting the companions as celestial figures introduces an intriguing perspective: the Bridegroom declares, “My companions listen attentively for your voice”; this might refer to the divine council—beings who exist in harmony with Christ, sharing in His nature, perfection, and glory. These companions stand ready, keenly attuned in the rich dialogue between believers and Christ, a cloud of witnesses embodying a spiritual community that reverently listens to the conversations taking place both privately and publicly. Particularly significant is the idea that they are eager to hear the Gospel preached within the congregation of saints, fulfilling the divine intention expressed in Ephesians 3:10: “the purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.”

This nuanced scriptural exploration enriches the understanding of the layers of meaning within this verse, emphasizing the dual significance of personal spiritual growth and the collaborative journey toward divine fellowship.

One compelling perspective is that the Hebrew word for ‘companions’ is ‘chaver,’ which carries rich meanings such as ‘associates,’ ‘friends,’ or ‘worshippers.’ This term evokes the idea of a profound bond among believers, illustrating that the Lord perceives them as more than mere followers; they are cherished companions with whom He shares His heart and intentions.

Jesus beautifully embodied this concept in His interactions with His disciples. He declared, “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father” (John 15:15). In this poignant statement, Jesus signifies a transformative shift in their relationship, moving from one of servitude to genuine friendship. He emphasizes a loving trust in which mutual understanding and shared knowledge foster a deeper connection.

Appreciating the biblical significance of such relationships not only enhances our understanding of spiritual dynamics but also deepens our insights into the nature of the Bridegroom’s message. It beckons us to explore the intricate web of connections among believers, highlighting an intricate tapestry woven with love, support, and shared faith in God.

There are various avenues for interpreting this scriptural passage—be it literally, as a historical moment with other believers, or typologically, as a representation of profound spiritual truths. Regardless of the chosen lens, each interpretation reveals rich insights into the Bridegroom’s intentions and invites us to reflect on our roles as devoted companions of Christ and of each other in the journey of faith.

There is a beautifully evocative passage in the book of Malachi that reveals how attentively the Lord listens to the words spoken by His devoted followers. In this profound moment, God summons an angel to record in a scroll the names of those who honor Him through their heartfelt prayers and intimate conversations. “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.’” (Malachi 3:16-17). This illustrates the remarkable truth that each word and sentiment we express holds significant meaning in the eyes of God.

Given this understanding, it should come as no surprise that Jesus affirms the weight of our words. He states, “I tell you that on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every worthless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37). This declaration underscores the gravity of communication; our dialogue not only reflects our character but also shapes our destiny. The Lord is keenly attentive to the exchanges we have with one another, yet He longs for us to communicate directly with Him: “I hear what you are saying to your companions, you hear their voice, they hear your voice, but let me be the one to hear it.” His invitation is both tender and urgent: “Don’t merely discuss Me in the company of others; come, speak with Me directly. I yearn to hear your voice.”

In the Hebrew language, the term for ‘voice’ is ‘qol,’ encompassing a spectrum of sounds, even those that may not form clear words. This notion allows for a deeper appreciation of our relationship with God. The Apostle Paul beautifully expresses this when he writes, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will.” (Romans 8:26-27). This powerful message reminds us that even our unspoken thoughts and emotions are heard and understood by God.

Does the Lord hear our spoken words? Absolutely. Does He discern the innermost thoughts and desires of our hearts? Yes, He is deeply attuned to our feelings, recognizing the silent yearnings and fears we carry before we ever voice them. “Before they even call out, I will respond; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24). This reflects His profound willingness to engage in intimate dialogue with us, fostering a relationship that is both personal and profound.

The imagery of a loving relationship, filled with tenderness and longing, shines through as the Bridegroom speaks to His bride. Their connection embodies a passionate bond, marked by both ecstatic highs and challenging lows. In the Song of Solomon, we witness the ebb and flow of their romance. One notable instance occurs in Chapter 5 when the Bridegroom unexpectedly arrives, and the bride, comfortable and enveloped in the warmth of her bed, hesitates to welcome Him. Her momentary distraction creates a painful distance, illustrating how easily we can be sidetracked and miss opportunities for communion with God. This narrative echoes a familiar theme found in the heartwarming stories our grandmothers would tell, often concluding with the comforting phrase, “and they lived happily ever after.”

This dynamic mirrors the complexities of human relationships; even in times of disagreement, love can sometimes become subdued. Yet the key to healing lies in open communication. The plea from the Bridegroom resonates deeply: “Let me be the one to hear it.” He desires to hear our voices, our confessions, our joys, and our sorrows. “Open your mouth wide; I want to fill it,” conveys God’s eagerness to engage with us in heartfelt prayer, persuading us: “Call on me in prayer, and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things that you still do not know about.” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Thus, God beckons us to recognize that our voices are precious to Him. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8). This emphasizes that our pursuit of Him is not just a request but an active engagement in a relationship.

Ultimately, the invitation remains: “I want to hear your voice.” As we accept this call, we find comfort and assurance in His promises: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14). These profound words reflect the closeness and warmth He desires in our relationship with Him, culminating in the hope that, like the Shulamite bride, we eagerly respond to His beckoning when He calls, sharing the deepest longings of our hearts. That’s a good way to end the book right there, but that is not all there is; there is more, and we will wait for the Shulamite bride’s final rejoinder in verse 14.

Almost with a gentle smile illuminating her face, she gracefully claims both the first and last word in Chapter 1, and now, in Chapter 8, she holds the final word of the entire book. Her heart is completely enraptured by her Bridegroom, her Solomon. While she commands the narrative’s opening and closing, it becomes evident as we traverse through this eloquent text that He out-loves, out-talks, and far surpasses her in steadfast loyalty and unwavering faithfulness at every turn. What is the secret to her profound love for Him? The answer is refreshingly simple: “We love because he loved us first” (1 John 4:19). In this divine relationship, He is the initiator, and we—much like her—are the eager responders to His boundless love.

Listen closely as she makes her heartfelt plea: “Make haste, my beloved!” This powerful command, ‘make haste,’ captured by the Hebrew word ‘barach,’ resonates throughout the Old Testament. Notably, this term appears 52 times, predominantly translating to “to flee” or “to run away.” Yet, in a singular, remarkable instance—right here in this verse—it is rendered as “make haste.” This imperative verb takes the form of a second-person singular active command, underscoring the urgency and passion behind her request: “Make haste, my beloved.”

To truly appreciate her fervent longing, it’s essential to recognize the audacity embedded in her words. She urges her beloved to come swiftly to her side, reflecting the boldness she has exhibited throughout the book. This echoes her earlier, fearless expressions of desire, such as in Chapter 1:2: “Oh, how I wish you would kiss me passionately! For your lovemaking is more delightful than wine.” In a similar vein, her invitation in Chapter 1:4a—“Draw me after you; let us hurry! May the king bring me into his bedroom chambers!”—demonstrates her unabashed yearning. Now, she tenderly implores her Bridegroom once more, “Hurry, my love, drop everything you’re doing, and come to me—‘make haste, my beloved.’”

This ardent request parallels the heartfelt call of the Church found in Revelation 22:20. Let’s draw a poignant comparison:

• “Make haste, my beloved!...” (Song of Solomon 8:14a) resonates harmoniously with the affirming words from Revelation,
• “…Yes, I am coming soon! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b).

When I came across opinions suggesting that this conclusion of the Song of Solomon is less than inspiring, I found myself profoundly unconvinced; to me, it is nothing short of brilliant. Her closing lines pulse with longing: “My darling, I need you; I want you; would you drop everything and come quickly to me? I yearn for you with every ounce of my being.” This prayerful cry harmonizes beautifully with the collective longing of the Spirit and the bride as they echo the prayer for Christ’s glorious return: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

With the Holy Spirit residing within us, our lives become sacred temples of His presence. Together, we passionately proclaim, “Even so come.” Even the Holy Spirit joins in eager anticipation, fervently longing for Jesus to return, echoing our plea: “Make haste, my Beloved.” This yearning for a profound and intimate connection reverberates throughout scripture, capturing our deepest desire for an everlasting relationship with our Beloved.

Let’s delve deeper into the word “Beloved” one last time; it is elegantly rendered in Hebrew as “dod.” This term encapsulates not only a profound affection but also communicates the notion ‘to boil,’ evoking an image of passion so intense that it refuses to be subdued. As we revisit the verses, the Shulamite bride’s heartfelt declaration comes into sharper focus; she refers to her “darling Bridegroom,” Solomon—who serves as a profound symbol of Jesus, her Savior. The love she expresses is not merely an ordinary emotion; it is a fervent, searing love that burns brightly, unwavering through the trials and tribulations of life.

Her conviction echoes in her words: “I love you with every fiber of my being.” This declaration speaks to a commitment characterized by an unwavering ardor; it is a love that is neither cold nor lukewarm, superficial nor hypocritical. Instead, it is a genuine, passionate affection, much like the love that Paul describes in his teachings. In Romans 12:9-10, he exhorts his readers, “Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.” Here, Paul calls for a love that transcends mere emotional expression, grounded in sincerity and deep devotion.

Similarly, Peter reinforces this connection between love for Jesus and love for our fellow believers in 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.” This fervent love, deeply rooted in a relationship with Christ, compels believers to extend that same intensity and sincerity to their relationships with one another.

Throughout the Song of Solomon, the Shulamite bride calls her Bridegroom ‘beloved’ no less than 40 times. While the term may not always be translated as “beloved” in every instance, it consistently reflects the same Hebrew word ‘dod,’ reinforcing the depth of feeling and emotion associated with her love. This recurring usage highlights an impassioned love—one that seeks to honor, cherish, and intimately connect with the Beloved. It is a theme that resonates beautifully throughout this lyrical and evocative text, illuminating the essence of profound love.

“Make haste, my beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.” Let’s take that one section at a time to gain a deeper understanding of what she is saying here. Other translations, like the King James Bible, describe ‘gazelle’ as a ‘roe’ or ‘roebuck.’ God created and loves animals. I am not an evolutionist, and I do not subscribe to Darwin’s theory of evolution of the species. I believe the Bible is the literal account of how we got here and of everything around us, things both visible and invisible, including God’s animal world. If you have doubts that God loves animals, read the book of Job, especially the last section where God speaks to Job. God uses 10-12 of His animals to teach Job lessons in wisdom, like the ostrich and the war-horse; many of these animals are living sermons within themselves. “Be like a gazelle or a young stag,” now a ‘doe’ is a young female deer, a ‘roe’ is masculine, a ‘young stag’ is masculine, Jesus is a man of men, He is the Son of God. “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). She is comparing Him to a masculine gazelle (roe), or young stag. What is it about Solomon or Jesus that reminds her of a gazelle or young stag? Let’s take a look at that: they are beautiful, and graceful animals.

• Jesus is beautiful and desirable, the bride mentions this in Chapter 5:16: “His mouth is very sweet; he is totally desirable. This is my beloved! This is my companion, O maidens of Jerusalem!”
• Jesus is graceful. Psalm 45:2 describes Him this way: “You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore, God has blessed you forever.”

There is something remarkable about the gazelle and the young stag: these animals are known for their spotless nature. They do not consume dead carrion left by the wayside, embodying purity in both their dietary habits and instincts. This pristine quality serves as a fitting metaphor for our Savior, as illustrated in Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus embodies purity, untouched by flaws or moral failings, exemplifying purity in every facet of His existence.

Moreover, these graceful animals are not just innocent; they also stand in stark defiance against their greatest threat, the snake. In the Holy Land, the serpent emerges as a formidable enemy of the gazelle and young stag, drawing a parallel to how the Devil challenges Christ. The warning in 1 Peter 5:8 echoes this urgency: “Be sober and alert. Your enemy, the Devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.” Yet, in a profound act of divine triumph, Jesus confronted and ultimately destroyed the works of the Devil on the cross of Calvary two millennia ago.

What’s particularly fascinating is that, rather than retreating, gazelles and young stags take a bold stand against the snake. When threatened, they exhibit a fierce determination; stags will stomp on snakes, demonstrating an aggressive instinct to eliminate danger, especially when protecting their vulnerable young. This behavior parallels Christ’s confrontation with evil, as eloquently stated in Colossians 2:14-15: “He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Thus, profoundly, the gazelle and young stag symbolize a triumph over the serpent by literally crushing him under their hooves.

In addition to their bravery, gazelles and stags are renowned for their remarkable surefootedness. These agile creatures can effortlessly ascend steep, craggy mountains, showcasing an extraordinary ability to maintain balance on rocky inclines. Their uniquely designed hooves grip securely, allowing them to navigate treacherous paths that seem to defy gravity. Similarly, Jesus has never stumbled; He navigates the intricate pathways of our lives with unyielding confidence and security. As we walk with Him, we are enveloped in safety and assurance, undergoing a transformation that equips us to become equally surefooted, capable of traversing even the most daunting landscapes with elegance and grace.

Furthermore, gazelles and stags are characterized by their remarkable swiftness, embodying a dynamic agility that commands attention. This trait resonates powerfully with the longing expressed by the bride, where she earnestly implores her beloved, comparing Him to a gazelle or a young stag: “Make haste, my Beloved, hurry, I need you, be like a gazelle or a young stag, come quickly, come quickly.” This passionate appeal mirrors the prophetic assurance in Revelation 22, where Jesus promises, “Look, I am coming quickly.” Ultimately, He comes for His bride, embodying the urgency and eagerness that the gazelle and young stag represent through their swift, unwavering pursuit of safety, companionship, and love.

And now we turn our attention to the concluding prepositional phrase in the Song of Solomon—“…on the mountains of spices.” The Hebrew word for ‘mountains’ is ‘har,’ a term that resonates with significance. When this word is translated into Greek, it emerges as ‘Armageddon.’ Intriguingly, the Greek language lacks an ‘h’ sound, resulting in the word ‘Armageddon’ without its original phonetic element. This term is traditionally associated with the climactic battle in which Jesus will return to triumph over Israel’s enemies. However, contrary to popular belief, this monumental confrontation is not destined to unfold in the valley of Megiddo. Why is this the case? The answer lies in geographical realities: Megiddo is situated on a flat mesa, entirely devoid of the genuine mountains described in the Hebrew text.

To grasp the deeper significance of ‘mountains’ in this context, we must delve into the Hebrew text, particularly Isaiah 14:13, where the same Hebrew term is employed. In this instance, it does not refer to Megiddo; instead, it points toward the ‘Mount’ (har) of ‘assembly’ (mow.ed), situated in the sacred city of Jerusalem. The Greek transliteration, while influential, often obscures these profound meanings, making it challenging to convey the original intent. For more details on this topic, click here.

This final battle is far more than just a military clash for control of Jerusalem; it symbolizes a cosmic struggle—a grand conflict between the forces of good and evil. It represents a literal war of gods and men, a fierce contest for supremacy over God’s cosmic mountain, which is none other than His sacred dwelling place and divine garden.

Mountains serve as a recurring motif throughout the Song of Solomon, infusing the text with a rich tapestry of imagery. 

• For example, in the evocative line, “Be like a gazelle or young stag on the mountain of spices,” we encounter the Hebrew word for ‘spices’: ‘besem.’ This enchanting word appears five times throughout scripture, often evoking the essence of sweetness and beauty, commonly associated with delightful fragrances that tantalize the senses. Furthermore, the construct of mountains is woven into the fabric of the Song of Solomon on four distinct occasions.
• In Song of Solomon 2:8, we hear the heartfelt cry: “Listen! My lover is approaching! Look! Here he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills!” In this imagery, the mountains symbolize the challenges and obstacles that we all face in life. The lover’s ability to leap gracefully over these difficulties illustrates the profound truth that there is no challenge He cannot surmount.
• In the poignant verse of Song of Solomon 2:17, the bride beseeches, “Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved—be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountain gorges.” The ‘gorges’ symbolize moments of separation, highlighting the emotional tumult that accompanies their distance from one another. Even in periods when He feels far away, she grapples with the bittersweet reality of longing, recognizing that true spiritual growth blossoms in these moments. Learning to love Him both in joyful communion and in the depths of solitude reflects the essence of spiritual maturity.
• Lastly, in the stirring invitation presented in Song of Solomon 4:8, the bride calls out: “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.” This powerful plea beckons the beloved to abandon worldly distractions and temptations—symbolized by the ‘mountains of leopards’—and instead seek refuge in the ‘mountains of the Savior.' 

When He returns, those mountains of spices will become a radiant symbol of the sweet reunion between the bride and her beloved; how magnificent it will be to behold our Lord Jesus.

Thus, it is no wonder that she ardently prays for Him to hasten His return. In a beautifully intertwined expression, the New Testament concludes with a similar longing: “The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). This shared anticipation bridges the timeless narratives of both the Song of Solomon and the final verses of Revelation, weaving together themes of love, longing, and the inevitable fulfillment of divine promise, and assurance of His imminent arrival.

Stephen Barnett