Place me like a seal over your heart;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame. Song 8:6 NIV
The Song of Songs is an Old Testament book that is said to have been written by King Solomon. It is a beautiful and well-written poetic story about the relationship between a man and woman. Through their spoken words the couple vividly describes the physical expressions of love between them.
The Bible at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (KJV)
From a study of the Song of Songs, we can easily see why this book about human love was included in the collection of the Holy Scriptures: it gives definitive instructions on how love is to be shared in a committed relationship. The love expressed in this book can be said to parallel the love of God for us, as evidenced in the sweeping statements in 8:6 and 7.
What can we learn from Solomon’s Song of Songs about the ingredients of committed love?
Mutual commitment: My beloved is mine and I am his . . . (2:16).
I belong to my beloved and his desire is for me (7:10).
Mutual appreciation: Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women (2:2).
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men (2:3).
Mutual compliments: How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves (1:15; 4:2-7).
How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant (1:16; 5:10-16).
Mutual sexual enjoyment: I said, “I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.” May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine (7:8-9).
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me (2:6).
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned. Songs 8:7 NIV
