Can we see past the sins of this world to the purity of intimacy in a faithful marriage and how it pictures Christ’s love for the Church? Let’s look at Song of Songs 7.
As we examine this unashamedly intimate passage of a man’s love for his bride, can we see the intimate love of Christ for His Church?
How graceful are your sandaled feet, willing woman! The smooth curves of your thighs—like fine jewelry, the work of an artist’s hands! Your navel, cupped like the full moon—may it never lack spiced wine! Your belly is a mound of winnowed wheat edged with lilies. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle doe; your neck, like a tower of ivory; your eyes, pools in Heshbon, by the gate of that lordly city. Your profile is like the tower of Lebanon, looking out toward Damascus. Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, and your hair, braided in royal purple—a king is bound by the tresses! You are so beautiful, so lovely—my love, delightful one! Your stately form resembles a date palm, and your breasts are like clustered fruit. I say, “I will climb the palm tree; I will hold its fruit!” May your breasts be now like grape clusters, and the scent of your breath like apples! Your palate is like excellent wine flowing smoothly for my love, gliding through the lips and teeth. (Song 7:1-9 CEB)
As we examine the bride’s perspective in this unashamedly intimate passage, can we appreciate the Church’s love for Christ?
My darling, I am yours, and you desire me. Let's stroll through the fields and sleep in the villages. At dawn let's slip out and see if grapevines and fruit trees are covered with blossoms. When we are there, I will give you my love. Perfume from the magic flower fills the air, my darling. Right at our doorstep I have stored up for you all kinds of tasty fruits. (Song 7:10-13 CEV)
How important is physical intimacy in a godly marriage?
The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Cor 7:3-5 ESV)
Can we see past the sins of this world to the purity of intimacy in a faithful marriage and how it pictures Christ’s love for the Church? You decide!
