This larger section (3:6-5:1) forms the central part of the book; it begins with the wedding procession (3:6-11) and accompanying Songs (4:1-7 and 8-15) and culminates with the invitation for the spouse to “take possession” of His Bride (4:16, 5:1).
Ch. 3: 6-11 form one poem and presents a picture of the King and His bride arriving in the wedding Procession. The pronoun “this” in verse 6 is a feminine indicating that the bride is in focus. These pillars of perfumed smoke rising up out of the wilderness mixed with the dust of that the trail gives a sense of the surreal, giving the idea that the beauty of this woman is “out of this world” (see also 6:10). But where does this beauty come from that the Bride exudes. The answer is given in verse 7 “behold…King Solomon” and verse 8-11 paint the fuller picture of the Royal procession. Three themes run through this section of the poem—luxurious wealth, unrivalled beauty and absolute security.
This is where the beauty of the bride comes from. It is His work—He made the Chariot (V. 9); His presence (Vs. 7) and his Sovereign authority and protection (Vs. 7-8). The royal security that she enjoys, fears no evil; nor any evil news (Psalm 112:7)—with 60 men form the elite corps of Israel’s army the terrors of the night are banished (Vs. 8 cf. Ecclesiastes 12:1; Exodus 33:4). But this beauty and rest in the king has a community component, because salvation, although personal is not private. The Chariot is “lovingly paved by the daughters of Jerusalem” and she invites them to view him and enjoy him. (Vs. 11 cf. Philippians 1:14). The gracious perfume of the Christian is in the King of Kings through the ministry of the saints.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
Aaron Dunlop, who is originally from Northern Ireland, graduated from the Geneva Reformed Seminary, SC. He pastored for ten years in Victoria, British Columbia and is currently preparing to move to Kenya with his family to work with the FAME Reformed Theological College.
