Song Of Solomon 8
Isaiah 8 presents scenes in which God’s warnings and promises, delivered through the prophet Isaiah, appear in concrete events and real-life figures. In a crisis where the allied forces of Aram (Syria) and Israel (the northern kingdom) threaten Judah, God gives Isaiah a prophecy about the near future through the name of his son (Maher-shalal-hash-baz). Judah is afraid in the face of threats from surrounding nations, but the chapter instead foretells that Aram and the northern kingdom will be judged by a greater power—Assyria.
1verseOh that you were like my brother, who nursed from the breasts of my mother! If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me.
2verseI would lead you, bringing you into the house of my mother, who would instruct me. I would have you drink spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate.
3verseHis left hand would be under my head. His right hand would embrace me.
4verseI adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires.
5verseWho is this who comes up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Beloved Under the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother conceived you. There she was in labor and bore you.
6verseSet me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of the LORD.
7verseMany waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned.
8verseWe have a little sister. She has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for?
9verseIf she is a wall, we will build on her a turret of silver. If she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.
10verseI am a wall, and my breasts like towers, then I was in his eyes like one who found peace.
11verseSolomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon. He leased out the vineyard to keepers. Each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit.
12verseMy own vineyard is before me. The thousand are for you, Solomon, two hundred for those who tend its fruit.
13verseYou who dwell in the gardens, with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice!
14verseCome away, my beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!
The Structure of the Text and Key Content
- Symbolic Name (verses 1–4): God commands Isaiah to name his son “Maher-shalal-hash-baz” (Quick to plunder, swift to seize). This symbolizes the coming judgment and the speed of war.
- The Waves of Assyria (verses 5–8): This expresses, in a figurative way, that Assyria will surge like rushing water to overtake Judah, though it will not fully swallow it up.
- Warning and Reassurance (verses 9–18): God tells the people not to fear people, but to revere God alone. It also emphasizes that Isaiah and his children were appointed as signs and symbols.
- A Call for Wholehearted Trust (verses 19–22): The people are warned against asking fortune-tellers or spirit mediums, and they are reminded again of the importance of living based on God’s law. It also predicts chaos and suffering for those who choose darkness instead of light.
Points for Reflection
- It helps you reflect on what you rely on in fear. In a crisis, think about whether you need an attitude of revering God alone.
- Reflect on the fact that God’s promises may sometimes be fulfilled in ways that are difficult to understand. Check your heart to see whether you truly want to listen to God’s word.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Reflect on whether, when faced with fear or uncertainty in life, you are not relying too easily on human methods or calculations.
- Pray so that you can make a decision to live by God’s word and promises as your standard, trusting in God’s will.
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This is the last chapter of Song Of Solomon.