(c) The Strength of the Love of God (8:6-7):

  NKJV KJV NIV ASV



 
This passage shows us 
three aspects of the LOVE
being described in the Song of Solomon.....
 (1) It SEALS us (v6a).

 (2) It is STRONG (v6b-7a).

 (3) It is very SPECIAL (v7b).

We will now look at each aspect seperately..

(1) His Love SEALS us (v6a): “Set me as a  seal upon your  heart....upon your  arm;” (NKJV).

This is the cry of the Bride. In Old Testament times a seal was used to indicate ownership of a person’s valued possessions (a mark of ownership). So the Bride asked to be her Beloved’s most valued possession, both internally (heart) and externally (arm), both in their personal unseen times together and also in the times when all can see. Also the seal bears the image of the one who owns us. His image must be in our heart (centre of our being) and our arm (all we do).
 
Heart’ also speaks about His will and purposes of love (Heart of God).

 ‘ Arm’ speaks about His actions and strength/power to do those actions.

What does this speak to you about the quality of love relationship Jesus desires with you ?

(2) His Love is STRONG (v6b-7a): “For love is as strong as death ..a.. vehement  flame.” (NKJV)
 
“These verses sum up the nature and power of the love depicted in this Song. It is as universal and irresistable as death, exclusive and possessive (in the sense of being genuinely concerned for the one loved) as the grave, passionate (as a blazing fire) and as invincible and persevering as many waters and rivers. And all this is true because love is supported by the Creator who possesses all power. The words ‘like a mighty flame’ are , literally, ‘the very flame of the Lord.’ John F.Walwoord,Roy B.Zuck,’The Bible Knowledge commentary’ - O.T.’,p1024. 

See  Rom 8:35-39 - what can seperate us from the Love of Christ ? Only ourselves!
Think further over these images of the strength of this Love...

(3) His Love is very SPECIAL (v7b):”If a man...give all..wealth..be utterly despised.”(NKJV)

The final statement about this love depicted in the Song of Solomon shows how priceless and special it is. All of one’s wealth would be totally inadequate to purchase such love. Infact, such material possessions would be despised because His Love cannot be bought. Any attempt to do so would depersonalize it.
 
“If love is priceless, how then can it be obtained ? The answer is that it must be given. And ultimately love is a gift from God.” John F.Walvoord,Roy B.Zuck,’The Bible Knowledge Commentary - O.T.’, p1024. 

We receive love as a gift from God and in turn we are to give this gift to others...

 Next.

 Overview Of Stage Five.


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