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This is the second time that others ask ‘Who is this..?’ in relation to the
couple. The first time ( 3:6) was particularly in reference to Solomon and his strong army. The Shulamite was simply ‘in for the ride’ (the wedding procession). However, this time they are seen as ‘ONE’ (‘two shall become one’) coming out of the wilderness. Again this question shows that there has been a dramatic change in the Bride, so much so that even people close to her (this was a relative or a friend) cannot fully recognise her.
As we get closer to Jesus we change dramatically. As a married couple grows in love they too mature and change so that others can clearly see.
Up From The Wilderness
‘..coming up from the wilderness..’ implies a change in the quality of their relationship. ‘ Wilderness’ has two specific implications in the Old Testament....
(i) The wilderness was associated with Israel’s 40 year period of trial.
In their love, the couple has overcome trials which threatened their relationship (eg. insecurity of the Bride, the foxes, her indifference, the beating of the watchmen etc...). However, now they come ‘UP’ (not ‘down’!) from the wilderness into the Promised Land! Having become a powerful army, she is ready to move into the Promised land with her Beloved and claim her inheritance!
As we take place in God’s End-Time Army and go on to trust Him 100%, we too will storm the Promised land - the years of wilderness will be over!
This is the stage where the Bride now is moving in her own inheritance, owning her own vineyard, bearing much fruit.
(ii) The wilderness was used as an image of God’s curse (cf. Jer 22:6; Joel 2:3).
The couple’s coming up out of the wilderness suggests that in a certain sense they have overcome the curse of disharmony pronounced on Adam and Eve ( Gen 3:16b) - it speaks of coming out from being under curses - both in our relationship with Jesus and in a marriage relationship.
Lean On Me.
“..leaning on her beloved..” - see Prov 3:5 and comment in the light of this verse...
‘Leaning on’ implies
3 things....
| (1) Total trust
in the one leaned on (to support).
(2) If the one you lean on moves, you will move with him! (3) The strength of the one leaned on is all important (not your own strength). |
Relate these three points to your relationship with Jesus and also to a marriage relationship....
Can you think of
any other points implied by the term ‘leaning on’ ?
How much are you
leaning on Jesus ? Are there other things you're leaning on ? (eg. money)...pray
that you may lean more fully on Him.