Solomon has already been well introduced back in Meditation 3. He arrives somewhat in the ‘shoes’ (technically ‘bear feet’) of Adam, and the theme of the previous section “Back to Eden” is one to be joyously revisited. Thus, in the latter half of this section, we will re-enter
that garden of Solmon’s Song of Songs.

To quote Meditation 3, in the Song…

“the wife’s body is pictured as that very garden paradise! Likewise the husband’s body becomes a whole new Eden, the delights of which are ripe for exploration for the wife! So as we contemplate the sights smells and tastes of the Garden of Eden,… oh husband, your wife IS that garden! Likewise, oh wife, your husband IS your Eden!”

Meditation 3 previewed the garden for us but 9 meditations hence your garden ticket is booked for an extended visit (Meditations 20-31)!

Before that, however, we will find in Solomon’s largest book, Proverbs, has many themes pertaining to marital intimacy. To introduce Solomon yet further, however, we firstly have a meditation relating to the context of Solomon’s birth - the utter train wreck of adultery and consequent murder that relates to Solomon’s Mum & Dad - David and Bathsheba. Can a marriage with such sinful foundations truly be redeemed and blessed? Solomon (“Jedediah”- see later) himself is the answer.

We then launch into Proverbs starting with the three “Her’s” of proverbs…

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“Her husband’s joy and crown,”  

        (The character of the wife and the husband’s attitude towards her)

“..her breasts satisfy always,”  

          (Requiring no further explanation here!)
"Her light does not go out at night,” 

  (The Proverbs 31 wonder-wife and her “sitting” husband!)

(Wives please restrain your husbands from jumping strait to the second!)

Then comes 3 meditations relating to the tongue where Solomon, (with the help of James, Peter and Paul in the New Testament), demonstrates the power of the tongue for the life (or death) of any marriage (Note to husbands: not just nagging wives – much broader
than that).

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Finally, via an initial consideration of the sexual and/or allegorical understanding of the Song – we happily arrive back in the garden (again).

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​Plan Your Song of Songs Break oh Couple!
On a practical level, please note, when we arrive at the Song of Songs section there is the suggestion of an optional 6/12 day+ holiday setting. This would be particularly wonderful in a countryside setting which would provide a great background to your meditations relating to Solomon’s own garden.
Just think how wonderful to enjoy the meditations relating to the garden in your own garden setting, where you may allow the verdant hillsides and orchards, the vineyards and mountains of Solomon’s garden become your own! Better still if taken in spring where, “flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come ” (2:12) and the “blossoming vines spread their fragrance" (2:13)!
Come on, I can see your tempted – take a break, you won’t regret it. Is the city that great? Honor your wife/husband over your boss or bank balance! It’s time to take time to breathe!
If so, hopefully you can pencil in (better still pen in) such a time in your calendar to begin in about 4 weeks (presuming, oh couple, you are covering these meditations at the rate of about 2 meditations a week.)
If time, money, or season does not yet allow such an treat – how about setting a more distant target? At least find some extra time in the weekends and/or evenings in that period to find some nice parkland for some pleasant walks.
Here may you have a focus of regaining or maintaining of peace, rejoicing in the Lord and in beauty of His creation, and in each other (also His creation)….setting apart a time where your focus maybe upon your own lover/beloved, as Solomon and his own beloved so beautifully demonstrate .

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