In chapter 2, we see a new phase in Solomon’s relationship with Abishag. The girl declares, “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley.” Solomon responds: “Yes, a lily among thorns, so is my beloved as compared with any other girl.” Isn’t this how Christ looks at believers as compared with non-believers? He sees us as pure and spotless because by trusting in what Christ did for us on the cross, we have spiritually applied his blood to our condition as the Israelites applied the blood of the Passover lamb to the door posts and lintels in Egypt.
The girl then in verses 3-7 describes her closeness and enjoyment with her husband. “He brings me to the banquet hall, and everyone can see how much he loves me.” Did you experience that feeling as a new believer that everyone around you recognized what had happened in your life and smiled or encouraged you? You felt His presence in your life for a time, and you thought it would never go away, but it did.
Beginning in verse 8, the husband has gone on an errand it appears. But she knows he is returning and is nearby. “Look, there he is behind the wall, now looking in at the window.” She hears him speak to her and he invites her to join him. But she cannot join him. “My dove is hiding behind some rocks, behind an outcrop of the cliff. Call to me and let me hear your lovely voice and see your handsome face.” Why can’t she see or hear him?
“The little foxes are ruining the vineyards.” I remember feeling when I was first saved that my problem with sin was over, but it wasn’t long before those little foxes were at it again. I knew I hadn’t lost my salvation, but I had a terrible guilt complex. My joy had turned to sorrow; what was I to do? Some short time later, I heard our pastor give an invitation to rededicate my life so I went forward. But that only lasted a few days or weeks until I was steeped in guilt and despair again. So, what is a believer to do?
Solomon gives us the answer in a few words: “My beloved is mine and I am his.” Yes, I knew that I was His by redemption, but He is mine? Yes, He is mine by love! He will never turn His back on me. His love is an everlasting love. There may be times in our lives like Solomon had when we are wondering and wandering, but He never leaves us nor forsakes us because He is mine! If you have the opportunity, read the old hymn, “I am His, and He is Mine”. It will help you see the truth in Solomon’s words.