THE BANNER OF THE LORD
Who is this that looked forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners? S. of Sol. 6:10, R.S.V.
One of the most fascinating biblical portrayals of the bond between God and His people is found in the Song of Solomon. The narrative is rich with expressions of mutual delight that the bride and the Bridegroom find in each other. And when the bride experiences the torment of separation from her beloved, she expresses no doubt in their relationship. "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine," she says confidently (S. of Sol. 6:3, R.S.V.).
Her statement is most revealing when the preceding circumstances are understood. The Bridegroom had come to her in the night, asking to be allowed in. Incredibly, her response reflected feelings of being inconvenienced at his request! "I have stripped off my dress; must I put it on again? I have washed my feet; must I soil them again?" (chap. 5:3, N.E.B.). Putting his hand through the latchhole and finding the door bolted, he departed, making no further demand.
Hastening to open the door, she went out into the night in a desperate search for him. She was beaten and wounded by the watchmen of the city walls, who took away her veil, the symbol of her respectability. It should have been enough to make anyone give up! But something comforted her and gave her the confidence that he would return for her--even though she was aware of her disappointing behavior toward him: she trusted the quality of his love!
Her bridegroom was a king. He, like other monarchs, had an emblem that represented his power and dominion. As a banner, it was carried into battle for a rallying point and went before his army when they victoriously marched back into the city. Reminiscent of this, the bride described the king's posture toward her by declaring, "His banner over me was love" (chap. 2:4, R.S.V.). When the Bridegroom returned for her, he rejoiced in her understanding of their relationship. In spite of her feelings, he saw her as a returning, victorious army carrying high his banner!
Though we have not always been consistent in our response toward God, we can be sure that His attitude toward us is unchanging. We are His, and He is ours! "May we shout for joy over [our] victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners!" (Ps. 20:5, R.S.V.).
Who is this that looked forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners? S. of Sol. 6:10, R.S.V.
One of the most fascinating biblical portrayals of the bond between God and His people is found in the Song of Solomon. The narrative is rich with expressions of mutual delight that the bride and the Bridegroom find in each other. And when the bride experiences the torment of separation from her beloved, she expresses no doubt in their relationship. "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine," she says confidently (S. of Sol. 6:3, R.S.V.).
Her statement is most revealing when the preceding circumstances are understood. The Bridegroom had come to her in the night, asking to be allowed in. Incredibly, her response reflected feelings of being inconvenienced at his request! "I have stripped off my dress; must I put it on again? I have washed my feet; must I soil them again?" (chap. 5:3, N.E.B.). Putting his hand through the latchhole and finding the door bolted, he departed, making no further demand.
Hastening to open the door, she went out into the night in a desperate search for him. She was beaten and wounded by the watchmen of the city walls, who took away her veil, the symbol of her respectability. It should have been enough to make anyone give up! But something comforted her and gave her the confidence that he would return for her--even though she was aware of her disappointing behavior toward him: she trusted the quality of his love!
Her bridegroom was a king. He, like other monarchs, had an emblem that represented his power and dominion. As a banner, it was carried into battle for a rallying point and went before his army when they victoriously marched back into the city. Reminiscent of this, the bride described the king's posture toward her by declaring, "His banner over me was love" (chap. 2:4, R.S.V.). When the Bridegroom returned for her, he rejoiced in her understanding of their relationship. In spite of her feelings, he saw her as a returning, victorious army carrying high his banner!
Though we have not always been consistent in our response toward God, we can be sure that His attitude toward us is unchanging. We are His, and He is ours! "May we shout for joy over [our] victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners!" (Ps. 20:5, R.S.V.).
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