“Better Than Wine”
Some might ask, “What could be better than wine?” Some might answer, “A good cup of hot coffee.” Others might answer, “Just give me a soda.” Where can we find a writing in our Bible which supports this…” better than wine?”
The Shulamite young woman in Song of Songs (The Song of Solomon) talks about love. She is supported by her widowed mother, several sons and they maintained themselves by farming and pastorage.
She met with a shepherd youth. Later, she became espoused to him. In chapter 2:16, it is written: “My beloved is mine and I am his. He feeds among the lilies.” She describes herself in chapter 1:5-6: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.”
She brings in the fragrances of love: “Because of the savour of thy good ointments, thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.” Having met the one she fell in love with, her beloved shepherd, she longs for his love and at one point, was fearing that she had lost him.
King Solomon sees her, casts his eyes upon her and greatly admires her beauty, which she describes herself: “I am black, but comely (lovely) as the tents of Kedar (which were black), as the curtains of Solomon (1:5, 6). It may be interpreted that the Shulamite was dark-skinned, also darkened by the sun. She may have been Arabian or African descent.
She dreams of reuniting with her beloved, the shepherd. She is a wall. She says, “I am a wall,” in reply to her brothers, who sent her into the vineyard to protect her from invasion of temptations. She stands firm against all the offers, which have been set before her by King Solomon. “I am not a door admitting anyone.” (8:10)
She is therefore not promiscuous and preserves herself until her dream is fulfilled to re-unite with the young shepherd, her true love. King Solomon lavishes her with many ways to excite her and entice her to come and be in his harem.
You recall Solomon took many foreign wives (women) who drew him into sin. (Nehemiah 13:26). The King was determined to win her affections (Solomon 6:4-7:9) He was unsuccessful even when promising to raise her up to the highest placement above the other concubines (7:10-8:4) The king realized he could not prevail and he dismissed her.
She was happy about this because she wanted to return to her home and be with her beloved shepherd. She returned to her native land (8:5-14) She sought an interview with her beloved shepherd (1:12-2:7) Her beloved shepherd had followed her into the capital and obtained an interview with her. She wanted to quit that grand scene and be with her beloved shepherd.
There are several interpretations to this beautiful Song of Solomon. We can see, however, some translations from our own mind. For example, how our Lord can keep us in spite of all the worldly temptations with which we are confronted.
We can see that our Savior keeps us under all kinds of situations and conditions as we abide in Him (1 John 3:17), and we find that He is our deliverer, our Protector. Keep yourself pure. This goes for young men, old men, young women, and older women too. The rules don’t change with age.
His grace and forgiveness are sufficient for us. He heralds His voice throughout the New Covenant: (New Testament) “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9; 13:14), “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles 90043, (323) 293-9826 .www.todaysfreshstart.org (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) Inquiring Minds Want to Know” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © The Holy Bible New Testament, Errors? Let me know. Sundays for music & message: 11:30am {1-712-775-8971—code 266751} References: Word in Life Study Bible; Berean Study Bible; Companion Bible
