Connect Song of Solomon 2:17 with Psalm 130:6 on waiting for the Lord. The Scene in Songs 2:17 “Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved—like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.” • The bride speaks at twilight, longing for her bridegroom’s return. • Literal setting: evening shadows lengthen; the night of separation is real, not merely poetic. • Spiritual echo: a covenant love looks forward to reunion at dawn. The Cry in Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen wait for the morning—more than watchmen wait for the morning.” • The psalmist stands in the dark hours before sunrise. • Literal watchmen guard the city walls, eyes fixed on the first light. • Spiritual reality: the soul is locked on the Lord’s arrival with eagerness that surpasses even the guard’s anticipation of dawn. Shared Imagery: Dawn and Desire • Evening-to-morning tension threads through both passages: – Songs 2:17 — shadows flee at daybreak. – Psalm 130:6 — watchmen strain for the same sunrise. • Mountains of Bether and city walls both serve as vantage points where longing intensifies. • The beloved in Song and the Lord in Psalm embody fulfillment; both arrive when darkness gives way to light. Waiting with Expectation • Active posture, not passive: – Bride urges, “Turn… be like a gazelle,” picturing swift, certain arrival. – Watchman stands, alert and vigilant. • Hope is tied to covenant faithfulness: – Song of Solomon celebrates marital covenant. – Psalm 130:7 affirms, “with the LORD is loving devotion”. • Certainty of dawn underscores the certainty of God’s promised intervention (cf. Hosea 6:3). Living the Wait Today • Embrace literal seasons of darkness while anchoring in promised light (John 8:12). • Cultivate watchman–like alertness through: – Regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:147). – Corporate worship that rehearses hope (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Obedient service, reflecting readiness (Luke 12:35-36). • Expect swift appearance of the Beloved at the appointed hour (Revelation 22:20). Other Voices in Scripture • Isaiah 26:8 — “We have waited for You eagerly.” • Lamentations 3:25-26 — “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him.” • James 5:7-8 — “Be patient… the coming of the Lord is at hand.” • Romans 8:23-25 — groaning now, waiting for full redemption. Heart Check for Today’s Watchmen • Confidence grows as dawn approaches; lengthening shadows signal nearness of light. • Longing for the Bridegroom deepens love-driven obedience (John 14:15). • Sunrise is certain; endurance until sunrise is worship. |
    |