Let’s think about chapter 2 through two lenses: the first lens being a picture of an engaged couple and the second lens being a picture of Christ and His people (the Church).

First, let’s observe this chapter through the lens of an earthly relationship–this picture of an ideal relationship between a man and a woman. This couple, who is not yet married but engaged, picks up right where chapter 1 left off. They are praising each other profusely. The woman begins the chapter talking about herself. It’s interesting that her assessment of herself grows in confidence in light of his love for her. She begins to see herself the way he sees her. She also acknowledges and trusts that in his shadow, in his care, there is rest and refreshment and protection. She knows that he is a safe place for her.

He is extravagant in the way he loves her–his banner over her is love. He is advertising to all who will notice that he loves her. That he adores her. That she is his. His love for her is on display for all to see. They have a mutual desire for one another. There is mutual enjoyment, emotion, tenderness, and delight.

Yet, her wisdom prevails over desire. She will not give way to longing until the time is right. She will not settle for a premature desire or counterfeit version of love. They are willing to wait for the physical expression of the emotional connection they feel for one another. And, nothing will stand in his way or delay him when the time is right. She will flourish and blossom in his care. Her barren winter will be replaced with new blossoms of spring. But in the midst of this flowering relationship, there is always the threat of little foxes. These are the small, seemingly insignificant schemes of the enemy that destroy and sabotage relationships over time.

For those of us in committed relationships, we can learn from this couple and evaluate our relationships. How well are you doing at praising your partner? Does your spouse flourish under your care? Are you a safe place for your partner to land? Or are you allowing counterfeit versions of love to steal your mutual enjoyment, emotion, tenderness, and delight from each other?

Let’s shift our perspective just a little bit. What’s remarkable about the word of God is that it is applicable to all-married, single, rich, poor, male, and female. Let’s observe chapter 2 through the lens of the relationship of Christ and His bride, those of us belonging to Him.

All throughout Scripture, Christ’s love for us is undeniable. He lavishes his love on us. Because of His great love for us, the way we view ourselves changes. We grow in confidence. We see ourselves the way He sees us: holy, blameless, and righteous. We know and trust that in His care we find rest and refreshment and protection. He is our rock and our refuge. He is the safest place to land. His banner over us is love. While we were yet sinners, He displayed his love for us by dying in our place. And, because He conquered death with His resurrection, we know that the dead, barren parts in our lives (our winter seasons) will, at some point, bloom with new life again. And, while we have an enemy who wants to destroy any fruit in our life, one day, when the time is right, nothing and no one will be able to prevent or delay our King Jesus from coming to take us home.