A comparison / contrast of Song of Songs 4:12-15 and 4:16-5:1. We see a sequence of events in courtship that is consumated in marriage. We then see what kind of romantic relationship the woman would like. In verse 12 (the male) mentions the word “locked” twice and “sealed up”. Gardens are often locked because of pest and intruders. The products of a garden “choice fruits”, “nard plants” are anthropomorphized. The fruits are kept from others...virginity or purity most likely are being referred to here. She has kept herself sealed up maintaining sexual abstinence for her husband until after marriage. Here we see Jesus Christ and the Church. The Church is God’s garden. The seeds that have been sown are ready for harvest so that they can be taken home. “Spices” referred to in v. 14 could be passion or zest for the relationship partner. The male (Solomon) is praising her attractiveness and desirableness. I have to assume from the figurative language that includes “bride” that this is consummation of a marriage. The implication although not explicitly stated is that sexual relations within marriage is acceptable and is to be enjoyed not looked upon as improper. In verses 16 & 5:1 we see the culmination of not wanting to be separated from a mate after marriage whether this means momentary separation like disengaging sexual activity or even from an embrace to carry on the other activities of life and /or the separation that is long term like war or death. It also shows that these two compliment one another. Here too we can also see Christ and the Church to some extent because, If Christ delights in the Church, the Church also delights in Christ.
The woman says: “Put me like a seal over your heart”. Seals were used as identification and ownership. The identity of a person was imprinted into the seal. By saying this she is saying that she wants everyone to know that he is permanently identified with her and as a symbol of this she wants the seals placed in the location where they would be the most significant. Over the heart which in those times was believed to be the center of thoughts and the arm which seem to signify actions and are highly visible. Additionally, the seal is created by a signet ring or [Strong’s H2368: chotham], from a root “to impress” It was sometimes carried by a string on the breast, and would, therefore, be near the heart. So this statement sort of has a double meaning. It is to put a seal on the heart as a seal on a letter to close it and also to impress upon the heart or add gravity to a situation to drive home a point or impress upon someone the importance or significance of something (Pulpit Commentary) .It is a love and relationship so certain as to be compared to the certainty of “death” and “Sheol” (grave). Of course we then have the key verse about any “true” love. Love comes from the Lord (like a flame), even a love between a man and a woman a husband and wife. The woman submits to the husband and the man submits to Christ. In doing so we do what was planned by God and is stated in the Bible. “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having (BE)cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:22-27 (NASB, Bible Gateway [Online]). By comparing this love to the Lord she is saying she wants the love the God wants for all humans. A perfect love based in Him, according to His will. That…is a good thing. Amen!
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