Song of Songs 6:5a Turn your eyes from me; they overwhelm me….
Reading through this description of his beloved, a modern reader might think it more in line with Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, where the speaker begins, “My mistress’s eyes are nothing like the sun;” however, commentary indicates that in its original context, this section of Song of Songs would indeed have been praise.
Song of Songs 6:5b …Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead.
The thing that both this description and Sonnet 130 share, the idea that Jesus also embodies, is loving acceptance, regardless. The beloved shows it even after their tiff in the last chapter. The speaker shows it even though his beloved isn’t the fairest in the land, Jesus shows it even though we aren’t anywhere close to perfect.
Song of Songs 6:6 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing. Each has its twin, not one of them is missing.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for Your fierce, unconditional love of Your children. Help us to love ourselves and each other as You love us. Draw us closer. Amen.
Song of Songs 6:7 Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.
Have a blessed day.