By: Obed Pineda
From 971 B.C. to 931 B.C., Israel enjoyed its greatest period of prosperity and peace as a kingdom. Such was the beauty of Solomon’s reign that the inspired penmen affirms, “he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this side of the Rover; and he had peace on every side all around him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon” (1st Kings 4:24-25). Solomon’s wisdom had piqued the curiosity of monarchs from all over, prompting many of them to visit Israel and see for themselves if, indeed, the rumors were true (cf. 1st Kings 10:1ff). It was not uncommon for these royal spectators to leave Israel in awe, marveled by the prosperous beauty that its ruler was able to achieve with the wisdom he had been endowed with from above (cf. 2nd Chronicles 9:1-8). It is an incredible blessing to realize that even today, one can be mesmerized and edified by the magnificent gift of wisdom bestowed upon Solomon by Jehovah God since “he spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five” (1st Kings 4:32), with many of them preserved in the inspired pages of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs (also referred to as the Song of Solomon). It is very probable that several would readily agree to this statement with regards to Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, but the same may not be so when speaking of the Song of Songs. One reason this may be so is because a vast number of people view this book as a “sensual book” filled with provocative language and graphic metaphors that speak about a husband’s and wife’s relationship in the bedroom. Those who believe that this Hebrew poem speaks exclusively about a marriage’s intimacy are the same who shy away from properly studying it forgetting that it, too, was authored by the Holy Spirit. This crucial fact is key to remember when approaching this book, because it serves as a reminder that there are spiritual lessons that Solomon was inspired to scribe in this gorgeous masterpiece (that he declares to be his greatest song, cf. Song of Songs 1:1) that also have an application in life apart from the marital relationship. A fantastic example of this is what we can glean from the following verse: “Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes” (Song of Songs 2:15). This beautiful metaphor is indeed speaking to the importance of protecting an amorous relationship that has begun to blossom between a man and a woman from the adverse instances that can potentially harm it beyond repair. Consider that in the immediate context leading to this Scripture, the Shulamite and her beloved are in the courtship stage of their relationship, and for this reason either she or he (it is difficult to determine which of the two is speaking) is being vigilant of the potential threats that can impede their love from fully blossoming for one another. Thus, they are being diligent in protecting their love by getting ahead of the perils that aim to destroy it. The lesson found here about how to protect your beloved from being torn away from you, can also apply to our salvation. The apostle Paul urged Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1st Timothy 6:12). The Greek word epilambanomai is defined by the lexicon as “to seize upon, lay hold of” (Thayer, G1949). Ergo, the inspired apostle was instructing the young evangelist to grab on firmly or tightly to his salvation, not allowing any enemy to rip his crown away from his hands (cf. Revelation 3:11). Observe the parallels with Solomon’s teaching in his Song with the emblems of the vineyard and the foxes. A vineyard is a valuable possession for humans and animals because of its fruit. A flourishing vineyard full of sweet fruit on its vines, attracts foxes that aim to create dens underground in order to have easy access to a food source. Needless to say, once the foxes have established their dens in the vineyard, they will remain there until there is no more food if the owner of the vineyard does not run them off first. There is no doubt that salvation is every Christian’s prized possession because it is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” and was purchased not “with corruptible things, like silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1st Peter 1:4, 18, 19). Thus, like a vineyard attracts a fox seeking to steal its precious fruit, Christians must “be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1st Peter 5:8). Foxes can also used be used as a symbol of unrestrained emotion. It seems fitting that Samson would capture three hundred foxes to serve his vengeful plan against the Philistines who wronged him (cf. Judges 15:1-6). Prior to burning all of the Philistines grain, vineyards, and olive groves, Samson had become angry with his newly acquired wife for revealing the answer of his riddle to his foes, and left her (cf. Judges 14:19-20). His immature action and lack of self-control placed his wife in a precarious situation, being vulnerable to her father’s wicked decision (cf. Judges 14:20). Samson did not guard his home and as a result lost it to sin, similarly to Adam (cf. Genesis 3). The apostle Paul counsels, “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). The apostle’s words found in this pericope are not given to a marriage couple, but to all “the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesus 1:1). He provides this warning after having revealed how the Church grows through perfect harmony and unity (cf. Ephesus 4:15-16). Once more, observe the parallels that can be made with the illustration provided by Solomon. Unity and harmony between the saints is indeed precious because it produces strength and growth (cf. Ephesians 4:1-3, 1st Corinthians 3:1-9). However, there are unfortunate moments when a man’s emotions can get the better of him, and (if he lacks temperance) will cause much harm to the body as a whole (cf. Acts 6:1-2). Thus, once more the “little foxes” threaten to “spoil the vines” of progress that a congregation has achieved together. There is no doubt that there are many other examples one can glean from this small portion of the Song of Songs in conjunction with the rest of Holy Writ. However, one truth that continues to resonate in every application one can make from it is the vitality of protecting everything precious in life from the perils of wickedness and her servants. The high value of being diligently prepared to confront and defend one’s soul, home, and family is undeniably linked with the love story of the Shulamite and her beloved. Verily, it is pure and undefiled love that prompted our Savior to give His life for His bride, ridding their vineyard of wild foxes threatening to spoil the vines (cf. John 15:1-8, Hebrews 2:10-18, Colossians 3:1-11).