This love story is a spiritual road map of sorts that lays out for us our walk on that "narrow path" that leads to righteousness. Within this book we find how the King deals with and teaches the bride to overcome the obstacles that hinder their love relationship. Along with the King’s chastening is revealed the thoughts and intentions of the heart of Christ. The fact that He does chasten the bride to raise her up is balanced by the way the King goes about "drawing" her in, which we will find is through His love, compassion, and mercy.

The most important message that we will find contained in this book is learning God’s WAYS. Knowledge only becomes of any real value if it is contrasted with wisdom. And if you only get one thing out of reading this book I pray it would be to get a glimpse of God’s ways, which are a manifestation of His wisdom.

There is much depth within the Song of Solomon as well as many different meanings concerning each verse of this glorious book. It is not the goal of this writing to go through all the different meanings of each verse nor is it the goal to be "comprehensive" in this study. I consider this study barely an outline and much is left up to the reader in allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as individuals. This experience I will not rob you of.

Finally, the interpretation of this book is solely what I believe I have been shown by the Holy Spirit. Since the word of God is written "line upon line, precept upon precept", there can be many different meanings and applications to each verse. If the Holy Spirit is revealing something completely different to you concerning a certain passage of scripture in this book, PRAISE THE LORD! The goal of this writing is not to lay forth THE meaning of the Song of Solomon but to hopefully be an "initiator" that sparks a new level of passion and desire for the Lord Jesus Christ and contrast what which the Lord has already been showing you.

Most of all, open your heart to the Lord as He wishes to unveil His overwhelming love for us as He seeks to draw us into intimacy and passion with Him and raise us up as His pure and spotless bride for that soon to come marriage supper of the Lamb.

All scriptures KJV unless otherwise noted. The numbers in brackets [ ] are the Strong’s concordance reference numbers to the hebrew words.

For a free copy of this book you may write, phone, or e-mail:

Jim Rinker

1115 Fern Ave.

Kenhorst, Pa. 19607

610-796-4862

rinker@3dp.com

I would like to begin by describing the three main character's in this story. The role of these characters will become much clearer as we study this book.

1. There is first King Solomon who allegorically represents Jesus. The name Solomon in the Hebrew is [08010] Sh@lomoh and means "peace" and thus giving us a direct connection to king Jesus the "Prince of peace".

2. There is the shulamite woman who represents all those who in their Christian walk decide that they are not satisfied with their initial "outer court" experience with God but rather desire to "fully know" the King. Although the shulamite is one person in this book she represents the "bride of Christ" singular. This is because "IN CHRIST JESUS" all are one thus all who make up the bride are "one body" singular.

She represents all who choose to run after their King. This is also evident in verse 3 as she says "virgins" plural and in verse 4 were she says "we will run...".

The word shulamite in the Hebrew is [07759] Shuwlammiyth and means "the perfect" or "the peaceful". This is a prophetic picture of the destiny of the bride of Christ. Perfect in beauty and holiness and totally at rest and peace as she rests upon her love Jesus and His finished work at the cross.

3. There are the "daughter's of Jerusalem" or "daughter's of Zion" which represent all those who did have an initial salvation experience but are content to view the King from afar. They are content with that initial salvation experience and wish to go no further in their walk with the Lord. They are represented her as "plural" (ie. daughters) for two reasons.

a. Because the gate is straight that leads to righteousness and few there be that find it. In contrast, broad is the way that leads to destruction and MANY there be that travel that road.

b. Since these are not "connected" to the head then they are not yet "one" or in "unity" with the Holy Spirit thus are "many". These represent many different "wills" that are not part or under the "will of God".

With this contrast between the "shulamite woman" and the "daughters of Jerusalem" in mind, the Song of Solomon does not begin at the initial "salvation experience". Rather, the beginning of this book is when one desires "more" from God than what was given to them as the "free gift". It is when one accepts the challenge by God to enter into a deeper walk with Him no matter what the personal cost. For those who choose to travel the "narrow path", Jesus is no longer an "escape plan" or "meal ticket" but a burning desire that will not be quenched until He is FULLY realized. These are very "discontent" with their "outer court" experience (but not ungrateful) and wish to press right into the "holy of holies". Thus it is here were we begin our journey through this book.

Solomon in the Hebrew is [08010] Sh@lomoh and means "peace" and thus giving us a direct connection to king Jesus the "Prince of peace".

There is so much depth in these first three verses!

It is evident from the language that the something has happened within the shulamite woman to make her view the King in this manner. So what happened? How did she come to view the King in this manner? I believe the answer is simple. She simply received and responded to God’s love for her. It is in her response to His love that her "eyes" are opened and "ears" unstopped and she is now able to see into the spiritual realm and behold the beauty and glory of Jesus as He really is.

It is because of the "YES" in her heart to receive His love and then her "willingness" to want to know the King in a deeper, more intimate way that Jesus revealed Himself to her in this way. It is out of this "revelation" that she realizes who Jesus is in comparison to all else around her. So it is from "divine revelation" that she is drawn "upward" by Jesus.

Let's look in depth at this passage because the shulamite woman makes some significant statements here.

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love [is] better than wine".

In this we see a "receiving" of His love and thus an "intimate exchange" between the bride of Christ and Jesus. That exchange takes place because she both feels and receives His manifest love for her. She also realizes that His love is better than anything else that she has previously experienced. She is beginning to see the goodness of God. His goodness has always been there but what was once despised, ignored, and overlooked is now taken seriously and diligently sought after.

"Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee".

Because she realizes who the King is because she can now see His grace, mercy, compassion, and love, His name now has POWER. Ointment is a symbol of the anointing and she now realizes that there is POWER in the name of JESUS. At one time it was just the name of the King but now even when she says the name Jesus she is literally brought to tears and brokeness. It is because of all these things that the "virgin's", those who are also seeking diligently after the King along with her, love Him.

I will stop here for a moment to make a statement. In her current immature state the bride's heart is "toward" the King. She is running after Jesus but she loves Him for His goodness or "His hand". She loves Him for what He can provide for her. We will see as we go through this book that as the bride matures she no longer seeks Jesus because of His "provision" but rather she seeks Jesus for who He is. This is referred to as "seeking His face". Prophetically this is were all who run after Christ are headed. There will be a bride that will love the King with all of their soul, strength, and might because He is LORD AND KING of the universe and His character and nature are beauty and NOT because He gives them good things. This is a necessary "season" for the bride but not an end-point.

"Draw me, we will run after thee".

This is her "official" entrance onto the narrow path that Jesus spoke of.

The "love" of Christ was shed abroad so that all who "respond" to His love will be saved. It is in her response to His goodness to "draw me" that Jesus IMMEDIATELY begins to speak to her on a "higher" spiritual level than He previously has before. He is able to do this because she allowed Him to ELEVATE her to a higher level than she was at previously. This is also an important point, Jesus "meets" us were we are at but in order for us to "receive" from Him we must be elevated to the place were we can receive from Him. This can only happen as we "respond to His invitation". We see this next.

"The king hath brought me into his chambers".

See it is in His "secret chambers" that the "true unadulterated" revelation of Jesus Christ exists. It is only in this place of "solitude" were she can be divinely protected away from the deception that exists all around her. It is in the "secret chambers" that Jesus wishes to have "divine fellowship" with His bride. It is for "divine fellowship" with God that mankind has been created in the first place. So as she is elevated into the secret chambers she is now able to receive the "true manna" or "true bread".

It is in this place were she no longer receives "contaminated food" which is full of man's doctrine's and opinions. Much of what Jesus has to say in this place of solitude is CONTRARY to what she has been previously taught by men. If she had not been "elevated" and "set apart" much of what she would hear would be rejected by her natural mind because it is not what is being taught in the mainstream and would seem to her as "false doctrine" or "weird theology" and maybe lost because of "misunderstanding" on the part of the bride.

Jesus has to totally "reprogram" her way of thinking. Paul referred to this as the "renewing of our minds". It is in the secret chambers that all of the "false conceptions" and "false representations" of the nature and character of the King will be broken and the true "JESUS" will be revealed to her.

Finally, she proclaims:

"We will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee".

Because of all of this she is totally overwhelmed with His manifest love. Out of His display of love for her flows PRAISE and WORSHIP.

There is a sacred circle that we see in these first five verses that is the "power source" of our relationship with Jesus. From this sacred circle all else flows. It is upon this "foundation" which Jesus will build in raising up the bride to maturity and completion. This circle consists of:

- Receiving Jesus love (in many forms)

- From receiving His love comes desire

- From desire flows holy passion

- From holy passion we run after Jesus to RECEIVE more (we desire more of Him)

All else that we will read through this book flows from this foundation. The key is HIS GOODNESS and His EVERLASTING COVENANT with us. As this is recognized and cherished by the bride she will continue to press forward toward to MARK which is the HIGH CALLING of GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.

From these first five verses we begin to see how our Lord and King draws us to Him. Jesus does not draw us to Him through hype, fear, or manipulation. These have been and always will be the ways of men. Rather, the King through an outpouring of His love and affection literally "conquers" the heart of the bride. In this first chapter we begin to see His ways in operation and how contrary they are to the ways of man.

In chapter 1, we left off in verse 4 were the King has brought the bride into His "chambers", that place of "elevation" and "seclusion" were He can begin to directly speak the pure unadulterated living word to her. This is indeed a glorious place to be. She has already described how she sees the "beauty" and "spender" of the Lord Jesus Christ as her "eyes" were opened.

There is a second revelation that she gets in His chambers. It is how she "rightly" sees herself.

We read in:

She now realizes that the King loves her just the way she is because Jesus loves us with an agape love that

is BEYOND human comprehension. She now feels LOVED by the King! And with this agape love comes an astounding revelation. She begins to view herself in PROPER PERSPECTIVE.

She no longer sees herself as either a lowly "good for nothing" sinner (black) or as a confident, self-righteous "King’s kid" (comely) but she now realizes that she is lovely to Him even as one who has been "darkened" by sin. She now sees herself as simply a "sinner saved by grace".

To put this in context, Jesus obviously does not want us to REMAIN "darkened" by sin but in His agape love He loves us just as we are. It is from the perspective of being received "just as I am without one plea" that the Lord will be able to deal with the "old" adamic nature that she still has and at the same time not let her "fall under condemnation" while the "old" is being removed from her.

It is only through this unconditional love and acceptance of her just as she is that this task can be accomplished. Thus we see the "dichotomy" being played out were Jesus chastens us but in such a way that we neither "despise" it nor "faint" under it.

His ways in raising up the bride are key as we study this book. His goal is to raise up the bride and fully restore to her the inheritance bought and paid for at the croos of Christ. With this goal in mind, Christ manifests this wisdom as He uses love to draw her UPWARD to Him.

Hebrews 12: 5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

As we study this text, notice here that she is addressing the "daughters of Jerusalem", those who have not yet chose to respond to the love of Christ and run after Him. Because they choose to "remain" content with their outer court experience, they have no knowledge of God’s ways. Because of this, they still openly "practice" the ways of man that are still part of the old "adamic" nature. This includes "judging" from the "outward" appearance. The maturing bride can "feel" their condemnation upon her as they view the maturing bride as one who does not quite have it all together. From the outward she seems to them as a "backslider". But because her HEART is positioned rightly before the King, His view of her is much different.

As the maturing bride receives Jesus unconditional love for her, this is the first TRUTH that she begins to reveal to those around her. She responds by saying something like:

"He does not love me because I "double-tithed" on Sunday or because I won 20 people to Christ last week or because I did not "peek" at that dirty movie on TV. He loves me with a divine love that is unconditional".

This is something the "daughters" have not yet got a grasp on. Their whole theology of God's love is give to get. There whole view of God's love is CONDITIONAL.

It is His PROMISES that are conditional, not His LOVE. A very IMPORTANT but DISTINCT truth that is vital for all to realize.

In this verse we also see black in reference to:

Tents and curtains refer to a "separation" or distinction. They separate that which is on the outside from that which is on the inside. Thus her "outward" flesh (black) is being distinguished from her "inward" beauty (comely).

Thus the tents refer to a seperation of the outer man or old nature from the inner man or new nature. These must be seperated as we are called to judge on the spiritual level and not in the natural, what we see with our physical eyes but what we see with the eyes of our heart.

We see her continue this thought in the next verse:

In the first part of this verse she exhorts the daughters to stop looking at the outward. She knows that she has been darkened by sin. If we can stop here for a moment and prophetically "look ahead" to were Jesus is taking His church, namely RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT:

This is what the maturing bride has got a glimpse of in the "inner chambers". She sees others judgment and condemnation on her (and everyone else for that matter) and says to them:

And likewise if we would put on those same glasses we would "judge in righteousness" as well.

In the second part of verse 6 we get the maturing bride’s view of the "daughter’s of Jerusalem", those around her who as of yet have not began to run after the King and thus are in bondage to practicing that which comes forth from the old adamic nature, namely hype, fear, and manipulation, which are all man’s ways. She says:

We had mentioned earlier that the "daughters" view of God's love as "give to get". They had to "do something" to receive it instead of receiving it by FAITH because "it is written". Because of this "earthly"

view of God she proclaims that the daughter's were angry with her. They were telling her that you had to "do something" to receive His love and put upon her THEIR yoke of religious bondage. They made her "keeper of

the vineyards". They made her a slave to fulfill some man's dream or vision.

They were in effect saying to her:

Please note that these things in and of themself are not necessarily wrong. What makes them wrong is to do them to gain His approval or think that in doing them we are righteous in His sight. The maturing bride tried religion. She knows this is all vanity and profits little to raise her up spiritually or draw her closer to Christ.

Revelation from the King Himself will do this to a person. It changes you forever. Dirty water and tainted bread no longer tastes good to her anymore. Only the pure streams of living water and fresh manna from heaven will suffice to her from this point forward.

She goes on to proclaim:

She was doing all this "stuff" to fulfill her religious obligation to "receive" what was ALREADY hers IN CHRIST JESUS (if she would have known it) and by doing those religious things she did not keep her OWN vineyard, her own personal relationship with Jesus. But now by entering into the "inner chambers" she can look back on this and say never again will I allow my relationship with Jesus to be hindered by anyone or anything. I will from this point forward DILIGENTLY MAINTAIN my personal walk with Christ.

She then turns to the King and asks:

She is asking Jesus were are those TRULY following after you? Were can I find your MANIFEST PRESENCE? Were are those who have got the same REVELATION from You and of You that I have? Were are those who have CEASED from their FLESHLY LABORS and have come to REST in the finished

work of the cross of Christ?

She then states:

Song of Solomon 1:7b "for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?"

In effect she is saying that she NEVER wants to be lead astray off of that narrow path even again.

She truly wants JESUS to be her leader. She will never again be content with living her Christian walk through another person or movement. She will only be content to hear God's voice for herself.

The King then answers her:

His answer to her is to seek out those who are following Him. It is because God chooses to reveal His glory through men and women.

He is saying:

See, there are no "lone rangers" in the body and the Lord is building a church (singular) and raising up a bride (singular). Because of this fact He points her to begin to RELATE to and RECEIVE from those who have

gone before her on their quest to follow the King wherever He goes. He is leading her into right relationship as He fits her into His "building no made with hands".

This passage of scripture has traditionally been interpreted as the King giving a description of the shulamite woman. I wish to offer here an alternate "interpretation" and switch the character roles. The Song of Solomon is written in such a way that it is unclear at times who is speaking, either the King or the shulamite woman. I believe that the Lord intentionally wrote it this way so that dual meanings can come from certain passages of this text. Remember, God’s word is written line upon line, precept upon precept.

So the first level of revelation in this passage of scripture is to interpret it as the King speaking to the shulamite woman. In this case we see Jesus great love and devotion to the maturing bride. This is the traditional interpretation, and a correct interpretation of this passage of scripture.

The second level of revelation in this passage is the "role reversal" were it is the shulamite woman describing the King. It is on this interpretation of this passage of scripture that I will go into much detail. The key revelation that we gain through this "role reversal" is found in NUMBERS. We will see this throughout this book were we see the numbers three, five, seven, eight, ten and twelve being used to highlight overall theme’s in this book. These numbers are all biblically significant and will be described in detail as they are applicable to the text.

As we study this text in light of the role reversal, do not forget to also relate what is being described of the King by the shulamite woman as also being said of the shulamite woman by the King.

So let’s see what the Lord has for us in this text.

We see here that the maturing bride gives a THREE fold description of her King. Three is the number of spiritual completeness which means in this case that the King has become her all in all. This is the theme of this text and also this chapter.

Before we study this description I want to say that this is not the FULL description of the nature and character of King Jesus but it is ALL she knows Him as in her current spiritual condition. As we will see later in this series she goes from this current THREE fold description of Jesus to a SEVEN fold description of Him in Song of Solomon 3:6-10 and finally to a TWELVE fold description of Him in Song of Solomon 5:10-16.

These numbers are very significant. Three signifies SPIRITUAL COMPLETION and thus at this stage she finds herself COMPLETE in Him. Seven signifies SPIRITUAL PERFECTION and REST and thus signifies that she has ceased from laboring in the flesh and has entered into the SABBATH REST of the Lord. Seven also signifies holiness becoming a reigning theme in the life of the maturing bride. Twelve signifies GOVERNMENT or AUTHORITY and signifies that the Lord has become Lord of her life. We see then that these numbers signify SPIRITUAL MILEPOSTS in the walk of the maturing bride with the King and thus a measuringstick if you will of her spiritual development.

Within these three stages we also see a shift in her focus:

- In stage one her focus is self were she is complete in Him. Initially she comes to Jesus to be "complete"

thus it is for her pleasure.

- In stage two she labors WITH the Holy Spirit as she seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

She is in transition (metamorphosis).

- In stage three Jesus is the focus as she does all things to please Him. Thus she denies self and does all

things to please her King.

Now that we see prophetically were the maturing bride is headed, let's go back and study her three fold description of the King.

In this the maturing bride proclaims her King as:

- A company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots

- Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels]

- Thy neck with chains [of gold].

In the first analogy, her description of Him is as:

"A company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots"

Horses and chariots represent strength. So the maturing bride can see the ALMIGHTY KING JESUS as being all powerful.

Pharaoh had searched for the "choicest" of horses to be in his army. I was told there were 70,000 horses in his army that were hand-picked. Not just any horse would do but rather only the strongest and most elegant.

So this is also a picture of King Jesus massive wealth and riches. What our King possesses is COSTLY, ABUNDANT, and SELECT.

Likewise, Jesus sees the shulamite woman as becoming strong in her devotion to Him. She is CHOICE, COSTLY, and SELECT simply because she responded by running after Him. Note here that although we are yet immature Jesus says these things about us. We once again see God’s ways painted throughout this book as He chooses to "woo" the bride to Himself by love and affection and not a critical heavy hand.

In the second analogy, her description of Him is:

"Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels]".

Cheeks refer to "countenance" and is were the "outward" manifestation of our emotions rests. In her current spiritual state the maturing bride needs CONSTANT affirmation of His love for her and is constantly seeking for His manifest presence. She needs to FEEL His love for her. As He "touches her emotions" and allows her to feel His love for her it is this that she covets and describes as "rows of jewels".

Likewise, Jesus sees her emotional display or "response" to His manifest presence as a precious jewel to Him. Jesus is ecstatic when we are overcome by His manifest presence and respond to His love.

In the third analogy, her description of Him is:

"Thy neck with chains [of gold]".

The neck refers to the will. Our will can be strong in a positive sense of submission and thus be "flexible" or can be strong in rebellion and thus be referred to as being "stiff-necked". The will can also be flexible in the sense of MERCY and COMPASSION were we always seeks to make the first move to reconcile and restore. This is what I believe this refers to.

She sees an all powerful, superabundant God who is merciful with her and will RELATE with her right were she is. He is not "stiff-necked" in the sense that He is requires more from her that she is able to bear in her

current spiritual condition. He rather meets her were she is and from that standpoint ELEVATES her to higher levels through His AGAPE LOVE for her. It is this aspect of the King that causes her to proclaim "Thy neck with chains [of gold]".

Likewise, Jesus sees the maturing bride as not being stiff-necked but rather that she is now submitting her will to Him. She no longer stands in open rebellion to the King but chooses to respond to His outpouring of love by humbling herself before Him. In this we see the wisdom of God in how He chooses to BREAK the will of man. He chooses to make us broken through love and affection. As we "fall on the rock" of His mercy and compassion our will will become broken. If we choose to remain in rebellion then He is forced to "fall upon us".

So if we can stop for a moment and review how far the maturing bride has come so far we will see that:

- Jesus first laid the foundation of the "sacred circle" of revealing His love for her which built passion and

desire within her which then caused her to desire MORE of Him.

- Jesus next caused her to know that He loves her just as she is UNCONDITIONALLY.

- Jesus then revealed Himself to her as the all powerful, loving King who is willing to meet her were she is

King. He has become her "all in all" although in a yet immature form.

So as these truths have now become part of her (and those running with her) she now goes on to describe what effect the nature and character of Jesus has on her and how this causes her to put her faith into action.

The Hebrew word for border is [08447] towr and means turn, row, or border. This word is derived from [08446] tuwr, a primitive root, and means search, search out, spy out, or seek.

I believe that what is being said here is that the "making of borders" is her appeal to the King that her offering to Him is her dedication to seek after or run after the King. She knows that this is all that she can really offer Him as the all powerful and all abundant King. The words gold and silver are here to convey that here dedication will be the best that she can offer and that she will indeed give her finest to Him.

In addition to this we see that she is discovering that there is a "co-laboring" that is happening here as she declares "we". Thus, we see here that the Holy Spirit plays a role as the one who "draws us to Jesus" and while our role is to "respond" to His drawing.

She continues on:

It is her "dedication" that is a sweet fragrance to the King. In her current state of maturity, as mentioned earlier, this is all she has to offer and the King does accept this form of worship. She will find out

and be lead into what true worship entails as we progress through this book.

She continues on:

Myrrh speaks of DEATH for it is one of the principle spices in the EMBALMING of a corpse. It is also one of the chief spices in the anointing oil that was to be used to anoint the Holy instruments and the priests in the tabernacle of worship. It also speaks of SACRIFICE since it was one of the three gifts brought to Jesus at His birth prophetically looking forward to His sacrifice on the cross.

All of these "attributes" of Jesus are conveyed in the word MYRRH (primarily His sacrifice) and it is for these reasons why He is a bundle of myrrh to her. She is so captivated by His sacrifice for her that she wants Him to always be with her. Her desire for the King to lay on her breasts all night is intimate in two ways. One it shows an exchange of affection. Secondly, it shows that she wants Him to get close to her heart and thus get to know her intimately. She wants Him to know her deepest desires of the heart. The heart speaks of MOTIVES thus she wants Him to relate to her based on her INTENTIONS.

The King then responds to the "outpouring" of love from the maturing bride. He gives a FIVE fold description of the maturing bride. Five is the number of grace and it is GRACE that the King is giving to her in

exchange for her humbled heart position.

The King responds:

The five fold description of the maturing bride is:

- My beloved [is] unto me [as] a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi

- Thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes

- Thou [art] fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed [is] green

- The beams of our house [are] cedar

- Our rafters of fir

Firstly, He tells her that she is "a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi". The Hebrew word for camphire is [03724] kopher and is rarely translated camphire but rather as "random" and also can mean "price of life". It is from [03722] kaphar, a primitive root, and means atonement, purge, reconciliation, reconcile, forgive, purge away, pacify, atonement made, merciful, cleansed, disannulled, appease, put off, and pardon. Now if that does not blow you away then nothing will!!!

We are HIS inheritance bought with ransom money which is HIS LIFE. He is saying to her all the things that she is to Him and all that He intends to do IN HER as we will see in the coming parts of this series. This

truth must deeply sink into our spirit man. We are His inheritance. It is us that He wishes to inherit by His sacrifice.

Engedi in the Hebrew is [05872] `Eyn Gediy and means "fount of the kid".

Conversely, we are His inheritance if we view this as the bride speaking to the King. He is the one who PAID the random or price of life for us, and made atonement for our sins.

He next tells her the she has "dove's eyes". The eyes are the light of the body. What we "behold" has a lasting effect on us to either be purified or corrupted. Jesus taught us:

A dove can only focus on one object at a time. They have no "peripheral vision" thus what He is saying to her is that your eyes are no longer "adulterous" but they are "faithful". As she continues to behold Him we will find that she will increasingly become like Him.

Conversely, if we view this as the bride speaking to the King we see that she sees His devotion and dedication to her as single, not wavering to the left or to the right. She sees His covenant with her as everlasting and never failing.

Thirdly He tells her that "our bed is green". For starters there is reference to "our bed" which implies intimacy or intimate exchange. Green is the color of life. Almost all living plants are green. It is the Chlorophyll in the leaves that makes plants green and it's purpose is to convert light to energy.

So we see the two fold meaning in this. First, the King and the maturing bride's intimacy is full of life. It is no longer DEAD RELIGIOUS FORM. Second, the light that is radiating from the King is being captured by

her as she beholds Him with dove's eyes and is being converted into "energy" (food for the soul) that gives her LIFE. Our food is His LIGHT! It is the light of Jesus that sustains us.

And this also should be viewed in the converse as the bride speaking this to the King.

Fourthly, He tells her that "The beams of our house [are] cedar". Beams refer to "strength". It is the beams that hold a house up and keep the whole structure sound. Cedar in the Hebrew is [0730]'erez and simply

means cedar. This word is derived from [0729] 'araz, a primitive root, and means to be made firm or strong. So from this He is telling the maturing bride that what holds our house up is strong. That strength is our dedication to the Lord and conversely His everlasting covenant with us. Sampson's strength was His hair (dedication) and thus our STRENGTH is our dedication to Him.

Conversely, the bride sees Jesus as her pillar of strength as her strength is His dedication and devotion to us.

Finally, He tells her that "Our rafters of fir". Rafters are what hold the roof up and a roof is our covering. I believe this refers to His divine protection (grace) not only on her life but also on THEIR RELATIONSHIP. It is this relationship that He will defend and protect with all jealousy and likewise she is becoming jealous for her time with Him. She is constantly now making MORE room to get more time with her King alone daily.

And conversely, she sees His love for her as that "fortress" or "rock of protection" that makes her safe and secure.

We pick up in chapter 4 were we left off in chapter 3 with a continuation of the conversation between the King and the maturing bride. The bride now speaks to the King.

The Hebrew word for Sharon is [08289] Sharown and means "a plain". This verse repeats itself for emphasis, flower/valley/flower/valley. The bride sees herself as valuable and loved in His eyes but she does not yet see herself as "unique" in His eyes. The lily of the valley was "common". In the springtime in Israel the whole desert "plain" or "valley" was filled with flowers, especially lilies. She is in effect saying "Lord, I am just one among many".

His response to her:

NO!!!! This is the heart cry of our Lord. Can you hear it? Your a lily among thorns! You are more than just "another" flower in My flower garden. You are unique and special and needed. Can we take this to heart? Jesus taught us:

This is an important truth that the bride must also receive because when the sifting starts and the King begins to deal more aggressively with those "character issues" in the life of the bride, which are common to fallen man, she will need to be secure in her relationship with the King so she does not misinterpret the King's intentions or fail to have an intimate knowledge of His love for her.

Again we see God’s wisdom painted through this book. He reaffirms His love for her and builds a solid foundation, which is His relationship with us and ours with Him based solely on LOVE. It is upon this ROCK that Christ then deals with that part of us which is of the "old adamic nature". It is upon this ROCK that the church is built.

See it is upon the revelation of who Christ is that His church is built upon. More importantly, who Christ is to us as an individual. It is upon the ROCK of this love relationship with Him that the church is built.

The maturing bride replies:

The Hebrew word for apple is [08598] tappuwach and simply means apple tree. This word is derived from [05301] naphach, a primitive root, and means to blow or to breathe. It is interesting because this is the same word used in connection with "breath of life".

Thus by analogy she is saying that she has found her life source and it is Jesus. She has come to realize that her King is her source of life, He is the tree of life. Because of this realization she "sat" under the

shadow of King Jesus. She had done this because this truth has become REAL to her. She then declares that she not only ABIDES under her life source but also PARTAKES of the good fruit of the TREE OF LIFE.

She continues on:

The Hebrew word for banqueting is [03196] yayin from an unused root meaning to effervesce. It is translated 138 times as WINE. This refers to the bride being filled with the Spirit.

The emphasis on being "filled" with the SPIRIT is not "drunkenness" or "excess" but rather overflowing with divine PROVISION.

Jesus taught:

The daily provision at King Solomon's table, daily now, was no less than:

The point here is that His provision is SUPERABUNDANT and as we choose to partake of all that Christ has ALREADY provided for us we will then never lack. But we must PARTAKE. Christ cannot complete His work in us apart from the "infilling" or "baptism" of the Holy Spirit. It takes SUPERNATURAL POWER and not SELF DISCIPLINE to remove those things from our lives that are of the old adamic nature. It will also take ALL of the Lord’s provision to fully accomplish His work in us. So as we choose to PARTAKE we will mature accordingly.

She continues on:

Flagons in the Hebrew is [0809] 'ashiyshah and is a raisin-cake, used in sacrificial feasts and is consistently translated in AV as "flagon of wine". She is requesting from Jesus MORE. More of the infilling of the

Holy Spirit, more of His good fruit. She is literally overcome with love for Jesus. This is a work of the Holy Spirit.

I think it would be wise to put this all in context at this point. This initial "filling" of the SPIRIT touches her EMOTIONS. She is right now on an emotional high and this is indeed a "work" of the Holy Spirit. This "season" will pass as we will see very shortly. His provision needs to go much deeper that just touching the "surface" (emotions) but must penetrate down into the "inner man". Her emotions are touched as the

infilling goes from OUTSIDE INWARD. As His infilling goes down deep into our innermost being the Holy Spirit will then begin to deal with character issues as His divine provision brings healing, restoration,

and reconciliation to a yet immature but willing bride. This is a necessary but TEMPORARY season that the bride must go through as she walks the narrow path.

She continues on:

The Hebrew word for left is [08040] s@mo'wl, a primitive word and means left or by implication north (as one faces east). North biblically is indicative of judgment or better said correction. It was from the NORTH

that correction came against Israel. His hand of correction is under her head because it is her MIND that is about to be renewed by the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

The Hebrew word for right is [03225] yamiyn and means right or by implication south (the direction of the right hand when facing East). South biblically is mercy. Abram went SOUTH when a famine came upon the

land.

Likewise Jacob went south when a famine came upon the land. Egypt is south and in this sense represents protection and provision. It was not the ultimate purpose of God to keep Israel in Egypt, only for a season. There inheritance was in the promised land.

His right hand of mercy or "goodness" embraced her. His mercy or "grace" is what will carry us through trials and tribulations. It is His mercy or goodness that confirms His love to us.

We need both His goodness and His correction.

As He comforts us with His right hand He corrects us with His right hand (in our minds). This is the true biblical picture of the Father’s ways.

Back to the text.

That word "he" has no gender to it and in the amplified is translated as "it". If this is the case then "he" can be substituted by "she" since the word has no gender. Some translations have either he or she in it’s place. To translate this passage in accord with this substitution we find that the it is the King giving the "charge" with "my love" being the subject, and thus my love being the bride, not to be awakened nor stirred.

Alternately, "he" would be translated as "it" and "love" itself as an attribute and not being the maturing bride as the subject. Then either the King or bride could give the declaration. A possibility but not one that will be pursued in this study.

What I believe is that this is a "season" in the life of the bride were she is being filled with the Holy Spirit. Initially this infilling touches her emotions but as it sinks deeper is will reach her "inner man" and being the process of renewing the mind.

In this text Jesus is commanding all of His children, both the "daughters of Jerusalem" as well as the roes and hinds, to leave her alone until she is READY to proceed forward. She needs to come to the

realization FOR HERSELF that there is yet a deeper work that Christ needs to do in her to come into His PERFECT will. She needs to allow the infilling to sink into her "inner man" and thus the Lord charges those around her not to bother her until this process is complete. It must be HER reality. All of this is conveyed in

this verse.

One last thing. The "roes and hinds" are male virgins. They are not "male" in the sense of "earthly gender" but in the sense of spiritual calling. This is conveyed by the use of roes (male) and hinds (female), thus in the earthly both men and women having this calling. Male virgins are they which are called to be spiritual "eunuchs" (thus male virgins) in the body of Christ whose sole purpose is to prepare the bride by being a "friend of the bridegroom" to present to Jesus a pure and spotless bride to Him on that day.

This is the "Elijah" company or "forerunners" that prepare the way for the Lord. Both John the Baptist and Paul had this calling upon their lives. I believe that this is what the Lord has revealed to me concerning the roes and hinds and have no other foundation apart from divine revelation to back up this claim.

In the Lord’s infinite wisdom we see that His work is accomplished methodically and purposefully. Everything that He does has a plan and purpose to it. We will find that this is one of several separate spiritual season’s that the bride needs to go through in order to come to maturity. We need to both recognize the Lord’s times and seasons as well as allow Him to do His work in us in each season unhindered. This initial infilling is a season of preparation after which the Lord begins to deal with the old adamic nature in her life.

Up until this point Jesus has shown two different and distinct faces to the maturing bride. First, He has revealed Himself to the maturing bride as this gentle, loving King full of mercy and compassion, covering her

sins and pouring out His love towards her.

Next, King Jesus has revealed Himself to her as her source of provision, being Jehovah-Jirah. This was accomplished at the banqueting table were she was filled by the Holy Spirit.

Now the King comes to her in a completely different way. He comes to her as a conquering warrior King literally "leaping" on the mountains.

Firstly, mountains are nations or peoples biblically. Thus He is revealing Himself to her as King of kings and Lord of lords over all the earth.

The implications here are two-fold. Firstly, as mentioned, Jesus has overcome the world in the sense of being the ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY or King. He is destined to rule and reign DEFACTO in the Millennium. He has ALREADY defeated satan at the cross but chooses to use him to fulfill His plans and purposes in this earth age.

Secondly and more applicable to were the maturing bride is, Jesus has overcome the world concerning PERSONAL battles. He was tested in all areas of His fleshly life and was victorious. He is an overcomer! In light of this, the revelation to the maturing bride is "Be of good cheer, I have overcome this world and thus the power is there for YOU to overcome this world as well".

What King Jesus is doing here is challenging the bride to respond to the infilling (provision) of the Holy Spirit as it begins to penetrate into the inner man. He comes to her boldly proclaiming His victory to her and

as we will shortly see invites her to partake of that same victorious life that He has already bought and paid for at the cross.

The bride declares:

Even though she has caught a glimpse of this face of Jesus by divine revelation, He does not come in uninvited. Thus God's nature is one of INVITATION and not FORCE. We see in this God’s character and wisdom. The Lord has given man "free will" to choose and thus He will not to cross that line in order to accomplish His purposes. He will draw us but He requires us to respond to Him and choose Him over this world.

So Jesus is "PEERING" into the life of the bride, revealing His true character and nature, then inviting her to "open the door" and allow Him to become this new revelation to her. The choice to accept or refuse is

in her hands.

King Jesus then speaks to her from behind the lattice:

Here is the invitation. Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world. Come with Me and as I have overcome so likewise will you overcome.

The King continues:

The word winter in the Hebrew is [05638] c@thav and is from an unused root meaning "to hide". When a tree enters into the winter season it is not dead but only dormant. The life is well below the surface. On the

outside all appears dead and lifeless but down below the surface growth is actually taking place. When we think of winter we get images of being barren or lifeless.

Back in chapter 1 the bride declared:

It was the "black" tents and curtains that "hid" the comely or lovely part of the maturing bride. The King is declaring to her that this is all about to change. All that which I have "rained" into your spirit-man is soon to arise to the surface. As the infilling of the Holy Spirit has penetrated deep into your inner man the loveliness that is within will begin to rise to the surface and be seen.

He next gives a FIVE fold description of the "signs" that will accompany this "metamorphosis". We again see the number FIVE thus indicating that God's grace is upon the maturing bride as she continues to press into

the kingdom.

- The flowers appear on the earth

- The time of the singing [of birds] is come

- The voice of the turtle is heard in our land

- The fig tree putteth forth her green figs

- The vines [with] the tender grape give a [good] smell

These five "signs" are both individual and corporate. Five again being the number of grace and thus showing that His grace is both upon her as well as needed in her life. One can literally say that when we see these signs "corporately" appearing that summer is nigh. Summer is the time of harvest (May).

Israel has been referred to as being the "fig" and this is certainly true IN THE NATURAL but the revelation here is that there is a "sign" in the SPIRITUAL ISRAEL that when we begin to see a corporate awakening that

all these things are near, even at the door.

First we see the spiritual allegory with "flowers appearing". Flowers are beautiful, fragrant, meaningful, and a sign.

Spiritually "flowers" manifest the BEAUTY of Christ, which is His holiness.

Spiritually flowers also draw men unto Christ with their sweet fragrance, which is the "anointing" from a life of "sacrifice".

And spiritually flowers are a sign of the times that summer is nigh.

Second, we see the spiritual allegory with the "singing of birds". This refers to worship being poured forth. This is worship that was born in the winter season or the wilderness experience. It is worship that comes

not from "lip service" or from some "emotional high" but rather wells up from her innermost being. This again is a sign that there is a change in seasons with the maturing bride.

Third, we see the spiritual allegory with the "voice of turtle". The Hebrew word for turtle is [08449] towr and means turtle dove. This word is derived from [08446] tuwr, a primitive root, and is translated as "search", or "search out". There is a deep longing and "cry" or "voice" that is coming forth that wants to know Jesus in a deeper more intimate way. It is this longing or "voice" that is being referred to here by analogy.

Fourthly, we see the spiritual allegory with the "fig tree putting forth green leaves". The Hebrew word for figs is [06291] pag, from an unused root meaning to be torpid, i.e. "deprived of power or feeling", "lethargic", or "apathetic". The fig tree is symbolic of God's people both in the NATURAL (ie. nation of Israel) and SPIRITUAL (all of His children both Jew and Gentile).

As we discussed previously, there is the outer flesh man and the inner spirit man. So what is being conveyed here is that what once in the winter season seemed to lack any power or zeal is now beginning to spring to life. The infilling of the Holy Spirit has brought about a change in the inner man that now is showing signs of life, signs of power. Power to overcome character issues that have up until this point rule and

control over the bride. Small victories (leaves appearing) are a sign of greater victories to come.

Finally, we see the spiritual allegory with the "vines [with] the tender grape give a [good] smell". The Hebrew word for vine is [01612] gephen from an unused root meaning "to bend".

Jesus is referred to as the "vine" and we are the branches.

As we abide in Him we will begin to bear fruit by being connected to the vine. It takes the Lord's "breaking" or "bending" of our wills in order to humble us so that we will abide in Him as our life source. The end result of this will be children full of fruit bowed over in humility.

This is seen in the parable of the tares and wheat.

Tares look exactly like wheat until the harvest. At this time the tares head (grain bearing part) turns black and contain no fruit thus they stand straight up (pride). The wheat, however, turn "golden" and as they are heavily laden with fruit "bend over" (humility).

Back to the text as the King continues.

The Hebrew word for dove is [03123] yownah which is derived from [03196] yayin, translated as wine 138 times. Dove is a symbol of both single devotion (single eye of the dove) as well as the Holy Spirit or in this

case one who is being filled by the Holy Spirit (wine).

The cleft of the rock is God's place of protection. It is the place were we know His hand of mercy and goodness. It is the secret chambers.

Moses was placed in the cleft of the rock so God's face (His severity) would not be seen but rather that His back side (goodness) would be seen.

The "secret place of the stairs" is that "narrow path" that the maturing bride is on. It is "secret" to all but her and God.

Jesus further proclaims:

"let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely".

This statement reveals the heart of our King. He is looking for and desiring from us intimate relationship. He wants us to communicate with Him daily, hourly, moment by moment. He loves us and longs for fellowship.

He then proclaims to her:

Here is the invitation from verse 10 to "rise up and come away". The foxes here represent those things which rob us of bearing spiritual fruit. As the buds just begin to appear from the infilling and inner working of the Holy Spirit there is some character issue that rises up in the maturing bride to cut off the tender fruit from the vine. So He invites her to know Him as the overcoming King who has defeated satan and overcome this world and apply the overcoming provision to her life so that the tender fruit will come to full maturity. this is her call from CARNALITY into MATURITY.

This verse is declaring to the maturing bride "I have shown you My goodness by divinely placing you in the cleft of the rock, you now need My Shepherd’s rod of correction".

The maturing bride answers:

Song of Solomon 2:16 My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

The maturing bride declines the offer. She still seeks to know Him for her own purposes thus declaring that "My beloved is mine" first. Although there is immaturity and refusal in this statement she does declare "I am His". This statement will be reversed by the end of this book. For now, she is content to know Him as one who "feeds among the lilies".

The Hebrew word for feedeth is [07462] ra`ah, a primitive root, often translated as shepherd, or pastor. She still is clinging to the revelation of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd", full of love, mercy, and compassion who binds the wounds and has mercy and compassion. She needs to find out that she is in desperate need of His Shepherd’s rod of correction as well. This lesson will soon be learned.

The King replies by saying:

One last time He pleads with her to reconsider. Jesus knows what is best for us and not us. He is the potter and we are the clay. Notice that there is a time limit on this challenge. It is "until the day break". His word to her is "turn". In addition turn "quickly" (roe or hart).

His invitation is to run on the "mountaintops", just as He revealed Himself to her in verse 8. The Hebrew word for Bether is [01336] Bether and means "cleft". Thus His intention is not for her to "forsake" her

knowing Jesus as the King who placed her in the cleft of the rock of intimacy (were she found God's MANIFEST PRESENCE and His GOODNESS) but she needs to "take" that experience with her and move forward. He is reassuring her that His MANIFEST PRESENCE will always be with her even though she needs to leave that place physically and go into new uncharted territory.

We left off in chapter 5 with the bride refusing the invitation of the King to "come away with Him". Because she refused to press on and allow the infilling of the Holy Spirit to deal with those character issues that "spoiled the fruit", Jesus was forced to withdraw His manifest presence from her. This is a training process. Notice that HE did not leave her, only the "feeling" of His presence. We are promised that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.

This is a spiritual mechanism that the Lord uses to get us up off of our bed and begin to run after Him. At times in our Christian walk we get content with the measure of Jesus which we already have. He wishes to

give us the "fullness" of our inheritance. He does this because He truly loves us. If He did not intervene by "chastening" us we probably would remain were we are forever.

It is by this mechanism that the Lord builds hunger and thirst in us for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Lord can only fill us to the extent that we hunger and thirst to be filled.

This is actually a season that the bride is in and will remain until the inner work of the Holy Spirit is complete, namely to build an insatiable desire to run after Christ at all costs. We see that as His manifest presence leaves her and she begins to cry out to God. She is seeking to get back what she once had. He is there but she does not feel Him. Notice that she is seeking on her bed. This is not were He is to be found. He said come with me "from our bed of love", "from the banqueting table" and into a new dimension. If she wishes to find the King, she will need to seek for Him were He can be found.

So she is in this condition days, weeks, months (hopefully not years) until it dawns on her that she needs to obey the King and arise and run after Him. This is exactly what she does as she declares:

Song of Solomon 3:2a I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth:

So the character trait that He is building within the bride by this spiritual mechanism is obedience. The success of this mechanism is dependent on how much we value the PRESENCE of the Lord. If the Lord's

presence is cherished then we will quickly arise and run after Him. If His presence is despised some may never get beyond this spiritual level.

The bride continues her declaration:

See, there is no "cheap and easy" way in God's kingdom to build character. Character comes by LONG-SUFFERING. As we "endure" His chastening, character is being deposited within us. Obedience is the

goal but the way that it will come is through PASSION and ZEAL for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The sacred circle of passion and zeal is the foundation upon which King Jesus builds. She has a measure of passion but needs more. So He does not "immediately" reveal Himself the instant she begins to seek. There is a higher purpose that He needs to accomplish.

The heart of Jesus is to immediately embrace the bride for running after Him. To do this, though, would rob her of the strength that she will need for the journey ahead. It actually pains Jesus not to reveal Himself quickly. He withholds Himself for OUR SAKES and not as punishment.

The maturing bride continues her declaration:

Song of Solomon 3:3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: [to whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

We see in this verse an even HIGHER purpose that needs to be accomplished in the bride. Not only does she need character via long-suffering, she also needs to learn how to find Jesus for HERSELF. The watchman in this verse refer to anointed men and woman of God and anointed movement of God. The maturing bride will no longer be allowed to have her identity in Christ be in another anointed servant or movement of God nor will the Lord allow her to live her relationship with God THROUGH another person or movement.

God is obviously working IN and THROUGH other men and women and specific corporate movements. As glorious as these relationships are, they can rob us of our relationship with Jesus if we allow ourselves to have our relationship through other people or movements. In order for the Lord to correct this, He sometimes has to "break" our identity with them so that He is OUR reality, OUR vision, OUR JESUS. Often the Lord has bring us OUT OF relationships so that He can bring us back into them from the proper perspective. The King will no longer allow the maturing bride to live her relationship with Christ through another person or movement.

Many Christians do not ever get past this stage of spiritual growth. They get content to listen to and receive from specific movements, pastors, or anointed men and women of God. The Lord in His mercy will

not allow Himself to be revealed FULLY through them to the maturing bride in this spiritual season. The bride is required to go BEYOND them to find Jesus for herself.

See, as she went beyond the anointed teachers and prophets, Jesus once again allows His presence to be felt. Through this "long-suffering" the bride was taught how to have her own relationship with Him in GREATER measure than she previously had.

It is through this season that she learned obedience and the consequences for the lack of it. Only those who truly love Jesus will make it through the wilderness (I found him whom my soul loveth).

She then declares:

"I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me".

See, once she realizes how to have her own relationship with Jesus, and further learns to receive His hand of correction so she can be an overcomer, she now desires to reveal this truth to the church (mother’s house). She now desires to tell others how to have their own relationship with the King just as she is experiencing.

She needs to remain in this season until the revelation of Jesus begins to flow FROM her. This is the purpose of the work in the first place. Jesus wanted her to "catch the foxes that spoil the vine" and as she has done this and applied the anointing oil to her life and be an "overcomer", spiritual fruit begins to be borne that she wishes for the church to partake of.

This is a season that she is to remain in until she is prepared for the next "revelation" of Jesus.

This is a repeat of what the Lord exhorted in:

This is a season that the bride must remain in until she is PREPARED and WILLING to receive a yet deeper

revelation of her King. Jesus is again exhorting those around her not to disturb her until she is ready to move forward.

As the Holy Spirit is allowed to complete His work in the maturing bride’s life in this season, she is now prepared to receive the new REVELATION or FACE of Jesus that He is about to show her.

As a review, Jesus first came to the bride as the "Good Shepherd". He then revealed Himself to her as her source of provision via the "infilling" of the Holy Spirit. He next came to the maturing bride as

the "Overcoming Reigning King" who invited her to run with Him and become an overcomer as well.

In this new season King Jesus reveals Himself to the maturing bride as the "WARRIOR KING" who is going to have all things placed under His feet (submission), tearing down anything that exalts itself against the

knowledge of God.

She needed to learn how to be an overcomer on a PERSONAL level first so that she would be prepared to now run with Jesus to fulfill His plans and purposes in this earth age, which are to reconcile and restore mankind back to the Father from the enemy who is robbing God of His inheritance.

The revelation of Jesus in Song of Solomon 3:6-10 is SEVEN FOLD in all. Seven being the number of SPIRITUAL PERFECTION or REST. It is this seven fold revelation that signifies that the maturing bride is both allowing Christ to bring her to perfection via holiness as well as her entering into His Sabbath rest were she is ceasing from "laboring in the flesh" and resting in the completed work of Christ and Him flowing through her.

In Song of Solomon 1:9-10 the maturing bride gave a three fold description of Jesus. As she has matured in Christ she now sees Him both from a different perspective as well as in a more complete way.

Seven is divided into three and four. In this current passage we see the THREE fold description of the King in conjunction with His COMPLETENESS. In verses 9 and 10 we will see a FOUR fold description of the King. Four being the number of divine creation. This four fold description of Christ signifies His plan of redemption of this world back to the Father.

What is being conveyed in verses 6-8 is that there is no "weakness" to our Warrior King, no piece of armor is missing, He is armed and ready.

- He cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke

- He is perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

- His bed, which [is] Solomon's; threescore valiant men [are] about it, of the valiant of Israel. They all hold

swords, [being] expert in war: every man [hath] his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

Firstly, He reveals Himself to her as a "pillar of smoke". When the children of Israel left Egypt and pharaoh was in hot pursuit, the Lord protected them with a pillar of smoke.

This "pillar of smoke" speaks of many things.

It first speaks of Jesus being the one who will go before us and fight the spiritual battles to come. We are called to allow Him to work "through" us and go forth in "His" strength and not our own.

Secondly, this speaks of His divine protection in the midst of battle (doing God's will). To the children of Israel God was a cloud of protection and a light unto their pathway but to God's enemies He was darkness and confusion.

Thirdly, this speaks of His "sword" of separation. The pillar of smoke separated God's children from the children of this world. When God poured out His judgments on Egypt the Lord first "sealed" His children and separated then into Goshen so they were protected from His wrath.

Next, Jesus is revealed as one who is "perfumed with Myrrh and Frankincense", and ALL the powders of the merchant". Myrrh is the chief spice in the embalming process of old and thus speaks of His sacrifice at the cross. Frankincense was given at His birth and speaks of His sacrificial life and His VICTORIOUS life by overcoming all temptations. It was the only spice mentioned in connection with the "meat" offering indicating this same meaning.

Myrrh is also part of the "anointing oil" that God told Moses to make to "sanctify" the holy place and all that was to be in it. Frankincense was used in conjunction with the sacrificial offerings. The "powders" are the "rest" of the chief spices that make up the anointing oil.

These two spices are mentioned in conjunction continually and thus it is apparent that the Lord is making it clear that the anointing is directly connected with the sacrificial life. Sacrificial both in the sense of sacrificing for the Lord and sacrificing on the behalf of others.

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

In this context it is the anointing that will give SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY to war in the heavenlies and become a partaker of His plans and purposes to restore and reconcile mankind back to the Father.

The third revelation of Jesus nature is His bed being protected by sixty valiant men. His bed is our place of intimacy with Him. It is a promise from Him to the bride that in the midst of battle our bed of intimacy will not only be there but it will be divinely and JEALOUSLY protected. It also signifies that His bed of intimacy goes were He goes thus the bride needs to rise up and embrace this new revelation of Jesus for by embracing it, she will continue in her intimacy with Him.

Sixty speaks of strength. There are two biblical examples were sixty is used. One is in:

This was in the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Jews were in captivity for seventy years. Now a wall that is as thick as it is high is very strong thus sixty denoting strength or protection.

The second example is in:

Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful king in the world at that time and the image being sixty cubits high denotes the strength of his kingdom, although in this case in a prideful way.

The analogy here with the sixty valiant men is strength and protection, directly relating with the wall described in Ezra. A wall of valiant men through who it would be impossible to get through to attack the bed of intimacy. It is interesting to note that the biblical example is usually seventy. I do not know how these two interact but I will simply offer the information for comparison sake. Seventy speaks of strength, and warfare, and AUTHORITY.

- Moses chose out from among the people seventy that would judge the people with Him (authority).

- David has seventy valiant warriors that were His "inner circle", they were the finest warriors in the land

(strength).

- Jesus sent out the seventy disciples two by two to preach the gospel and tear down satan's kingdom by

casting out demons and healing the sick (warfare).

The fact that their sword was at their side signifies that these were prepared for battle at a moments notice. These warriors were constantly on guard. The enemy would never surprise them as these began to form a

hedge of protection" around those who were part of the bridal company.

In this revelation, therefore, we see a call to be part of that "sixty" who have SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY to war in the heavenlies (intercession) on behalf of others. This is the bride's call to move into fulfilling the plans and purposes of God, which are to reconcile and restore that which the enemy has stolen from Him in this earth age.

The maturing bride continues to receive the FOUR fold revelation of Christ as the redeemer of this world through His CREATIVE WORKS:

This four fold description of Christ is:

- Chariot of wood

- Pillars of silver

- Covering of Purple

- Midst paved with love

Chariots speak of strength. The Hebrew word for Lebanon is [03844] L@banown and means "whiteness". The King's power or strength is in who He is, His holy character and nature. Pillars also speak of strength. Pillars are what hold buildings up. Silver speaks of redemption. The house of God is held up by the redeeming power of the blood of the lamb who was slain for our sins. It's strength is in HIS sacrifice!

The bottom or "socket" in which the pillars are placed are gold. Gold is the foundation which is the GOVERNMENT of JESUS CHRIST. Gold speaks of authority, government, and kingship. It also speaks of "the best" or "choicest". His whole plan of redemption is build upon a sure foundation of the finest rulership that there is, the THEOCRACY of Jesus Christ.

The covering is purple. Purple speaks of forgiveness because of the shed blood of Christ being poured out to forgive our sins.

The fact that it is a covering of purple means that it is His shed blood that is covering our sins. This speaks of His forgiveness and divine protection that is found by being "under the blood".

And finally, "the midst thereof being paved [with] love, for the daughters of Jerusalem". And the final revelation is that all of this description of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished by the power of

the Holy Spirit was to build a sure house for the daughters of Jerusalem (all those who are saved) which is rooted and grounded in His AGAPE LOVE for us.

SIMPLY ASTOUNDING!!!

It is this revelation of the nature and character of Jesus that the maturing bride wishes to reveal to the "daughters of Zion".

There are a few things in here that need to be taken note of. First, there was no "hesitation" in the maturing bride to embrace this new revelation of who Jesus Christ is. She did not have to be chastened this time to receive it. She immediately embraced this revelation of Jesus and brought it to the "daughters".

Secondly, the maturing bride moves from calling the "daughters of Jerusalem" to "daughters of Zion". I believe that there is redemptive quality in this statement. Jerusalem in the Hebrew is [03389] Y@ruwshalaim and means "teaching of peace". These could be viewed as the "first principles".

Zion in the Hebrew is [06726] Tsiyown and means "parched place". In this we see that she begins to see their true spiritual condition and great need. They are dry and in need of having the REAL JESUS revealed to them. In addition they are in real need to have relationship personally with the King, the source of all life. They have been bottle fed the milk of the word of God long enough. Their hearts need to be stirred by beholding the beauty and splendor of the King. She is doing this verbally but she soon will do this under the

ANOINTING.

She thus recognizes that the "daughters" need a fresh revelation of their King. She exhorts them to "behold the King" which you have crowned as King. Satan has robbed the "daughters" of who the real Jesus is. A

false image has been set up in their hearts and this is why they are currently running after RELIGION and not the King. It is because they have lost their vision as to the true nature and character of the King.

The maturing bride is currently revealing the true nature and character of Jesus but not with AUTHORITY which comes from the ANOINTING. It will be the anointing that causes the daughters to begin to run after the

REAL JESUS and the next series are the final steps taken to release the anointing in the life of the bride.

In this chapter we will look at the Lord's seven fold declaration of how HE views the maturing bride. SEVEN is the number of completion or rest. From this we will see an invitation to enter into the EIGHTH which is the number of superabundance, new beginnings, and also the number of the holy of holies (2x2x2) which is a cube.

We begin in:

Song of Solomon 4:1a Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair

Twice for emphasis the Lord exhorts the maturing bride "thou [art] fair, my love". This exhortation is made to reaffirm the King's love for His bride. As the trials of walking the narrow path often leave us feeling like we have failed our Master we need to receive how he would view us. His perspective is not on our shortcomings or our stumbling in the flesh but rather by our growth and maturity in the Spirit. He does this by complimenting the bride's beauty through her devotion to Him.

The King then goes on to give the seven fold description of the maturing bride.

1. Eyes

Eyes refer to what we behold. A single-eye refers to pure devotion while an "adulterous" eye refers to a half hearted or impure devotion. Jesus exhorts:

So we see the King exhort the maturing bride:

Song of Solomon 4:1b thou [hast] doves' eyes within thy locks:

She is told two things here. First, her devotion to the King is pure. Second, it is veiled (within thy locks).

Back in chapter 1 the King exhorts the immature bride:

In past times the bride had a single devotion to Jesus but in her immaturity(place of insecurity in her relationship with the Lord) she needed to justify herself thus had a desire for other's to "notice" that she was running after God. Notice that the King did not even mention this to her as she was in this yet immature state. What grace and mercy our Lord has to allow us to mature without bringing to light every flaw that we have.

Now that the bride has matured we see that her relationship with God is now "veiled" and thus her "pure devotion" is primarily for His pleasure. This pure devotion has also brought her to a place of security in her relationship with the King and therefore has no "desire" or "need" to have to show other's her devotion to the King.

2. Hair

Hair biblically represents devotion or covenant. Thus the Nazarene vow (covenant) caused the one taking it to not bring a razor upon their head. So we see the King speak about their covenant relationship by stating:

The Hebrew word for goats is [5795] and is derived from [5810] and means "to be stout" or "strong". The Hebrew word for Gilead is [1568] and means "heap of testimony".

The King's declaration to the bride is that her covenant with Him is very strong (flock of goats) and stands as a "testimony" (Gilead) to their growing relationship.

3. Teeth

Teeth represent the way we "break down" the word of God or "truth". Thus we see the bride exhorted:

There is much in this. First they are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn. The word shorn in the Hebrew is [7094] and means to clip or chop. What this is saying is that the bride now has the ability to "rightly divide" the word of God. There is no longer the immature tendency to only focus on one biblical truth but rather the sum of the word of God is taken into account as the word of God is digested as food for the soul.

Secondly, we read that the sheep that are shorn have "came up from the washing". This refers to the word of God or revelatory knowledge being "untainted" or "unleavened" by flesh. As truth is rightly divided it is no longer being contaminated by the opinions, ideas, and traditions of men but is being received right from the throne of God through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, that which is received from man as teaching is first "washed" before it is "divided". She now has the ability to discern that which is of the "soul" from that which is of the "spirit", that which is "good" from that which is "evil" (Hebrews 4:12, 5:14).

Thirdly, we read that "every one bear twins". This refers to the ability of the bride to recognize counter truths. Thus we are to know the "goodness AND severity" of God. We are to "suffer BEFORE we reign" and many like balanced truth's. The bride is coming to the place were she is receiving the "whole council" of God.

Fourthly, we read that "none [is] barren among them". This refers to the word of God or revelatory knowledge becoming "life". The word of God now has the ability to "divide asunder" within the bride that which is flesh

from that which is spirit. The word now has the ability to "renew the mind" and "wash" or "cleanse" the bride. In times past the truth was simply "head knowledge" but now it is apostolic in nature (applied to her life to bring about change).

4. Lips

Lips speak of our speech. It refers to what we say. The bride is thus exhorted:

Her lips are like a thread of scarlet. A thread is something what we would sew with. this is born out in the Hebrew [2339] which means to sew. Thus if we go by analogy her lips are "sewn together" thus her words are few. She no longer speaks a multitude of vain or empty words.

Thread also speaks of something that ties things together. Thus her words are thus very directed and pointed. The thread binds together the multitude of truths that she has learned and speaks them in a clear and concise manner.

The color is scarlet which is red. This speaks of redemption. All that comes out of her mouth now has a redemptive quality to it. She no longer speaks out of bitterness or opinion. When she speaks, it has meaning and purpose to it. It is a speech that is filled with redemption and thus seeks to redeem and reconcile mankind back to God.

The King goes on to exhort "thy speech [is] comely". This refers to no guile or bitterness coming out of her mouth. That which she speaks is the pure word of God untainted by the flesh.

5. Temples

Temples speaks of our mind or our seat of intellect. Were our mind is fixed is were the rest of our body goes. It is in the "temporal region" or our brain that our "motor functions" are controlled thus the temples speak of self-control. Thus the King exhorts the bride:

The Hebrew word for pomegranates is derived from [7426] which means to rise up or to be mounted up. Pomegranates is a fruit thus this speaks of the fruit of the Spirit being born in our life. Because it is connected with our temples signifies that it is now the "fruit of the Spirit" that controls our lives (mounts or raises us up or above) rather than the "lust of the flesh.

We again see the phrase "within thy locks". So even the fact that she is bearing Spiritual fruit is veiled from the naked eye for the Lord only to behold and to whom He chooses to reveal it to.

6. Neck

The neck speaks of the will of man. The Israelites were referred to as a "stiff-necked" people. Thus their will would not be broken and submitted to God. This is in sharp contrast to being "broken" and "contrite" which

speaks of our will being broken and submitted to the Father. The King speaks about this to the bride as He exhorts:

Firstly, the King exhorts "Thy neck [is] like the tower of David". Being like a tower of David speaks of by analogy being a "man after God's own heart". Being a man after God's own heart is a man completely submitted to His Lordship. Being a tower speaks of strength. Thus the will is submitted but it is strong. Those who have a strong will for God often "anchor" or "support" the faith of many others.

We see this in the next phrase "builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men". In this we see that as the Lord strengthens us to "do the will of the Father" that we

will become a pillar in His household that will raise up many "mighty men". Shields speak of faith (as in the shield of faith) thus as the bride is becoming strong willed it will raise up the faith of all those around her.

Note also that her will is "builded for an armory". Armories speak of armies and armies speak of those going to battle. War is a matter of will. It is pitting the two irreconcilable wills against one another. Thus it is this type of will that raises up a whole army to do battle.

7. Breasts

Breasts speak of our ability to nourish others. Thus the King exhorts the bride:

We see in this the expression "two young roes that are twins". Twins speak of balanced truth. Thus the maturing bride now has the ability to present the whole council of God perfectly balanced. Young speaks of

"fresh revelation" thus what is being fed has timing and relevance to it. It is not just truth but it is truth for today. It is what God is speaking either individually or corporately to His body today.

The Hebrew word for roe is [6643] and means splendor or prominence. Those who nourish the body will be exalted as stated in:

But as we will see that reward is not honor with man. The King goes on to say "which feed among the lilies". Lilies are common!

The lily of the valley was in great multitude thus the expression "which feed among the lilies" refers to the bride walking in the midst of humanity and revealing God's truth as food for the soul. Feeding amongst the lilies is in very sharp contrast to "standing above, over, or in front of the lilies". This is the brides ability to walk veiled (hidden) amongst humanity as flesh (as Jesus did) yet minister to people what they need when they need it.

What a awesome God we serve to view the maturing bride in this manner. The bride has now entered into His rest and as we will see in chapter eight is now invited to partake of His resurrection life.

The number seven as stated previously speaks of REST or PERFECTION. The King is not yet through with the bride. He yet challenges her to press on into the EIGHTH. Eight speaks of or superabundance, true worship in the holy of holies, and new beginnings. She possesses seven and is exhorted to run after the eighth.

An Invitation to the Bride:

Myrrh is a spice used in the embalming process and thus speaks of death to self. Frankincense was used in conjunction with the sacrifial offering. It was holy and set apart.

So the eighth and final is true worship and legal entrance into the holy of holies (resurrection life) that can only occur via a life of SACRIFICE via death to self then the anointing of God applied to the bride.

Seven speaks of perfection and we see this in this passage. The King is telling the bride that she is no longer defiled. There are seven different Greek words in the new testament that are all translated as defiled.

The one word that is relevant to this text is [3435] moluno and means to not be polluted or stained by fornication or adultery. We read in:

Revelation 14:1-5 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God".

The defilement or fornication with women in this case is with false doctrines or beliefs that comes forth from men’s traditions and opinions that run contrary to the word of God and His WAYS. These are virgins. They are no longer play the harlot!!! They are no longer defiled by the teachings, doctrines, or traditions of man. They are able to discern good from evil and are thus not spotted by the adultery of the mystery Babylon mother of harlots religious system described in Revelations 18.

We read further that "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth". These follow Jesus despite rejections, accusations, condemnation and lies that the religious system heaps upon them. These hear the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him wherever He goes.

We again read further in this passage and see that "These were redeemed from among men". The other relevant Greek word for defiled is [2840] koinoo and means to make common. The context of this word is in:

So these virgins have dealt with the flesh. They have dealt with those things which defile us in the sense of making us common or "mere men" as Paul stated to the Corinthians. So then these virgins are "sanctified"

or "set apart" as holy vessels. They are redeemed from among men or that which is common. These have pressed on with God and have embraced His chastening or sanctification process whereby they have become holy vessels.

Back to the Song of Solomon text. As we read the next verse we see that the Lord now explains His invitation to the maturing bride to go on even further with Him and receive the "anointing".

Many things here!

First, the King exhorts the maturing bride to "come with Me from Lebanon". She is exhorted to "come" thus the King wants to take the bride yet higher or "yet deeper" in the Spirit. The word Lebanon in the Hebrew is [3844] and means "white mountain". This thus signifies the "purity" or "spotlessness" that He has just declared to her in verse seven.

This word is derived from [3825] and means "the heart". This word is derived from the prime root [3823] and means "to be enclosed". Thus from this place of devotion and purity of heart which is hidden behind a veil

for only the King to behold the bride is exhorted to press on.

We see that there are five mountains that she is to go to with the King. Five is the number of grace therefore it will take God's grace to do this. In addition she is to leap from the mountaintop were she currently

is to these other "peaks" thus it will take a great "leap of faith" to press forward from this point on. This would be analogous to "crossing Jordan" as we have heard so much about prophetically in the past few months.

The first mountain is "Amana". The Hebrew word is [548] which means a covenant. This word is derived from [543] and means sure or faithful. This word comes from the prime root [539] and means to build up, foster,

support, to render firm or faithful.

Just as God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham so right now He is seeking a covenant people. The covenant is made between God and those who "go all the way with Him". We read of this covenant in:

Just as the covenant with Abraham was made by circumcision (a sealing of the covenant) thus these who "press through the veil" will also be sealed. It says that they are "sealed" in their foreheads. This signifies

that they have been "circumcised" in the foreskin of their heart (minds). This "sealing" or "circumcision" is a divine act of God and thus seals the covenant.

So His covenant is to "renew our minds".

It will be a "seed" in this last hour which shall enter into this covenant relationship with Him.

Psalms 22:30 A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

Thus in order to receive the "anointing" or "resurrection life" we must enter into this covenant with Him.

Secondly, we see the mountain of "Shenir" which is from the Hebrew word [8144] and means "peak". Paul exhorted the Ephesians:

This peak is to enter (dwell) permanently in the spiritual or heavenly realm. It is there were the spiritual blessings reside and thus the maturing bride is invited to made her abode there.

Jesus made this same invitation to His disciples just forty or so days before they received the "anointing":

Thus in order to receive the "anointing" or "resurrection life" we must also abide or dwell in the heavenly realm or Spirit.

Thirdly we see the mountain peak is "Hermon". The Hebrew word for Hermon is [2768] and means "abrupt". This word is derived from [2763] and means "to devote", "to seclude", and "to be blunt". Again much in this.

As has been prophesied there is going to be an abrupt change in the Spiritual climate that many will miss if they are not "abiding" in the Spirit. It also means that the "anointing" will bring an abrupt and sudden change to those upon whom it rests.

This sudden change will bring a level of "devotion", "separation" or "seclusion", and "boldness" that we have previously not known. I will reiterate at this point, it will take FAITH to recognize and run after the abrupt change and it will take GRACE (divine intervention) to be taken to the next level.

The separation will be that being "totally set apart" and becoming a bondservant of the Lord. It will being a prisoner "in" the Lord. We read in:

The word "of" in the Greek is "en" meaning in, within, continuing or abiding within. Thus this level of devotion is entering "IN CHRIST", a phrase used to denote were all the promises of the Lord abide.

The boldness will come from the anointing and our confidence in the Holy Spirit. It will be the total casting away of any confidence in the flesh and our total leaning upon the Lord.

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

It will be the same boldness the apostles once had:

Thus in order to receive the "anointing" or "resurrection life" we must also receive the abrupt change in the spiritual realm that is about to take place, the PARADIGM SHIFT, that will bring about the "devotion", "separation" or "sanctification", and "boldness" needed in these end days.

The Fourth mountain is "from the lions' dens". The Hebrew word for lion in this text is [738] which is derived from [717] and means "to gather" or to "pluck with violence". So it will be from this mountain that the harvest will be gathered and the land taken. We read in:

It will take force to "take the land" and thus those who "cross Jordan" will be a "war-like" people who will not stop until all has been reclaimed. We see a picture of this in:

It will be this "Joshua Generation" that will posses the courage, zeal, and boldness to press through and take the land in the midst of a very real enemy.

Thus in order to receive the "anointing" or "resurrection life" we must also receive the "violence" and "courage" in order to go in and posses the land.

The fifth and final mountain is "from the mountains of the leopards". The Hebrew word for leopard is [5246] and means "limpid" or "transparent clearness". This final mountain signifies the level of purity that the

King is looking to take us to. Transparent means that we no longer have any "hidden" sin in our lives but we can rather stand before the Father and our fellow man with a "pure" conscience.

Those on this mountain have been purged of "dead works" by the blood of Christ that they may press forward to serve the living God in "good conscience". They have been purged from those things that have only the

religious "form" but do not have any spiritual power to bring about a change. Paul goes on to state in:

That word evil is [4190] poneros in the Greek and means "full of labors". So those who come to this mountain will have ceased from their "labors" having no confidence in the flesh and therefore not have a "guilty" conscience that receives any "condemnation" or "guilt" but these will lives their lives before the Lord in pure devotion and separation unto Him. Their "weapons of warfare" and "tools" will be strictly spiritual.

Thus in order to receive the "anointing" or "resurrection life" we must also stand before God transparent having nothing to hide but rather having our consciences "washed" by the blood of the lamb enter into His

"rest" (ceasing from our fleshly labors) that we may rest in the finished work of the Lord that the Holy Spirit may flow through us.

To review the five mountains were:

- Amana (covenant)

- Shenir (abiding or dwelling place in the heavenlies)

- Hermon (paradigm shift)

- Lion's Den (violence or courage)

- Leopards Den (Transparency or clear conscience before the Lord)

The story takes a bit of a turn here. The King is now going to reveal some truths to His maturing bride about His spice garden within her, which is the inner work of the Spirit that will make up the anointing oil that will be released from within her.

After the call to "come up higher" with Him, the King immediately reaffirms His love and affection for the bride.

This passage is a play on words from way back in Song of Solomon chapter 1. The yet immature but willing bride proclaimed to the King:

So now the character and nature of this maturing bride is such that it causes the King of kings to speak these same words back to her. Can you imagine the very King of all the universe looking at you and proclaiming this over you His maturing bride? Well He did and He does so receive this deep truth in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

In this we see the Lords WAYS and wisdom once again. He draws the bride through love and affirmation and not via hype, fear, or manipulation. He is constantly telling her "you can do it".

The King goes on further to affirm the bride by stating:

Honey and milk are under thy tongue, what a statement! The words that the bride is now speaking are both sweet and nourishing. There are no longer any bitterness to her words. All that she says has both a redemptive and nourishing quality to it.

He further states:

The garments here speak of our garment of praise.

The