For the next several weeks we'll be studying the Song of Songs together as a church. On Sunday I introduced the series by telling the author's story. (You can check out the message here, or subscribe to the podcast here).
Solomon's story starts with his father, David, who may have committed the most famous sexual sin in world history. His adulterous affair with Bathsheeba and ensuing political coverup led to disastrous consequences. The baby who was born during their affair was sick for seven days, during which time David didn't eat or sleep.
I won't even hold my baby girl for another two months, and yet I still can't imagine watching her suffer, especially as the result of my sin. I'd be a wreck too.
After the baby died, David did took two significant steps. He went to the house of God, and then back to his own house, where he ate, changed his clothes, and comforted his family. In other words, he turned to God and moved on with his life.
Part of that process was comforting Bathsheeba. They had sex again, and this time God blessed the fruit of their relationship. They named their son Solomon, and God loved him.
I think we tend to underestimate both sides of this story. On one hand, we underestimate how devastating sin can be. It will separate us from God and damage the people we love the most. On the other hand, we underestimate how radical the grace of God can be. Even scandalous...
The gracious irony in this story is that God takes this young man who was born because of adultery, and uses him to pen the most poignant celebration of pure marital sex we have in the Bible.
The Song of Solomon.
Of course, we know Solomon would go on to forget his own words and commit some monumental sexual sins of his own. But his greatest Song remains as an enduring testament to grace.
Later, the story is even included in the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew not only lists Solomon's name in the middle of Jesus' lineage, but specifically points out that he was the son of David and Bathsheeba (Uriah's wife). We sometimes struggle with the Song of Songs because of Solomon's life. Yet the Bible doesn't ignore his humanity or cover the scandal. Instead it draws attention to it.
By using broken people to speak to sensitive issues, God reminds us that His grace alone is the answer for our broken cities.
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