Purity

Song of Solomon 2:7 & 3:5
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.

Song of Solomon is an often misunderstood and even more under appreciated book of the Bible. The book reflects on the passionate relationship between Solomon and his bride. The book tracks with graphic detail their passion and desire for one another, their wedding day and night and the growing love of their marriage. In the midst of this passion, we find two identical passages admonishing the reader and followers to "not arouse or awaken love" before it's time.
I find it most interesting that in a book with such graphic sexuality, Solomon, the wisest man in all the Scriptures would take such pains to express the value of abstinence and sexual discipline. Throughout the remainder of the book we find that the discipline demonstrated by he and his bride only builds anticipation, enhances their wedding night and creates an irresistible bond between them.
Throughout the first four chapters of the book, Solomon lets the reader in on some of his secrets to remaining pure. In 2:15 he talks about catching the foxes, the subtle temptations that steal away their intimacy and the strength of their relationship. In 2:17 he talks about "fleeing" temptation and not sticking around when his desire becomes difficult to control. Throughout chapter 4 Solomon refers to his bride as his "sister." Solomon disciplines his actions by training his mind to think of his bride with the same purity and innocence as a sister.
These disciplines only serve to create a bond between Solomon and his bride that produces a beautiful and lasting fruit. In other words, purity has value both before and after marriage.

How wonderful it is that God in His infinite wisdom sought to teach us about love and sexuality as well as spirituality. There are no secrets to a great marraige... just wisdom received or wisdom rejected.

Lord - thank You for my sister my bride.