The Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) is a part of the Bible that is not often read. Even so, three phrases jump out as being very familiar.
The first is “rose of Sharon.” It is a beautiful and valued flower. However, according to some translators, this eloquent phrasing should more correctly be rendered as “crocus.” That just doesn’t carry the same punch.
Immediately following that is another flower reference, “lily of the valley.” Lily of the valley is also a pretty flower, usually pure white and most delicate in appearance.
What is unclear is if these images refer to the king (implying God) or to his beloved (implying us).
The third phrase is “his banner over me is love.” This harkens to I song I remember singing as a child. Aside from this phrase and a vague recollection of the tune, I can recall no other words to the song, but I think this is what we sang (and there are even hand motions to accompany it!)
Interestingly, all three phrases only occur once in the Bible, in the Song of Songs.
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
