There are some topics within the church that are talked about way too frequently and then there are some that just aren’t talked about enough.
Here’s one: “Sex.”
That three letter word is so taboo in the church that many people squirm when they hear it. Why? Because they think God is anti-sex. What a tragedy, since it’s one of the greatest gifts that God has given us to enjoy!
King Solomon wrote this about sex:
“A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed. Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices — a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.” Song of Solomon 4:12-15
This is weird imagery to our modern ears, but Solomon’s original audience would have gotten it right away. You see, in Biblical times people would have often have private gardens protected with a wall that kept everyone else out. Solomon is using this imagery to describe your marriage bed with your spouse as the beautiful fountain in the middle.
The case Solomon is building is that the best defense against sexual temptation is a healthy, growing, sexual marriage.
So what does this mean for us?
To the single people.
Since you aren’t married, you might think you can skip this verse. Not so. Solomon’s words should paint a picture of what your future marriage can (and hopefully will) be like. Private. Intimate. Beautiful. It’s something to look forward to.
To the married people.
Your marriage bed is your garden. Husbands, adore the fountain at the center of your garden. Wives, delight in your husband’s…body. Go cultivate your garden and enjoy it!
Your marriage bed is your garden.