Giving Him What He Loves [2026.04.19 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:13–14]

The true friends of Christ long to hear the voice of His bride. The true bride of Christ gladly gives Him His desire: praise, prayer, and preaching with a voice that is shaped by His. And, the sum of her desire is that He would come quickly for His fruit.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Christ's True Friends and Bride [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:13–14]

What is the ultimate desire of Christ in the Song? Song of Songs 8:13–14 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s ultimate desire, in the Song, is to hear His bride’s desire for His coming. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional concludes the Song of Songs with a powerful call to spiritual longing, portraying the Church as the bride eagerly awaiting her Bridegroom’s return, echoing the final cry of Revelation: 'Come, Lord Jesus.' Central to this vision is the idea that the Church, no longer in the wilderness but dwelling in the gardens—plural, representing gathered congregations—is called to live in faithful anticipation, producing spiritual fragrance through worship, prayer, and proclamation. The bride’s voice, empowered by Christ’s Spirit, is not merely her own but His, and her worship, discipleship, and evangelism are acts that hasten His coming. The age between Christ’s first and second advent is not a time of despair but of divine purpose, where trials and labor are transformed into 'mountains of spices'—obstacles that yield fragrance as the Bride is sanctified and perfected. The true companions of Christ, those indwelt by His Spirit, are drawn to the assembly not for mere ritual but to hear the Bride’s voice, which is the voice of Christ Himself, and to join in the holy discontent that longs for His return, reflecting the heart of the Bride and the mind of the Spirit.

2026.04.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:13–14

Read Song of Songs 8:13–14

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Song of Songs 8:13a call the bride? Who are listening for what (verse 13b)? Who else wants to hear it (verse 13c)? What does she ask Him to do (Song of Songs 8:14a)? What does she call Him? What does she ask Him to be like (verse 14b–c)? Leaping upon what (verse 14d)?

What is the ultimate desire of Christ in the Song? Song of Songs 8:13–14 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s ultimate desire, in the Song, is to hear His bride’s desire for His coming. 

How far the bride has come. She was in the wilderness, but as she leaned upon her Beloved (Song of Songs 8:13b), He brought her out of the wilderness (verse 13a). Now, she dwells in the gardens. He got her here. He gave her the moisture of life, instead of dryness and death. He planted the good seed of the Word in her. He brought forth her shoots and buds and blossoms and fruit. Now she is a garden of life. She is a living Eden, not with creaturely life, but with life that is from the Lord Himself, in union with Him. 

Note, also, that “gardens” is plural. The bride of Christ is found in particular congregations. This is where the bride dwells. 

What the companions do. So far, in the Song, the bride has referred to the members of the church as the “daughters of Jerusalem,” and the Bridegroom has referred to them as “friends and beloved” (cf. Song of Songs 5:1). Now, Song of Songs 8:13b calls them “the companions.” This gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves as companions. Do we listen for the bride’s voice? The Lord speaks through her. The Lord declares God’s Name to His brethren; in the midst of the assembly the Lord sings God’s praise (cf. Hebrews 2:12). It’s His voice that we are to hear in the church’s voice. True companions love the assemblies, the gardens, for the voice that they hear there. And the Lord uses that voice give them faith (cf. Romans 10:17), to save them (cf. James 1:21), to make them holy (cf. John 17:17), and to furnish them for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16–17). When Christ’s Spirit makes someone a true companion, they don’t forsake the assembling together; they desire to hear the bride’s Christ-given voice.

What the Companion desires. A true companion wants to hear the bride’s voice, but this is not the church’s highest motivation for preaching and prayer and reading and singing God’s Word in worship. The Bridegroom Himself desires to hear her voice (Song of Songs 8:13c). How glorious it is that we have opportunity to give Christ what He loves. We have seen, throughout the Song, that He loves the fruit that is produced upon believers in the church. And we have seen that, among that fruit, He loves what is on the lips of His bride and from the mouth of the bride. Now, we hear His loving request, His loving command: “Let me hear it!” Every opportunity that we have to participate in the corporate worship of the church is an opportunity to give the Lord Jesus what He desires.

What the bride desires. He loves to hear her voice, and she immediately gives Him what He wants: she speaks/prays/sings. The situation of the bride in Song of Songs 8:14 is the situation of the bride in this world, between the two comings of Christ: belonging to Him but with some distance between them for a time. The whole of Scripture ends with the bride praying for Him to come, and Him assuring her that He is already coming quickly (cf. Revelation 22:17–20). So, also the Song concludes with her pleading that He would come quickly.

The mountains are no longer mountains of separation (cf. Song of Songs 2:17). His coming quickly is upon mountains of spices, the fragrant fruit of His work in the church. Quickly, He saves all of His elect and prepares them for glory. He hastens His return. And the bride who longs for that return loves to participate in that work. She is zealous and diligent for evangelism and discipleship, which hasten (instrumentally speaking) the coming of the Lord Jesus. A congregation that doesn’t prioritize this, or a professing believer who doesn’t participate in it, is not reflecting the mind of the true bride.

How does it show, in your heart and your habits, that you love to hear the voice of the bride? How does it appear that you want to give Christ the congregational worship that He desires. How much do you desire Christ’s coming? How are you expressing this desire? How are you pursuing it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You that Your bride, in this world, dwells in the gardens that are congregations of the life of Christ, the beauty of Christ, and the fruit of Christ. Give us to be such a garden. Your companions gather to hear the bride’s voice, so give this congregation voice. Come, and declare God’s Name to Your brethren; in the midst of the assembly, sing God’s praise. And take pleasure, Lord Jesus, in the voice of Your bride as she worships You. Delight in her praying, reading, singing, and preaching Your Word. Even so, use her worship, discipleship, and evangelism to gather in all of those whom You have loved with saving love, from all eternity. And thus, come quickly, Lord Jesus, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” 

Christ's True Friends and Bride [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:13–14]

What is the ultimate desire of Christ in the Song? Song of Songs 8:13–14 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s ultimate desire, in the Song, is to hear His bride’s desire for His coming. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional concludes the Song of Songs with a powerful call to spiritual longing, portraying the Church as the bride eagerly awaiting her Bridegroom’s return, echoing the final cry of Revelation: 'Come, Lord Jesus.' Central to this vision is the idea that the Church, no longer in the wilderness but dwelling in the gardens—plural, representing gathered congregations—is called to live in faithful anticipation, producing spiritual fragrance through worship, prayer, and proclamation. The bride’s voice, empowered by Christ’s Spirit, is not merely her own but His, and her worship, discipleship, and evangelism are acts that hasten His coming. The age between Christ’s first and second advent is not a time of despair but of divine purpose, where trials and labor are transformed into 'mountains of spices'—obstacles that yield fragrance as the Bride is sanctified and perfected. The true companions of Christ, those indwelt by His Spirit, are drawn to the assembly not for mere ritual but to hear the Bride’s voice, which is the voice of Christ Himself, and to join in the holy discontent that longs for His return, reflecting the heart of the Bride and the mind of the Spirit.

2026.04.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:13–14

Read Song of Songs 8:13–14

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Song of Songs 8:13a call the bride? Who are listening for what (verse 13b)? Who else wants to hear it (verse 13c)? What does she ask Him to do (Song of Songs 8:14a)? What does she call Him? What does she ask Him to be like (verse 14b–c)? Leaping upon what (verse 14d)?

What is the ultimate desire of Christ in the Song? Song of Songs 8:13–14 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s ultimate desire, in the Song, is to hear His bride’s desire for His coming. 

How far the bride has come. She was in the wilderness, but as she leaned upon her Beloved (Song of Songs 8:13b), He brought her out of the wilderness (verse 13a). Now, she dwells in the gardens. He got her here. He gave her the moisture of life, instead of dryness and death. He planted the good seed of the Word in her. He brought forth her shoots and buds and blossoms and fruit. Now she is a garden of life. She is a living Eden, not with creaturely life, but with life that is from the Lord Himself, in union with Him. 

Note, also, that “gardens” is plural. The bride of Christ is found in particular congregations. This is where the bride dwells. 

What the companions do. So far, in the Song, the bride has referred to the members of the church as the “daughters of Jerusalem,” and the Bridegroom has referred to them as “friends and beloved” (cf. Song of Songs 5:1). Now, Song of Songs 8:13b calls them “the companions.” This gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves as companions. Do we listen for the bride’s voice? The Lord speaks through her. The Lord declares God’s Name to His brethren; in the midst of the assembly the Lord sings God’s praise (cf. Hebrews 2:12). It’s His voice that we are to hear in the church’s voice. True companions love the assemblies, the gardens, for the voice that they hear there. And the Lord uses that voice give them faith (cf. Romans 10:17), to save them (cf. James 1:21), to make them holy (cf. John 17:17), and to furnish them for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16–17). When Christ’s Spirit makes someone a true companion, they don’t forsake the assembling together; they desire to hear the bride’s Christ-given voice.

What the Companion desires. A true companion wants to hear the bride’s voice, but this is not the church’s highest motivation for preaching and prayer and reading and singing God’s Word in worship. The Bridegroom Himself desires to hear her voice (Song of Songs 8:13c). How glorious it is that we have opportunity to give Christ what He loves. We have seen, throughout the Song, that He loves the fruit that is produced upon believers in the church. And we have seen that, among that fruit, He loves what is on the lips of His bride and from the mouth of the bride. Now, we hear His loving request, His loving command: “Let me hear it!” Every opportunity that we have to participate in the corporate worship of the church is an opportunity to give the Lord Jesus what He desires.

What the bride desires. He loves to hear her voice, and she immediately gives Him what He wants: she speaks/prays/sings. The situation of the bride in Song of Songs 8:14 is the situation of the bride in this world, between the two comings of Christ: belonging to Him but with some distance between them for a time. The whole of Scripture ends with the bride praying for Him to come, and Him assuring her that He is already coming quickly (cf. Revelation 22:17–20). So, also the Song concludes with her pleading that He would come quickly.

The mountains are no longer mountains of separation (cf. Song of Songs 2:17). His coming quickly is upon mountains of spices, the fragrant fruit of His work in the church. Quickly, He saves all of His elect and prepares them for glory. He hastens His return. And the bride who longs for that return loves to participate in that work. She is zealous and diligent for evangelism and discipleship, which hasten (instrumentally speaking) the coming of the Lord Jesus. A congregation that doesn’t prioritize this, or a professing believer who doesn’t participate in it, is not reflecting the mind of the true bride.

How does it show, in your heart and your habits, that you love to hear the voice of the bride? How does it appear that you want to give Christ the congregational worship that He desires. How much do you desire Christ’s coming? How are you expressing this desire? How are you pursuing it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You that Your bride, in this world, dwells in the gardens that are congregations of the life of Christ, the beauty of Christ, and the fruit of Christ. Give us to be such a garden. Your companions gather to hear the bride’s voice, so give this congregation voice. Come, and declare God’s Name to Your brethren; in the midst of the assembly, sing God’s praise. And take pleasure, Lord Jesus, in the voice of Your bride as she worships You. Delight in her praying, reading, singing, and preaching Your Word. Even so, use her worship, discipleship, and evangelism to gather in all of those whom You have loved with saving love, from all eternity. And thus, come quickly, Lord Jesus, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” 

The Maturity of the Bride [2026.04.12 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:8–12]

As the bride comes into her maturity, she is awakened to zeal and diligence in church planting and recovery, maintaining her own vineyard, out of regard for the Lord and His ordained servants.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Missional Duty of the Mature [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:8–12]

In what does a healthy church desire to participate? Song of Songs 8:8–12 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a healthy church desires to participate in the planting and making healthy of other churches, and in producing the fruit of mature believers, whom the Lord Jesus so highly values. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents the church as fulfilling her responsibility to nurture and fortify other churches and to actively engage in church planting, revitalization, and missions as co-laborers with Christ. The imagery of the vineyard underscores the immense value God places on every believer, honoring both Christ and Christ-given ministers by bringing forth the fruit that they so highly value.

2026.04.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:8–12

Read Song of Songs 8:8–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What do the bride and bridegroom have (Song of Songs 8:8a)? What does she lack, in her spiritual immaturity (verse 8b; cf. Song of Songs 4:5, Song of Songs 7:3)? What does v8c ask about? With respect to what day (Song of Songs 8:8d)? What might she come to be (Song of Songs 8:9a)? And what would need to be done then (verse 9b–c)? What else might she come to be (verse 9d)? And what would need to be done then (verse 9e–f)? Who is already in the condition of verse 9a (Song of Songs 8:10a)? And already has the improvement of Song of Songs 8:9b–c (Song of Songs 8:10b)? What is the Bridegroom’s view of her, in this condition of maturity (verse 10c–d)? What is the earthly comparison for the Bridegroom and His bride (Song of Songs 8:11a)? How does He design to obtain her cultivated fruit (verse 11b)? How valuable is this fruit to Him (verse 11c–d)? Who else cares about her fruitfulness (Song of Songs 8:12a)? For what value to Him (verse 12b)? And what other value to whom else (verse 12c)? 

In what does a healthy church desire to participate? Song of Songs 8:8–12 prepares us for the morning call to worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a healthy church desires to participate in the planting and making healthy of other churches, and in producing the fruit of mature believers, whom the Lord Jesus so highly values. 

The Church and Her Mission (Song of Songs 8:8-9). From Song of Songs 7:11–8:4, we heard about the bride’s desire for revival of the saints, and for the church to be enabled to give more love to Christ. There is another desire that mature and faithful churches have: the recovery of backslidden churches, and the planting and growing of new churches. 

Already by the time of Solomon, there was some fracturing between the north and south in Israel (cf. 2 Samuel 20:1, 1 Kings 12:16). So, there is an obvious candidate, at the time of writing, for the “little sister.” Later, the apostles are charged by the Lord Jesus, with the subsequent building of a sequence of “little sisters”: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). Now, we are in a season, where Israel and the remaining fullness of the Gentiles are in the place of the “little sister” (cf. Romans 11:25–26). 

Ultimately, it is Christ, Who builds His church, but He uses means. The “we” in Song of Songs 8:8-9 has nothing to do with brothers, like the editors of the NKJ have interpolated. Christ uses His present church for forming new congregations, for bringing the gospel to new nations, and indeed for bringing all the elect to saving faith in Him. It is difficult to tell whether the speaker in verses 8–9 is the bride, or the Bridegroom, or the two together. As the church matures, His desire is her desire, and His work is her work.

In this case, the sister is still so immature that she is unable to nourish offspring (Song of Songs 8:8b). She doesn’t yet have the capacity to disciple the offspring unto the pleasure of the Bridegroom (cf. Song of Songs 4:5, Song of Songs 7:3). 

Christ produces this maturity by His grace, but Song of Songs 8:8c asks “what shall WE do?” (emphasis mine). 

He has given His church the privilege of duty and responsibility in His mission work. If she is to come to be betrothed to Christ (Song of Songs 8:8d), something must be done. 

Christ Himself is the foundation, and He establishes her with the structural strength of a wall by building her upon Himself (Song of Songs 8:9a). Upon this foundation, the church must build a tower, a royal fortification, but only using the right materials (verse 9b). The apostle alludes to this text in 1 Corinthians 3:10–15. 

Christ Himself is the door (cf. John 10:9, John 14:6). But it is especially in and through the church that He brings the elect to Himself (cf. Ephesians 2:12–13). When a church has become a doorway of the gospel to Christ (Song of Songs 8:9d, cf. Song of Songs 5:4), she reinforces and buttresses that truth (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15), as the Bridegroom and bride do here with the boards of cedar (Song of Songs 8:9e–f).

The Church He Uses (Song of Songs 8:10). To be His instrument and partner in His work, the bride must first be mature herself, and this is what she professes in verse 10. She is already that wall of Song of Songs 8:9a (Song of Songs 8:10a). She already has those towers (verse 10b), that battlement of Song of Songs 8:9c. In this case, the towers are the same by which the offspring are nourished. It is the truth of the gospel by which the saints are nourished in the church. And it is the truth of the gospel that is raised as a battlement by which the church is protected. 

It is this church that the Lord Jesus sees (Song of Songs 8:10c) as her who has found peace (verse 10d). And the church that is mature in the gospel, and fortified in the gospel, is the church that should be multiplying this maturity in “little sisters” via church planting and missions. And in those daughters of Jerusalem who are as little sisters within her assemblies.

The Ministers He Uses (Song of Songs 8:11). Now, the song again uses its writer as something of a living metaphor for Christ. We saw this back on the wedding day in Song of Songs 3:6–11. Now, we see it again with reference to His kingly employment of servants to bring forth exquisite fruit. 

The Lord Jesus interprets Song of Songs 8:11 in the way that we have learned from Scripture to read the song (cf. Matthew 21:33, Mark 12:1, Luke 20:9). The great difference is between the Pharisees and the true bride—the “others” of Matthew 21:41, Mark 12:9, Luke 20:16. The true bride longs to produce for the Lord the fruit that He values at 1000 (!) silver coins. This, of course, is the opposite of an exaggeration, because the “fruit” here are redeemed, godly saints. The friends and beloved ones of the Bridegroom. 

They aren’t worth a “mere” thousand silver coins to Him. They are worth His incarnation and humiliation. They are worth His suffering and death—and that, on the cross. And it is for them that He has instituted the ministry of the gospel. It is for them that He has saved, graced, gifted, called, and ordained the particular men whom He charges with this ministry. 

Let ministers remember this. The vineyard is the Lord’s vineyard. It is the vineyard of “Baal Hamon” (master of the multitude). The fruit is the Lord’s fruit. Ministers are the Lord’s servants, appointed for bringing forth the fruit believers whose faith has matured.

And let church members remember this. The Lord has sent them their faithful ministers. So, while they give regard to their ministers out of reverence for Christ, it is ultimately Christ Who uses those ministers to produce the fruit. And it is Christ to Whom the fruit belongs. Let them make use of the ministry that the Lord has supplied to them. Let them bear fruit for Him.

The Church and Her Ministers (Song of Songs 8:12). Finally, the bride refers to her own vineyard. Even though she is mature and strong, as a wall with towers, she still needs to keep her vineyard. Near the very beginning of the song, she had admitted that she had not kept her vineyard (cf. Song of Songs 1:6e). But that is not the case now. She professes, “My own vineyard is before me” (Song of Songs 8:12a).

She knows Christ’s valuing of her fruit, and she longs to give Him that thousand.

But she knows that, though a minister cannot value the fruit as the King does, yet the minister’s cherishing of the saints comes from Christ’s own. And the bride loves for the vineyard keepers to have their share in the joy of the fruit that is produced. The laborer is worthy of his hire (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Corinthians 9:9–14). But what a congregation should much more desire to give him is the joy of seeing them advancing in grace and the fruit of the Spirit (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Corinthians 9:2).

What part do spiritually weak churches, church plants, and missionary work have in your prayers? What part does the reformation, revival, and strengthening of your own church have in your priorities? What use are you making of the ordained ministry that the Lord Jesus uses in your own congregation, to bring forth fruit? How are you making use of His valuing the fruit as a motivation for bearing it? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for loving Your church, Your temple, Your vineyard. Grant that she would worship You, now, as a strong wall, built solidly upon the only foundation, her Lord Jesus Christ. Grant that, for her battlements, she would have the towers that nourish her by the pure milk of the Word, and guard her by the truth as it is in Jesus. We thank You for giving vineyard keepers, whom You Yourself use to make us fruitful. And, we marvel that You have so desired our mature faith, as Your fruit, that You have paid, not one thousand silver coins, but Your own blood, to redeem us. Now, grant that by Your Spirit, we would worship You by the grace that we have from Your own resurrection life, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The LORD’s Foundation” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” 

Missional Duty of the Mature [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:8–12]

In what does a healthy church desire to participate? Song of Songs 8:8–12 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a healthy church desires to participate in the planting and making healthy of other churches, and in producing the fruit of mature believers, whom the Lord Jesus so highly values. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents the church as fulfilling her responsibility to nurture and fortify other churches and to actively engage in church planting, revitalization, and missions as co-laborers with Christ. The imagery of the vineyard underscores the immense value God places on every believer, honoring both Christ and Christ-given ministers by bringing forth the fruit that they so highly value.

2026.04.10 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:8–12

Read Song of Songs 8:8–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What do the bride and bridegroom have (Song of Songs 8:8a)? What does she lack, in her spiritual immaturity (verse 8b; cf. Song of Songs 4:5, Song of Songs 7:3)? What does Song of Songs 8:8c ask about? With respect to what day (Song of Songs 8:8d)? What might she come to be (Song of Songs 8:9a)? And what would need to be done then (verse 9b–c)? What else might she come to be (verse 9d)? And what would need to be done then (verse 9e–f)? Who is already in the condition of verse 9a (Song of Songs 8:10a)? And already has the improvement of Song of Songs 8:9b–c (Song of Songs 8:10b)? What is the Bridegroom’s view of her, in this condition of maturity (verse 10c–d)? What is the earthly comparison for the Bridegroom and His bride (Song of Songs 8:11a)? How does He design to obtain her cultivated fruit (verse 11b)? How valuable is this fruit to Him (verse 11c–d)? Who else cares about her fruitfulness (Song of Songs 8:12a)? For what value to Him (verse 12b)? And what other value to whom else (verse 12c)? 

In what does a healthy church desire to participate? Song of Songs 8:8–12 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a healthy church desires to participate in the planting and making healthy of other churches, and in producing the fruit of mature believers, whom the Lord Jesus so highly values. 

The Church and Her Mission (Song of Songs 8:8-9). From Song of Songs 7:11–8:4, we heard about the bride’s desire for revival of the saints, and for the church to be enabled to give more love to Christ. There is another desire that mature and faithful churches have: the recovery of backslidden churches, and the planting and growing of new churches. 

Already by the time of Solomon, there was some fracturing between the north and south in Israel (cf. 2 Samuel 20:1, 1 Kings 12:16). So, there is an obvious candidate, at the time of writing, for the “little sister.” Later, the apostles are charged by the Lord Jesus, with the subsequent building of a sequence of “little sisters”: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). Now, we are in a season, where Israel and the remaining fullness of the Gentiles are in the place of the “little sister” (cf. Romans 11:25–26). 

Ultimately, it is Christ, Who builds His church, but He uses means. The “we” in Song of Songs 8:8-9 has nothing to do with brothers, like the editors of the NKJ have interpolated. Christ uses His present church for forming new congregations, for bringing the gospel to new nations, and indeed for bringing all the elect to saving faith in Him. It is difficult to tell whether the speaker in Song of Songs 8:8-9 is the bride, or the Bridegroom, or the two together. As the church matures, His desire is her desire, and His work is her work.

In this case, the sister is still so immature that she is unable to nourish offspring (Song of Songs 8:8b). She doesn’t yet have the capacity to disciple the offspring unto the pleasure of the Bridegroom (cf. Song of Songs 4:5, Song of Songs 7:3). 

Christ produces this maturity by His grace, but Song of Songs 8:8c asks “what shall WE do?” (emphasis mine). 

He has given His church the privilege of duty and responsibility in His mission work. If she is to come to be betrothed to Christ (Song of Songs 8:8d), something must be done. 

Christ Himself is the foundation, and He establishes her with the structural strength of a wall by building her upon Himself (Song of Songs 8:9a). Upon this foundation, the church must build a tower, a royal fortification, but only using the right materials (verse 9b). The apostle alludes to this text in 1 Corinthians 3:10–15. 

Christ Himself is the door (cf. John 10:9, John 14:6). But it is especially in and through the church that He brings the elect to Himself (cf. Ephesians 2:12–13). When a church has become a doorway of the gospel to Christ (Song of Songs 8:9d, cf. Song of Songs 5:4), she reinforces and buttresses that truth (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15), as the Bridegroom and bride do here with the boards of cedar (Song of Songs 8:9e–f).

The Church He Uses (Song of Songs 8:10). To be His instrument and partner in His work, the bride must first be mature herself, and this is what she professes in Song of Songs 8:10. She is already that wall of Song of Songs 8:9a (Song of Songs 8:10a). She already has those towers (verse 10b), that battlement of Song of Songs 8:9c. In this case, the towers are the same by which the offspring are nourished. It is the truth of the gospel by which the saints are nourished in the church. And it is the truth of the gospel that is raised as a battlement by which the church is protected. 

It is this church that the Lord Jesus sees (Song of Songs 8:10c) as her who has found peace (verse 10d). And the church that is mature in the gospel, and fortified in the gospel, is the church that should be multiplying this maturity in “little sisters” via church planting and missions. And in those daughters of Jerusalem who are as little sisters within her assemblies.

The Ministers He Uses (Song of Songs 8:11). Now, the song again uses its writer as something of a living metaphor for Christ. We saw this back on the wedding day in Song of Songs 3:6–11. Now, we see it again with reference to His kingly employment of servants to bring forth exquisite fruit. 

The Lord Jesus interprets Song of Songs 8:11 in the way that we have learned from Scripture to read the song (cf. Matthew 21:33, Mark 12:1, Luke 20:9). The great difference is between the Pharisees and the true bride—the “others” of Matthew 21:41, Mark 12:9, Luke 20:16. The true bride longs to produce for the Lord the fruit that He values at 1000 (!) silver coins. This, of course, is the opposite of an exaggeration, because the “fruit” here are redeemed, godly saints. The friends and beloved ones of the Bridegroom. 

They aren’t worth a “mere” thousand silver coins to Him. They are worth His incarnation and humiliation. They are worth His suffering and death—and that, on the cross. And it is for them that He has instituted the ministry of the gospel. It is for them that He has saved, graced, gifted, called, and ordained the particular men whom He charges with this ministry. 

Let ministers remember this. The vineyard is the Lord’s vineyard. It is the vineyard of “Baal Hamon” (master of the multitude). The fruit is the Lord’s fruit. Ministers are the Lord’s servants, appointed for bringing forth the fruit believers whose faith has matured.

And let church members remember this. The Lord has sent them their faithful ministers. So, while they give regard to their ministers out of reverence for Christ, it is ultimately Christ Who uses those ministers to produce the fruit. And it is Christ to Whom the fruit belongs. Let them make use of the ministry that the Lord has supplied to them. Let them bear fruit for Him.

The Church and Her Ministers (Song of Songs 8:12). Finally, the bride refers to her own vineyard. Even though she is mature and strong, as a wall with towers, she still needs to keep her vineyard. Near the very beginning of the song, she had admitted that she had not kept her vineyard (cf. Song of Songs 1:6e). But that is not the case now. She professes, “My own vineyard is before me” (Song of Songs 8:12a).

She knows Christ’s valuing of her fruit, and she longs to give Him that thousand.

But she knows that, though a minister cannot value the fruit as the King does, yet the minister’s cherishing of the saints comes from Christ’s own. And the bride loves for the vineyard keepers to have their share in the joy of the fruit that is produced. The laborer is worthy of his hire (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Corinthians 9:9–14). But what a congregation should much more desire to give him is the joy of seeing them advancing in grace and the fruit of the Spirit (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Corinthians 9:2).

What part do spiritually weak churches, church plants, and missionary work have in your prayers? What part does the reformation, revival, and strengthening of your own church have in your priorities? What use are you making of the ordained ministry that the Lord Jesus uses in your own congregation, to bring forth fruit? How are you making use of His valuing the fruit as a motivation for bearing it? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for loving Your church, Your temple, Your vineyard. Grant that she would worship You, now, as a strong wall, built solidly upon the only foundation, her Lord Jesus Christ. Grant that, for her battlements, she would have the towers that nourish her by the pure milk of the Word, and guard her by the truth as it is in Jesus. We thank You for giving vineyard keepers, whom You Yourself use to make us fruitful. And, we marvel that You have so desired our mature faith, as Your fruit, that You have paid, not one thousand silver coins, but Your own blood, to redeem us. Now, grant that by Your Spirit, we would worship You by the grace that we have from Your own resurrection life, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The LORD’s Foundation” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”

Christ Is the Church's Glory [2026.04.05 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:5–7]

Jesus Himself is the glory of His church.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Gloriously Loved by Christ [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:5–7]

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional meditates upon the inseparable union between Christ and His church. Song of Songs 8:5–7 portrays the church as both the source from which Christ was born in the flesh and the eternal object of His unyielding, divine love. Central to this message is the theological truth that God’s love is stronger than death, more enduring than the grave, and utterly unconquerable by any force—neither can floods of wrath overcome it or the wealth of the whole world compare to its value. The church’s glory lies in being both the nurturing womb of Christ’s incarnation and the cherished recipient of His passionate, jealous, and fiery love, which produces in believers a reciprocal love of the same kind for Him.

2026.04.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:5–7

Read Song of Songs 8:5–7

Questions from the Scripture text: From where is the bride coming (Song of Songs 8:5a)? What is she doing (verse 5b)? What had the bride done to the Bridegroom (verse 5c)? Where? What had His mother done there (verse 5d–e)? What does she need/want Him to do with her (Song of Songs 8:6a–b)? To remind her of what about love (verse 6c)? And of what, about zeal (verse 6d–f)? What cannot quench love (Song of Songs 8:7a)? What cannot drown it (verse 7b)? What might a man offer to give for love (verse 7c–d)? What would the response to that be (verse 7e)? 

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. 

After being charged concerning the bride and Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:4, cf. Song of Songs 6:8), the daughters of Jerusalem are curious to ask about the one concerning whom they were charged (Song of Songs 8:5a–b, cf. Song of Songs 6:9). They see her coming up from the wilderness (Song of Songs 8:5a); they see her being redeemed out of the fruitless, waterless, nutritional place. 

They see her Beloved (Song of Songs 8:5b), the One bringing her out of it all. 

They see her fellowship and intimacy with Him, upon Whom she leans. This is a blessed condition—depending upon Christ through faith!

The question “who is this?” is answered by eavesdropping on their conversation, even as she leans upon Him.

Who is this? The one who has the glory of bringing forth the Bridegroom into the world (Song of Songs 8:5c–e, cf. Revelation 12:2–5). We must value the church as her, through whom the Lord brought Christ into the world, according to His flesh (cf. Song of Songs 8:5), and through whom God ordinarily brings His Son into the lives of His elect.

Who is this (Song of Songs 8:5a)? The one who has the glory of being the display of Christ’s royalty and status to the world. The seal upon the heart (Song of Songs 8:6a) and upon the arm (verse 6b) refers to a jewel, set in a golden pendant from the neck or bracelet upon the arm, would be the public display of His royalty and status. Just as she has wished that she could express her love to Him openly (Song of Songs 8:1), now she requests that He openly would display her as the emblem of His glory. God has exalted Him and made Him head over all things for the church (cf. Ephesians 1:19–23; Colossians 1:15–18). 

Who is this (Song of Songs 8:5a)? The one who has the glory of being the object of Christ’s love, and reciprocator of Christ’s love. 

Love that is stronger than death, and produces in her a love that is also stronger than death. (Song of Songs 8:6c). 

Zeal/jealousy that is more unyielding than the grave, and that produces in her a love that is more unyielding than the grave (verse 6d). 

Love that burns from that which is in YHWH (verse 6e–f). Love that is not diminished by circumstances (Song of Songs 8:7a). 

Love that refuses to be eliminated by wrath (verse 7b). Love so valuable, in and from the Creator, that all creaturely wealth together cannot equal its worth (verse 7c–e). 

Such is the glory of the church. Such is who she is. How greatly we should value her—and her communion with Him!

What impresses you about the church? What impresses you about her intimacy with the Lord Jesus? What things threaten to impress you more? What does this tell you about the extent to which you value Christ’s glory and love?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your glory, and for Your glorious love to the church. Help us love her and value her, and make us to love You with the love that is from You, and for You, in our own hearts, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The Lord’s Foundation” or TPH87A “Zion, Founded on the Mountains” 

Gloriously Loved by Christ [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:5–7]

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional meditates upon the inseparable union between Christ and His church. Song of Songs 8:5–7 portrays the church as both the source from which Christ was born in the flesh and the eternal object of His unyielding, divine love. Central to this message is the theological truth that God’s love is stronger than death, more enduring than the grave, and utterly unconquerable by any force—neither can floods of wrath overcome it or the wealth of the whole world compare to its value. The church’s glory lies in being both the nurturing womb of Christ’s incarnation and the cherished recipient of His passionate, jealous, and fiery love, which produces in believers a reciprocal love of the same kind for Him.

2026.04.03 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:5–7

Read Song of Songs 8:5–7

Questions from the Scripture text: From where is the bride coming (Song of Songs 8:5a)? What is she doing (verse 5b)? What had the bride done to the Bridegroom (verse 5c)? Where? What had His mother done there (verse 5d–e)? What does she need/want Him to do with her (Song of Songs 8:6a–b)? To remind her of what about love (verse 6c)? And of what, about zeal (verse 6d–f)? What cannot quench love (Song of Songs 8:7a)? What cannot drown it (verse 7b)? What might a man offer to give for love (verse 7c–d)? What would the response to that be (verse 7e)?

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. 

After being charged concerning the bride and Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:4, cf. Song of Songs 6:8), the daughters of Jerusalem are curious to ask about the one concerning whom they were charged (Song of Songs 8:5a–b, cf. Song of Songs 6:9). They see her coming up from the wilderness; they see her being redeemed out of the fruitless, waterless, nutritional place. They see her Beloved, the One bringing her out of it all. They see her fellowship and intimacy with Him, upon Whom she leans. The question, “who is this?,” is answered by eavesdropping on their conversation, even as she leans upon Him.

Who is this? The one who has the glory of bringing forth the Bridegroom into the world (Song of Songs 8:5c–e, cf. Revelation 12:2–5). We must value the church as her, through whom the Lord brought Christ into the world, according to His flesh (cf. Song of Songs 8:5), and through whom God ordinarily brings His Son into the lives of His elect.

Who is this? The one who has the glory of being the display of Christ’s royalty and status to the world. The seal upon the heart (Song of Songs 8:6a) and upon the arm (verse 6b) refers to a jewel, set in a golden pendant from the neck or bracelet upon the arm, would be the public display of His royalty and status. Just as she has wished that she could express her love to Him openly (Song of Songs 8:1), now she requests that He openly would display her as the emblem of His glory. God has exalted Him and made Him head over all things for the church (cf. Ephesians 1:19–23; Colossians 1:15–18). 

Who is this? The one who has the glory of being the object of Christ’s love, and reciprocator of Christ’s love. Love that is stronger than death, and produces in her a love that is also stronger than death. (Song of Songs 8:6c). Zeal/jealousy that is more unyielding than the grave, and that produces in her a love that is more unyielding than the grave (verse 6d). Love that burns from that which is in YHWH (verse 6e–f). Love that is not diminished by circumstances (Song of Songs 8:7a). Love that refuses to be eliminated by wrath (verse 7b). Love so valuable, in and from the Creator, that all creaturely wealth together cannot equal its worth (verse 7c–e). 

Such is the glory of the church. Such is who she is. How greatly we should value her—and her communion with Him!

What impresses you about the church? What impresses you about her intimacy with the Lord Jesus? What things threaten to impress you more? What does this tell you about the extent to which you value Christ’s glory and love?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your glory, and for Your glorious love to the church. Help us love her and value her, and make us to love You with the love that is from You, and for You, in our own hearts, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The LORD’s Foundation” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”

More Love to Thee, O Christ [2025.03.29 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What the bride most desires is to please the Bridegroom more.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Giving Him More of Our Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the church’s longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride’s declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church’s worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church’s highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return.

2026.03.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:1–4

Read Song of Songs 8:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the bride wish about the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:1a–b)? For what circumstance (verse 1c)? To be able to do what (verse 1d)? Without what (verse 1e)? Where would she bring Him (Song of Songs 8:2a–b)? What had happened there (verse 2c)? What would she make Him to drink (verse 2d–e)? How would He support her (Song of Songs 8:3a) and hold her (verse 3b)? Whom does she address in Song of Songs 8:4a? Not to do what to what (verse 4b)? For how long (verse 4c)? 

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (7:10–11) to enjoy the first signs (Song of Songs 7:12) of the fruits that are produced (Song of Songs 7:13) from the lives of sleepers (Song of Songs 7:9). 

Now, she expresses her desire to be more openly approved, more plentiful, more dependent, and more undisturbed in her pouring out of love to Him.

More openly approved. He has called her His sister (cf. Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:10, Song of Songs 4:12), and Scripture describes Him as our elder Brother (Song of Songs 8:1a, cf. Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11–12). Additionally, He and the saints are children of the same mother (cf. Revelation 12:1–5, Revelation 12:17). There is even a sense in which they were, indeed, nourished by that mother (Song of Songs 8:1b). 

In their culture, brothers and sisters could show affection in public, but it was frowned upon for a husband and wife. The bride is desiring that the day would come, when open affection between Bridegroom and bride would be universally approved. We ought to desire, and pray, and labor for reformation!

And, we ought to be longing for the perfect and permanent reformation that comes at last. That day is coming, dear Christian! Don’t you long for it? The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (cf. Revelation 22:17). 

More plentiful. In their reunion from her first backsliding, she had expressed a desire to bring Him to the house of her mother (Song of Songs 8:2a–b, cf. Song of Songs 3:4), and now she says it again, using His own language—the spiced wine recalling the mixed/strong wine from Song of Songs 7:2, and the pomegranate recalling Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 6:7. The pomegranate (Song of Songs 8:2e), its blush color indicating modesty, and flushing with pleasure, has thus far appeared behind her veil. Now, she desires His fellowship in the assembly of the church, where the instructional ministry of the church (verse 2c) increases the welcome and refreshment of the wine (verse 2d).

It is the church’s desire to be employed by Christ for the instruction of believers, increasing their delight in being the objects of His affection. This is like the wine of refreshment and gladness, celebration and fellowship, to Him. The bride longs to refresh the Bridegroom with more instructed, more sanctified, more delighted saints.

More dependent. Although she is producing life for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:11–12), and bearing fruit for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:13), unto His enjoyment of the juice and wine of that fruit (cf. Song of Songs 8:2), she wants to testify that it is really He, Who does all the heavy lifting. Song of Songs 8:3 is quoting all the way back from Song of Songs 2:6, where she had fainted from His overwhelming love (cf. Song of Songs 2:5). Now, even though she is serving Him with life and vigor, He is still bearing her up in His arms (Song of Songs 8:3). In all of her love and service to Him, she continues to be sustained by Him. Such is the sweet experience of the church and the Christian—not only to serve the Lord, but to do so in entire dependence upon Him. Thus, the believer’s service to Christ produces gratitude, where the flesh would have produced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

More undisturbed. As He sustains her (Song of Songs 8:3), so that she can please Him with the final product of her ministry to the saints (Song of Songs 8:2), she now charges those saints not to disrupt this. The picture is of the Bridegroom and the bride in a loving embrace, and how hateful toward both of them it would be to disrupt them. But this is exactly what they do, who hinder the faithful preaching, teaching, and shepherding of the church—whether by diluting or altering the theology, or by deemphasizing the teaching, or distracting from the Lord’s ordinances by the ideas of men. Don’t disrupt the Lord’s delight in shepherding His church by His means!

What part does reformation have in your prayers and efforts? How does Jesus’s pleasure in the teaching ministry of the church affect your participation in it? When you serve the Lord fruitfully, do you find more of a feeling of achievement, or gratitude? How do you participate in sustaining and advancing the reformation and revival of the church? How are you in danger of disturbing or hindering it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we rejoice to be assembled with Your church, in the house of our mother. Come, and delight in the spiced wine of our pleasure in Your instruction. Sustain us, with Your left hand under our head, and Your right hand embracing us. And do not let Your love for us be disturbed until You have accomplished all Your holy will for our worship, through Your grace, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP122 “I Was Filled with Joy and Gladness” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”

Giving Him More of Our Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the church’s longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride’s declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church’s worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church’s highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return.

2026.03.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:1–4

Read Song of Songs 8:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the bride wish about the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:1a–b)? For what circumstance (verse 1c)? To be able to do what (verse 1d)? Without what (verse 1e)? Where would she bring Him (Song of Songs 8:2a–b)? What had happened there (verse 2c)? What would she make Him to drink (verse 2d–e)? How would He support her (Song of Songs 8:3a) and hold her (verse 3b)? Whom does she address in Song of Songs 8:4a? Not to do what to what (verse 4b)? For how long (verse 4c)? 

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (Song of Songs 7:10–11) to enjoy the first signs (Song of Songs 7:12) of the fruits that are produced (Song of Songs 7:13) from the lives of sleepers (Song of Songs 7:9). 

Now, she expresses her desire to be more openly approved, more plentiful, more dependent, and more undisturbed in her pouring out of love to Him.

More openly approved. He has called her His sister (cf. Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:10, Song of Songs 4:12), and Scripture describes Him as our elder Brother (Song of Songs 8:1a, cf. Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11–12). Additionally, He and the saints are children of the same mother (cf. Revelation 12:1–5, Revelation 12:17). There is even a sense in which they were, indeed, nourished by that mother (Song of Songs 8:1b). 

In their culture, brothers and sisters could show affection in public, but it was frowned upon for a husband and wife. The bride is desiring that the day would come, when open affection between Bridegroom and bride would be universally approved. We ought to desire, and pray, and labor for reformation!

And, we ought to be longing for the perfect and permanent reformation that comes at last. That day is coming, dear Christian! Don’t you long for it? The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (cf. Revelation 22:17). 

More plentiful. In their reunion from her first backsliding, she had expressed a desire to bring Him to the house of her mother (Song of Songs 8:2a–b, cf. Song of Songs 3:4), and now she says it again, using His own language—the spiced wine recalling the mixed/strong wine from Song of Songs 7:2, and the pomegranate recalling Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 6:7. The pomegranate (Song of Songs 8:2e), its blush color indicating modesty, and flushing with pleasure, has thus far appeared behind her veil. Now, she desires His fellowship in the assembly of the church, where the instructional ministry of the church (verse 2c) increases the welcome and refreshment of the wine (verse 2d).

It is the church’s desire to be employed by Christ for the instruction of believers, increasing their delight in being the objects of His affection. This is like the wine of refreshment and gladness, celebration and fellowship, to Him. The bride longs to refresh the Bridegroom with more instructed, more sanctified, more delighted saints.

More dependent. Although she is producing life for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:11–12), and bearing fruit for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:13), unto His enjoyment of the juice and wine of that fruit (cf. Song of Songs 8:2), she wants to testify that it is really He, Who does all the heavy lifting. Song of Songs 8:3 is quoting all the way back from Song of Songs 2:6, where she had fainted from His overwhelming love (cf. Song of Songs 2:5). Now, even though she is serving Him with life and vigor, He is still bearing her up in His arms (Song of Songs 8:3). In all of her love and service to Him, she continues to be sustained by Him. Such is the sweet experience of the church and the Christian—not only to serve the Lord, but to do so in entire dependence upon Him. Thus, the believer’s service to Christ produces gratitude, where the flesh would have produced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

More undisturbed. As He sustains her (Song of Songs 8:3), so that she can please Him with the final product of her ministry to the saints (Song of Songs 8:2), she now charges those saints not to disrupt this. The picture is of the Bridegroom and the bride in a loving embrace, and how hateful toward both of them it would be to disrupt them. But this is exactly what they do, who hinder the faithful preaching, teaching, and shepherding of the church—whether by diluting or altering the theology, or by deemphasizing the teaching, or distracting from the Lord’s ordinances by the ideas of men. Don’t disrupt the Lord’s delight in shepherding His church by His means!

What part does reformation have in your prayers and efforts? How does Jesus’s pleasure in the teaching ministry of the church affect your participation in it? When you serve the Lord fruitfully, do you find more of a feeling of achievement, or gratitude? How do you participate in sustaining and advancing the reformation and revival of the church? How are you in danger of disturbing or hindering it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we rejoice to be assembled with Your church, in the house of our mother. Come, and delight in the spiced wine of our pleasure in Your instruction. Sustain us, with Your left hand under our head, and Your right hand embracing us. And do not let Your love for us be disturbed until You have accomplished all Your holy will for our worship, through Your grace, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”