Although Song of Solomon 2:7 is frequently misunderstood, when seen in its context, it provides a valuable lesson about love. Here, the Shulamite woman talked to a group of women. These women, like most women of any age, longed for a loving relationship. The Shulamite woman said, in effect, “Don’t rush it.”
In my years of marriage counseling, I have sadly heard a common refrain from numerous wives: “I wish I hadn’t jumped into this so quickly!” For various reasons, they seized the opportunity for marriage (financial security? get away from home? thought she would eventually grow into love? thought this might be her only chance? others thought he was the right man?). Yet, after a year or so (sometimes much sooner), she realized that she made a mistake.
Jesus taught that marriage is for life (Matthew 19:3-6). Once one makes the decision, it is a decision with which one must live. As a matter of fact, He explained later (19:9) that the only reason for divorce and remarriage was if one’s mate committed fornication. This teaching led the disciples to say, “If such is the case… it is better not to marry” (Matthew 19:10). What they were saying is, “If you are bound to one for one’s whole life, you might think seriously about getting married at all!” Not all men can make such a choice. They need to have a wife (1 Corinthians 7:1). Yet, the general point of the disciples is a good one. This is far too important a decision to jump into quickly.
The words of the Shulamite are wise words for today. Don’t rush it. Let love take its natural course. If it is true love, it will show itself in time. That way, when the decision is made to marry, you’ll know it was the right decision.
