The marriage relationship in the Song of Solomon is used to describe the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23-33). This applies not only to all believers of the Church Age, but also to the local church. Paul saw each local church wedded to Christ and in danger of being seduced into sin by Satan and the world. Just as husband and wife are one and belong to each other, so Christ and His Church are one. We are bone of His bone, flesh of His flesh--He is in us, we are in Him. He loved us and showed that love by dying on the cross for us.
The practical meaning of this book is that of faithful love and deepening communion. The very intimate terms used in the book only illustrate the wonderful love between Christ and the Christian. Love and marriage illustrate the Christian life through salvation. Because of salvation we are married to Christ. Marriage involves the whole person--mind, heart, will, and body. When a man and woman are married, there is also a sense of great dedication. All that they are and all that they have belongs to each other. Their bodies are not their own. They live to please the other. So it is with the Christian life. Our bodies belong to Christ, and we should live completely submitted unto Him and separated from the world.
At the close of this great book, I believe we should take account of our lives, and our love and devotion for Christ. Satan is trying to destroy the relationship between Christ and His children, as well as the relationship between husband and wife. In addition, he is working hard in trying to put a wedge between Christ and the Church. The precious Word of God is our defense. It alone can ward off the temptations of Satan and the world.
