The Shulamite woman recalls a time (or her dream) when she had lost the king. The king comes back late at night drenched wet. He knocks on her door, but she hesitates to get out of her warm bed to greet him. Her attitude has considerably changed from that of chapter 2. She has lost her first love and prefers a little physical comfort over her beloved king.

When she comes back to her senses and goes to open the door, she realizes the king is gone, and her heart sinks. She goes out to look for him and is treated like a street woman (5:7). As she is desperately looking for the king, she remembers his great qualities (5:10-16).

Then she realizes that the king is not gone, but in the garden (4:16). He is waiting for her in their personal sacred garden. This story is a metaphor for our relationship with the Lord. Sometimes our hearts may turn lukewarm, losing our first love for the Lord (Rev 2:4). We may get lost in the burdens of reality, and we may neglect our relationship with the Lord. But you don't need to search far when your heart becomes weary and desperate. When you remember your love for the Lord, he is already there waiting for you.


Application: Father, thank you for always being faithful. Help me never to lose you but always make you as the priority of my life.
One Word: Remain in his love.