Song of Songs - Introduction

 Introduction to Song of Songs

Song of Songs tells a story about love, longing, passion, and waiting through a collection of songs about a bride and a groom. People often think this book is only about sexual intimacy or only a metaphor for our relationship with God. The beauty of this song, and why it is the called the greatest song ever written, is that it is about both. Only when we are intimate with God can we be properly intimate with anyone else. Only when we give holy love to others are we truly living in God's holy love for us.

Ultimately, though, Song of Songs is about absence and longing. There are constant warnings to not awaken love until the proper time mixed with seasons of the groom's absence that leave the bride desperate and alone. This longing is meant to frame what is our common experience of God's presence. Yes, there are times of beautiful intimacy where we feel close to God. But there are also seasons that seem to interrupt that intimacy with doubt, absence, and a sense of longing.

We hope this introduction to Song of Songs helps you understand and appreciate this important book. We also hope it validates your sense of longing and feelings of absence, showing you that God knows they exist and is drawing near to you to bring healing and satisfaction in the person of Jesus.

Isaiah Introduction

 Introduction to Isaiah

Isaiah prophesied during a pivotal point in Israel's history. Because of their sin, God sent Babylon to judge Israel. But Isaiah's ministry held out hope that God would save them through judgement. Isaiah told Israel that she needed to trust God more than she trusted false gods and other kingdoms. Though Israel refused to heed Isaiah's warning, God still chose to save her. And God saved Israel, not through judging them, but by the suffering and judgment Jesus experienced on the cross.

Psalms Introduction

 Introduction of Psalms

The Psalms are songs for a people waiting in exile. They spring from Israel's history, when people like King David wrote inspired songs giving thanks, repenting of sin, affirming God's promises, or asking for help. The Psalms have been a source of hope, a guide for honest prayer, and a treasury of prophetic promises for God's people throughout generations. Now, Jesus has fulfilled these Psalms and given them to his church, providing us with songs to sing while we wait in this earthly exile for his return.

Kevin's Komment - Introduction

This is Kevin's online commentary of God's Word. In many cases, it is a collection of my thoughts, items from my filing cabinet that I have collected over the years, things I have written over 40 years of ministry, and things others have shared with me.