Seeing one’s deficiencies, yet seeing one’s self as the Lord sees (“I am black, yet comely”) · Being as a common “flower” hidden in amongst society, yet giving forth a sweet fragrance unto the Lord (“Lily of the valleys”) · Knowing when, according to the Times and Seasons of the Lord, is the appropriate time to “stir up love”. We should ALWAYS be developing a deeper love and commitment to the Lord, yet there are times when this shall be more openly seen and d

The Shulamite responds, “Awake, O North Wind, and come, thou South— blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. . . Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Notice again the imagery of “hidden-ness”, or “private-ness”. An “enclosed” garden— with a high stone wall around it. Only those privileged to gain access may enter. It’s private:

The Shulamite is proclaiming the security of her relationship— the true satisfaction of BELONGING one to another. But she links it WITH his care of his flock: the Psalm says that “We are His people, the sheep of his pasture”. (Psalm 100:3). We know that SHE is “the Lily (or, crocus) of the Valleys” (Canticle 2:1), but this is plural (“Lilies”)— multiple application, because in the spiritual reality, “the Bride” is not just one person, but many: all who develop this depth of h

SECOND POINT... the Characteristics of “the Bride”. The term “the Bride” is a typological picture, or metaphor. But a metaphor of WHAT? Of a place of intimate closeness with the heart of Jesus. I’m pretty sure all true Christians have a desire within them to “want to be like Jesus”. But in what WAY are we to be like him?

The opening and closing verses of The Song of Solomon (aka Canticle) both are the cry of the Heart of The Bride: Cant. 1:2 “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for thy love is better than wine!” -and- Cant. 8:14 “Make haste, my beloved, be thou like a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices!”

The term “The Bride” sounds like a female-oriented, romantic, ruffles-and-lace type of wording. Although the symbolism used is from a feminine perspective, the Biblical concept encompasses both women and men in the Body of Christ.

Regarding Israel, it might be of significance that February 28th, 2026, was a day referred to as ‘Shabbat Zichron’, a Sabbath of Remembrance. A Shabbat celebrating the festival of Purim which specifically remembers a very important event in Jewish history. This historical event is detailed in the Hebrew Book of Esther, and a study of Esther reveals some amazing details which may have significance in relation to the Jewish celebration of Purim this year and the commencement