Page 307 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson_FEB2025

SESSION 4

As a palm tree, she becomes strong and flourishing because of her

supportive relationships and union with other members of the Body of
Christ—growing up into the full stature of Christ. All trials, testing, and

pressures that have come upon the Shulamite have caused her to grow
even higher. For God’s people, there is nowhere to go except upward

and onward into higher heights and deeper depths with the Lord their

God. Wishing to separate herself from the dunghills of this world and
anything that would defile her walk with the Lord, she is planted in

soils of holiness and purity.”

Continuing with the New King James Version, we read in the latter

section of verse 7 that her breasts are described as “clusters,” which
refers to the fruit of the palm. The text then goes on to say in verse 8:

“I said, ‘I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches.

Let now your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your
breath like apples, and the roof of your mouth like the best wine.’”

Notice the switch in analogies here. Firstly, the Bridegroom says her

breasts are like clusters of the palm tree, but as He goes up close to this
palm—and as intimate, sweet fellowship between the pair increases—

what occurs is that a transformation takes place. He now possesses her,
and He now commands, firstly, that her breasts—i.e., the feeding and

nurturing ability she has—be like clusters of the vine, as opposed to the
palm.

Who is the Vine? Jesus is the Vine (John 15).

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