Page 91 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson_FEB2025

SESSION 4

In the last verse, it talks about the rafters of cedar branches being above

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the heads of the Shulamite and her shepherd-king. The historian
Josephus wrote that the roof of Solomon’s temple was made of cedar,

a wood that is extremely hard and durable, with a remarkably fine, close
grain. The cedar is also a fragrant wood with a beautiful reddish hue

that it never loses.

This is symbolic of the secure, strong blood covering we have in the
Lord Jesus. We can rest knowing that, no matter what may befall us,

the faithfulness of God will keep us safe. He who never slumbers or
sleeps has His watchful eye upon us every second of every day.

The idea surrounding this last verse is that the two lovers are enjoying

each other’s company, reclining on a bed of grass over which is spread
an impregnable canopy—open on every side to the pleasant-smelling

fragrance of pine-filled breezes.

Something struck me from this final verse. Firstly, in John 10:9 (NIV),

Jesus says: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

They will come in and go out and find pasture.”

Although the canopy is above us, the sides are open—and this speaks

to me of the right to choose, without any pressure or force from God.
He is the answer to all our needs, and yes, we have the enormous

1 The Song of Solomon by George burrows page 250-1

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