Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle. – Song of Songs 7:3

Today's Scripture Reading (January 22, 2026): Song of Songs 7

In an episode of M.A.S.H., Father Mulcahey walks into the recovery ward of the hospital to find a patient reading the Bible. "Ah, spending some time in the Good Book," the priest remarks upon seeing the patient with the Bible in his hands. The patient responded by looking back at the priest, sheepishly.

The M.A.S.H. priest continued, "No need to be embarrassed. When I'm feeling low, I like to spend time reading the Bible. So, what are you reading?" He looks over to see what the patient is reading and recognizes that it is the Song of Songs. "Oh, yes, well, the Song of Solomon, maybe in your condition you should read something a little less … stimulating."

Mulcahey effectively captures the church's attitude toward the Song of Songs. Many people become very uncomfortable when confronted with Solomon's love song. We don't know how to read it. And when we try to interpret it as a love song that sums up God's love for us, it only makes us even more uncomfortable. Is it possible that this is the way that God feels toward us? 

We are more comfortable with the metaphor of God as the Potter and us as the clay. That expression we turn into songs and sing about; at times, this is the relationship we need with God. There are times when we come into the presence of God as broken people and need the shaping power of God in our lives.

The Bible also talks of God being the Good Shepherd, with us as His sheep. There is a significant difference between clay and sheep. I know how much I need God's guiding touch in my life, but I also have to admit that sheep don't exactly have a reputation as the most graceful and intelligent creatures in the world.

We are also called His children, and He is our Heavenly Father. If God truly wants an intimate relationship with us, this is where that relationship finally becomes possible. We aren't just servants, or sheep, or lumps of clay to be molded, but we are the children of the King. This parent-child relationship is likely where we feel most comfortable. Children of the King seems to be a good place to be.

The analogies continue. The Bible says that God calls us "friends." There is an added intimacy between friends that doesn't exist between a five-year-old and his parents. God calling us a friend implies that God sees something in us. Too often, we refuse to see that side of the equation. The God of creation sees something of enough value in me to call me a friend. 

But it doesn't stop even there. The level of intimacy God desires goes even beyond being a friend. He calls us "lovers." Paul writes, "' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:31-32). God speaks to Isaiah, saying, "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5).

The words of the Song of Songs might be more explicit, but they reflect a similar intimacy as to what both Paul and Isaiah are trying to describe to us. They are the words of one who loves every aspect of the object of his attention, much as a groom might describe his new bride.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Song of Songs 8