Read: Song of Solomon 2
My beloved is mine, and I am his. (v. 16)
When children sing the song “His Banner Over Me Is Love,” they are encouraged to put their arms over their heads interlocking their hands demonstrating God’s banner of love that covers them.
In the Old Testament, banners were raised to proclaim victory (Exod. 17:15), to gather troops together (Isa. 5:26) and to serve as a symbol of hope for God’s people (Isa. 11:10, 12).
In verse 4 of our passage, the woman’s beloved brought her to his banqueting table as a part of the marriage celebration. This was not just a meal. It was a feast of love. She said, “Let his banner over me be love” (v. 4 NIV). By accepting his love for her, she was saying, “You belong to me, and I belong to you.” This feast is a beautiful picture of intimate marital love as well as communion between Christ our bridegroom and the church his bride.
Have you accepted Christ’s love for you? His love was beautifully displayed when he gave his life on the cross. He spread his arms wide as his banner of love for you. When we accept Christ’s love and sacrifice, we can be assured we belong to him.
Picture standing under Christ’s banner of love over you. His banner says, “You belong to me, you are mine. I am for you. I love you. I am always with you. I will protect you.” —Nancy Boote
As you pray, thank him for his banner of love over you.
About the Author
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband.
