Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:14
"Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices."

This is the last verse in the Song of Solomon. I can't say I learned anything inspiring the whole time I read this book. I really tried. Then I finally turned to the Joseph Smith Translation to see if I was missing anything, and I actually laughed.

"Note: the JST manuscript states that “The Songs of Solomon are not inspired writings”

Furthermore, I found Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: "Song of Solomon is biblical trash—it is not inspired writing."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Bible, a Sealed Book", Supplement, A Symposium on the New Testament, 1984 (1984), 1–7)

I guess I was actually being guided by the spirit the whole time.

Day 3969

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7
"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee"

The one without spot or blemish was our Lord, Jesus Christ. Is that what this song is about?

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
(Hebrews 9:14)

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
(1 Peter 1:19)

Day 3968

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2
"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not."

I asked myself if these are love songs why are they in the scriptures? Then I though maybe like some poetry there is a deeper meaning to them. I was always bad at understanding the meaning behind poetry. The only thing I could picture was kneeling at my bed at night praying to Heavenly Father. There are times when He seems so very far away, which in truth it is me. Is Solomon saying he is seeking the Lord but he can't find Him?

Day 3967

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:6

"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame."

This made me think of the Holy Spirit of Promise.

"The Holy Ghost is the Holy Spirit of Promise (Acts 2:33). He confirms as acceptable to God the righteous acts, ordinances, and covenants of men. The Holy Spirit of Promise witnesses to the Father that the saving ordinances have been performed properly and that the covenants associated with them have been kept.

They who are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise receive all that the Father has, D&C 76:51–60 (Eph. 1:13–14).

All covenants and performances must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise to have force after this life, D&C 132:7, 18–19, 26.

(Guide to the scriptures, "Holy Spirit of Promise")

“The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost who places the stamp of approval upon every ordinance: baptism, confirmation, ordination, marriage. The promise is that the blessings will be received through faithfulness.“If a person violates a covenant, whether it be of baptism, ordination, marriage or anything else, the Spirit withdraws the stamp of approval, and the blessings will not be received.“Every ordinance is sealed with a promise of a reward based upon faithfulness. The Holy Spirit withdraws the stamp of approval where covenants are broken”.

(Joseph Fielding Smith, "Doctrines of Salvation", 1:45)

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.'

(Ephesians 1:13-14)

"The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood."

(Doctrine & Covenants 131:5)

"And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true."

(Doctrine & Covenants 76:53)

"Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."

(Mosiah 5:15)

"The Holy Spirit of Promise is the ratifying power of the Holy Ghost. When sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, an ordinance, vow, or covenant is binding on earth and in heaven. (See D&C 132:7.) Receiving this “stamp of approval” from the Holy Ghost is the result of faithfulness, integrity, and steadfastness in honoring gospel covenants “in [the] process of time” (Moses 7:21). However, this sealing can be forfeited through unrighteousness and transgression.

Purifying and sealing by the Holy Spirit of Promise constitute the culminating steps in the process of being born again."

(David A. Bednar, "Ye Must Be Born Again", Apr 2007 General Conference)

Day 2838

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 7:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 7:10

"I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me."

This made me think of how you cannot serve two masters. You will love the one and hate the other.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

(Matthew 6:24)

When you serve the Lord his desire is to bless you. When you serve the adversary there is no loyalty back to you. He only wanted your destruction.

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"

(Luke 22:31)

"And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell."

(Alma 30:60)

Day 2837

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 6:4,10

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 6:4,10

"Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.

Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?"

This made me think of those that flee to Zion for safety.

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;

And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.

And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.

And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand. "

(Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-70)

Then I found similar verses on the armies of Israel, it will be sanctified, and become terrible to the nations of the wicked.

"And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness—clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."

(Doctrine and Covenants 5:14)

"That thy church may come forth out of the wilderness of darkness, and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners;"

(Doctrine and Covenants 109:73)

"But first let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations;"

(Doctrine and Covenants 105:31)

Day 2836

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 5:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 5:16

"His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."

I thought about how the one you love should also be your friend. That made me think about how the Savior called others his friends.

"And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God’s high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me; ye are my friends;

And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power;"

(Doctrine and Covenants 84:64, 77)

This was also said in the School of the Prophets, first what the Lord called them and then what they were to say to each other.

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you.

Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen."

(Doctrine and Covenants 88:117, 133)

"Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—"

(Doctrine and Covenants 93:45)

Then the ultimate act of a friend, which even more so Christ was for us.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

(John 15:13)

Day 2835

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7

"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee."

If this is an allegory of God’s love for Israel and of the Church, does that mean who he loves have no spot or sin, or is it us looking at the God that way? I pondered on how the flaws are not with the church, but with the people, for we are all flawed and trying to work on them. It is through that love relationship with the Lord that we become clean.

Day 2834

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1

"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not."

I wasn't sure if it was just that I'm feeling incredibly tired today but I couldn't find anything in this chapter that caused me to ponder. Usually I have some impress and then look up what that thought leads to. Not this time. I just wanted to find out more about the "Song of Solomon". When I looked in the JST (Joseph Smith Translation) I was surprised to find this, "Note: the JST manuscript states that "The Songs of Solomon are not inspired writings". Then I looked at the Bible Dictionary and found this.

Song of Solomon

"Sometimes called Canticles (as in Latin) or Song of Songs (as in Hebrew). Whether Solomon is actually the author is doubtful. The composition has many beautiful phrases and lyrical prose, often quoted in nonreligious literature. The JST states that “the Songs of Solomon are not inspired writings.” Both Jews and Christians have at times been reluctant to accept it into the canon of scripture because of its romantic content but have permitted it on the basis of its being an allegory of God’s love for Israel and of the Church."

(Bible Dictionary, Song of Solomon)

I think it sufficient to have learned that today in my study. I'm sure as I read other parts of the Song of Solomon it will give me things to ponder on, but today it was just not there.

Day 2833

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 2:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 2:2

"The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."

This made me think of signs before the Saviors second coming..

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:"

(Matthew 24:32)

The "come away" makes me think about the calls in General Conference for us to overcome the world.

"What does it mean to overcome the world? It means overcoming the temptation to care more about the things of this world than the things of God. It means trusting the doctrine of Christ more than the philosophies of men. It means delighting in truth, denouncing deception, and becoming “humble followers of Christ.” It means choosing to refrain from anything that drives the Spirit away. It means being willing to “give away” even our favorite sins".

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 2832

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:5
"Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee."

I believe this is speaking of the restoration of the gospel. Though I'm not sure what the apple tree is. Unless it is speaking of the fruit of the gospel. 

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.
(Matthew 7:16-17, 20)

Day 1254

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 7:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 7:3, 12-13
"Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved."

I believe this is speaking of working in the Lord's vineyard on both sides of the veil. The Song of Solomon has repeated the use of doubles, twins, and breasts. As the Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth it is also organized and functioning on the other side of the veil. Making ready for our beloved's return.

The Eternal Family Through Christ by Judith Mehr

Day 1253

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 6:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 6:1
"Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is they beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee."

I've been wondering who this woman is being spoke of. I think in this chapter I have determined it is The Church. In this verse it is speaking of the apostasy where the primitive church of Jesus Christ is taken from the earth. Then later of its return.

Day 1252

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 5:2, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 5:2, 6
"I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him: I called him, but he gave me no answer."

As this person heard the voice of the Savior he fumbled to get to the door and open it. When he got there the Savior was gone. It made me think of listening to the spirit. If I do not act when called the prompting of the spirit will leave me.

Is the Savior really gone or the spirit too?  No. For I am reminded of a story just related to my husband and I as we ministered to a sister who husband recently passed. Her daughter called her late one night she had lost her car keys while shopping at the store. As this sister prayed for her daughter she was impressed to ask that her husband be allowed to make the keys visible to their daughter. She thought that an interesting thing to ask. Not that they would be found but that they would be made visible. Within seconds of her prayer her daughter called back. She had found the keys. She had gone back to a shirt that she had looked at, put in her cart and then returned to the rack. Somehow the keys had gotten caught on the hook and were there hanging from it. It was a testimony that her father was not very far and God is watching out for them and answers prayers. The keys were never gone, they just were not visible at the moment.

The Savior can be standing at the door. The Holy Ghost can be speaking to me, but it is I that does not have eyes that see or ears that hear. 

Day 1251

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7
"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee."

Just like the unspotted sacrificial animals the Savior himself would be unspotted from the world. Only He was able to give the ultimate sacrifice for my sins.

Day 1250

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:4
"It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me."

This made me ponder on how great love for the Savior makes me desire to introduce him to others. For out of love for the Savior the gospel is preached. So others can come to know Him too.

Day 1249

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 2:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 2:8
"The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills."

This verse reminded me of a story related in sacrament meeting this week. The speaker attended a leadership training meeting with Elder Renlund the day before our special stake conference. Elder Renlund spoke of the energy of President Russell M. Nelson and how he can move as fast as he does at the age of 94. He told of trying to keep up with President Nelson as he was bounding down the stairs. He was skipping stairs like a little kid would. That the Lord was truly strengthening him.

What would it be like to have so much enthusiasm for doing the Lord's work to leap and skip to do His will?

President Russell M. Nelson on a swing.

Day 1248

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 1:4
"Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee."

Talk about a lot of symbolism. I know its not what it appears on the surface, because a romantic love poem wouldn't serve much purpose as scriptures. I had to sit and ponder on each element. I have come to the conclusion that this verse is speaking of ordinances. Both the sacrament and temple ordinances. Out of love of the Savior I will seek out his ordinances and worship him. I think I will leave it at that.

Day 1247