The book of love- Future Pastor Ernie Vilchis

By: Ernie Vilchis

I suppose that romantic love over the years has been hard to define, and has been a “you know it when you have it” kind of thing. There is a catchy tune in which the lyrics ask, “Tell me, tell me, tell me, oh, who wrote the book of love?” as the singer seemingly longs to understand the nature of love in the midst of romance.  

The Bible tells us God is love and he is the creator of all the various forms of it, including that of “Eros” the romantic form of love. We can turn in the Bible to the book “Song of Songs”. These writings are thought to be attributed to Solomon, King over Israel after the passing of his father, King David.  During his reign, Solomon was widely known for his God-given wisdom.  It is here that the wisdom revealed in Song of songs is best described as “a linked chain of lyrics depicting love in all its spontaneity, beauty, power, and exclusiveness-experienced in its varied moments of separation and intimacy, anguish and ecstasy, tension and contentment.” Inspired by God Himself, Solomon wrote of love as a gift from God, to be received with gratitude and celebration.  

With the liberal use of metaphors, he wrote of the romance evident in true love:

“Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women” (2:2).  Another is portrayed as the woman who likewise declares,

 “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men” (2:3).  

There is even the encouragement of friends sprinkled throughout. 

 “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you!” (1:4). 

Within the Song, we can read of the deep joy that the shared, intimate bond of love between one man and one woman can bring. 

5:10 “My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. 11 His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels… 14 His arms are rods of gold set with topaz. His body is like polished ivory decorated with lapis lazuli. 15 His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. 16 His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend…” 

What adoration!  But the colorful language is shared by the man as well. 

4:8″ Come with me from Lebanon, my bride… 9You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. 10 How delightful is your love, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice! 11 Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.”  

 If you are married, make it a habit to read Song of Songs together.  My wife and I enjoy including a passage in the greeting cards we give to each other.  Recognize and thank God for the blessed gift of love that He has brought to your doorstep!  

If you are not married, consider marrying somebody who has at least an ounce or two of romance in their blood. It will help keep you young and vibrant, as it will add joy and adventure to your life.

The next time you hear the song by the Monotones being played and the question comes up, “Who Wrote the Book of Love?” remember, it was God!