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Day 136: The Fierce Entourage (SoS 3:7b-8)

 Behold, it is Solomon’s couch, With sixty valiant men around it, Of the valiant of Israel. They all hold swords, Being expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh Because of fear in the night. (Song of Songs 3:7‭-‬8)

Traveling in the wilderness was dangerous. This is not only due to the harsh weather conditions but also to the presence of wild animals and robbers. Many groups of criminals lie in wait and rob travelers of their goods and possessions and sometimes wound or kill them.

We see an example in Jesus' story about the good Samaritan who helped a Jew who was attacked, robbed, and wounded by thieves on his journey.

The mention of Solomon as the owner of the couch indicates how elegant and costly it must have been. Ordinary men were at risk of robbers collecting what little possessions they had, much less a grand procession like Solomon's. Wealthy people were criminals' main targets and many groups banded together to lie in wait for wealthy travelers. So after the Bride points out the couch she adds that there are sixty valiant men around it for its protection.

Sixty well-trained champions for one couch was more than enough. 2 Samuel 23 narrates David's three and thirty mighty men's exploits. They were more than capable of defeating an army so Solomon's couch with sixty indicates how hassle-free his journey through the wilderness was.

Many marauders would have cowered when they saw the party and those who dared would have lost.

Nobles and royals hired mercenaries to guard them and their belongings. However, the Bride tells us that Solomon's sixty valiant men were the valiant men of Israel. They were devoted soldiers who fought to the death, unlike hired ones. They were men devoted to the king and would lay down their lives to protect him and all that is his at a moment's notice.

She also said that these warriors were not just brave and strong, they were equipped with swords. They were trained and experts in war.

The Passion Translation says the:

...sixty champions, the mightiest of Israel’s host, are like pillars of protection.

Their swords were on their thighs, meaning they were ready to draw them in a split second. They were well prepared for sudden attacks at night when robbers often attacked because darkness allowed them to sneak up on their victims. Solomon's valiant men were trained and ready to confront sudden attacks. Nothing and no one caught them off guard.

In Matthew 12:42, Jesus referred to Himself as a greater than Solomon. Not just in words, but also in deeds, splendor, and wealth. As we rest in Him and His finished works, we can be confident we are safe.

Psalm 91 is one of David's most popular psalms. David in that Psalm described God's protection over those who dwell and abide in Him. He said in verses 5,6 & 11 of Psalm 91:

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.

Every day we hear news of insecurities and human cruelty. We can and should however be assured that as long as we set our love on Him and abide in Him, we are always safe from evil. As we recline on the gospel couch finding our rest and satisfaction in Him, we should not trouble our hearts or disturb our rest. We must trust in His divine protection at all times.

PRAY WITH ME:

Dear Lord, thank You for the divine protection You have provided me. I will not be afraid of terror or evil occurrences. I keep my focus on You and not the evil happenings around me. I say of You that You are my refuge, strength, and rock. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:

  • How assured are you of God's protection?
  • Do you panic or worry about negative events?
  • Read, meditate on, and pray Psalm 91. Let your heart entirely rely on God's protection.

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