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Day 137: The Sturdy Palanquin (SoS 3:9)

 Of the wood of Lebanon Solomon the King Made himself a palanquin: (Song of Songs 3:9)

The Bride goes on to describe Solomon's palanquin. Many translations say chariot, litter, or sedan, and all are appropriate. The elegance of the palanquin however is not as significant as what it is made of. The materials with which it is built determine its quality and durability.

A palanquin was not made to be an ornament. It was not to merely be a thing of beauty and admiration. It was made to be strong enough to bear weight and withstand harsh conditions over a long period.

Wood has always been a valuable resource among different people groups of all generations. It is still as valuable as it was in ancient times. Wood is used for many different purposes and our text says Solomon's palanquin was made of the wood of Lebanon.

Lebanon was a mountainous region known for its thick forests. Many varieties of trees grew in Lebanon's fertile soil, but Isaiah 37:24 mentions that Lebanon was widely known for its tall cedars and choice cypress trees. In Isaiah 60:13 God said He would use the cypress, pine, and box tree (which is said to be a species of the cedar tree) which are the glory/pride of Lebanon to beautify His sanctuary.

In Lesson 78, we said that scholars associated wood with Jesus' humanity. This is because the Bible in many instances like in Daniel 4 uses trees as a metaphor for mighty men of exploit.

Cedars can bear weight, so they are suitable to be used to make a palanquin. Jesus' humanity was like no other. He was a full man yet God at the same time. He was subject to the frailties of the human body but born without the sin nature. He was tempted like every man, but He had no sin. The cedar represents his greatness as a man like no other. A man of love: righteous, merciful, and faithful.

Wood is also a symbol of the cross. If the wood with which the palanquin was made was cypress, it would gave been strong and durable too. It is water and decay resistant and even more expensive than cedar, as we mentioned in Lesson 78. Cypress symbolizes Christ's death. It signifies how Christ bore all our shortcomings yet came out of hell victorious.

Solomon's couch was in His palanquin. The gospel couch rests on Jesus the perfect sacrifice. Redemption was only possible because Jesus was a lamb without blemish who was offered up once and for all for our justification. He won't give way under us as we rest in Him. Hebrews 10:11,12&14 (Amplified Classic Version) says:

...every [human] priest stands [at his altar of service] ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over again, which never are able to strip [from every side of us] the sins [that envelop us] and take them away– Whereas this One [Christ], after He had offered a single sacrifice for our sins [that shall avail] for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.

Jesus is the foundation of our faith. He is the reason there is a gospel we believe in. Without Jesus and His sacrifice, there would be no new creation. The Pauline epistles let us know that every believer is in Christ. Christ Himself is the palanquin in which we travel. For a safe journey through this world's wilderness, we must learn to rest in Him and His promises.

Finally, Solomon made himself this palanquin. Jesus said in John 10:17-18:

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

Just as a tree was cut down to make this palanquin, Jesus chose that His life be cut short so that we may enjoy eternal life. He by Himself made Himself a suitable habitation for the new creation.

This does not mean that we will have no trouble because we are in Him, resting on His promises and guarded by His divine presence. It means we can be sure, as Paul said in Romans 8:37 that no matter what we go through, we are more than conquerors.

You can rest in Jesus. He won't give way under you.

PRAY WITH ME:

My Beloved Jesus, thank You for giving Your life so that I may abide safely in You. I choose again today to rest on Your love and promises as I abide in You. I declare today that I am victorious. I am more than a conqueror. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:

  • What does it mean to you to be in Christ?
  • As you abide in Christ, are you resting on His word and His love for you?
  • Whatever you may be going through, know that victory is sure. Put your faith to work by trusting God's word and love.
  • Pray, meditate, and confess scriptures in keeping with those challenges and you'll experience Christ's triumph.

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