LaMar sypher's Blog, page 2
December 6, 2017
Types and Shadows in the Songs of Solomon
Types and shadows have existed for as long as the earlier biblical texts came to light. However, despite its presence, a number of people may not even be aware of what these things may be. A person new to the concept would wonder how these exist in the Scriptures.
The Song of Solomon is one of the oldest texts in biblical history, appearing as the fifth book of Wisdom in the Old Testament. It is commonly known for its controversial theme yet contextual beauty. It is also usually interpreted as symbolizing God’s love for the church and its people.
Aside from these characteristics, the text also serves as a good material for learning about types and shadows in the Old Testament. My work, The Song of Solomon Revealed, takes notice of how these concepts appear across the old text.
I share in my introduction that the work is filled with types and shadows of God’s love, as opposed to the majority’s interpretation that it is a sexual book. Both of these concepts stand as a symbol or representation of biblical truth.
Although types can almost be synonymous to shadows, a line separates the two by virtue of how it ties the past to the present or future. Types tend to be more general as it merely speaks of a person or an event. That person or event could then symbolize a foretelling of what is to come.
Meanwhile, the concept of shadows tends to lean more on representation. Just like the natural definition of the word, a shadow is an extension of a being or a thing. However, although the shadow points to a person, it is not the person itself and rather just a representation of that person.
The same goes for the Song of Solomon. The most notable types found in the book include the bridegroom and the bride. As mentioned earlier, both symbolize Jesus and the church (or its people). Meanwhile, shadows scattered in the text detail the things that represent Jesus and the church.
My book enumerates these shadows in my summary of the Song of Solomon. An interpretation of each chapter is detailed. The summary explains the progress of relationship between the church and the Lord. The first chapter begins with the representation of the people of the church being drawn to the Lord. It ends with the eighth chapter which details the Lord’s impact on people’s lives and how that can be used to help more people.
At times, some biblical types and shadows would reveal itself in its words, such as the case in Revelations 1:20 (KJV):
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
However, in other cases it takes more deciphering. Simply put, types and shadows in the Bible are commonplace. However, it is the manner of locating them that is more complicated. One must always have an open mind when looking for these signs.
Want to discuss types and shadows in great detail? Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads and we can talk more about it. You can also leave a comment below so others can join in the conversation.
References:
Enter the Bible. 2017. “Old Testament: Song of Solomon.” Accessed August 31, 2017. https://www.enterthebible.org/oldtestament.aspx?rid=42.
Jackson, R. Wayne. 2017. “The Biblical Types and Shadows.” Accessed August 31, 2017. http://www.rwaynejackson.com/?page_id=205.
The post Types and Shadows in the Songs of Solomon appeared first on Song of Solomon Revealed Book Online. Bible Keys Used To Unlock Book.
November 29, 2017
The Wisdom of Solomon
Solomon was proclaimed king when he was no more than 12 years old. He was young and inexperienced, and he had never expected to become king as he had older brothers more befitting the throne. Yet there he was, seated on Israel’s highest throne, wide-eyed and clueless as to why he was chosen to be the ruler of God’s people.
The great King David, his father, appointed Solomon king at his deathbed. Before David died, he had left Solomon with words of encouragement. The young king was told to fulfill his duties to the Lord and obey His commands (1 Kings 2:2).
Solomon took all of his father’s words to heart. Even in the midst of confusion in his induction, Solomon did not fail to seek out the Lord, offering sacrifices to God in all of his temples. The young king pursued the council of the God of Israel. He knew that if he were to rule over God’s chosen people, he would have to confide in God Himself.
Soon after, God came to see the young king in a dream. He told Solomon that He would grant him one wish. Now, if it was anyone other than Solomon, they probably would’ve asked for wealth and power, and maybe even immortality. But the man who was asked was Solomon. The young king had only one thing in his heart. So, he laid before God the fate he has been trusted with. He was to be king over God’s chosen people. He was to succeed his father, a legendary ruler, one who was loved and revered by most. He was to rise from his many older brothers as the successor to the throne. Where else could he find wisdom to rule over God’s chosen people other than source of wisdom, God Himself?
Solomon humbled himself before the Lord and beseeched:
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of the people which thou has chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge thy so great a people? (1 Kings 3:5–9, KJV)
The prayer of Solomon for the wisdom to rule over Israel greatly pleased God, so He gifted Solomon with the wisdom he had asked for and promised him that there would be no greater king than he. God also promised Solomon that if he walks in his ways and keep his commandments, he will give him riches, honor, and a long life which he had not asked for (1 Kings 3:11-14).
The 40-year reign of the son of David was Israel’s golden age. As the king kept leading Israel to God, God continually blessed them with riches and victories in war. The once wide-eyed and clueless prince had become the richest and wisest ruler who ever lived outside of Christ Jesus. The wisdom of Solomon allowed him to write over 3,000 proverbs, compose 1,005 songs, and author the book of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon.
In his fourth year as king, Solomon was able to do what his father David dreamt of doing: he built the Lord’s temple. When the temple was finished, Solomon declared that God’s covenant with great King David was finally fulfilled. The building of the Lord’s temple was Solomon’s greatest feat in the entirety of his reign.
The wisdom of King Solomon preceded him all over the nation and even up to the far foreign kingdoms. People came to test the king’s wisdom, but all returned greatly satisfied with his answers and all marveled at the fairness of his judgments.
However, he later became blinded by his own arrogance and decided to go against the commandments God had given him and the kingdom. He succumbed to the unwise ways of man. The wise king became a fool. He married around 700 women and had more than 300 concubines. He participated in the idolatrous rituals of these women and built temples for their gods. As a result, many Israelites became confused about which god they should serve. Solomon also began accumulating too much silver and gold, something God had forbidden as an overabundance of riches makes people dependent on wealth and not on His providence. Solomon bought more horses for his army’s arsenal instead of putting his trust in the Lord’s power.
King Solomon’s disobedience became his downfall and that of Israel’s. Immediately after his reign, Israel was scattered into two kingdoms, which subjected the people to great suffering, oppression, and separation from the Lord’s close council.
The story of Solomon is that of a man who began his journey with great humility but whose arrogance and disobedience ruined him and his kingdom. Later in his life, however, Solomon repented and returned to the Lord. He recorded this part of his life in the book of Ecclesiastes.
There are many lessons which can be taken from the life of Solomon. My book, Song of Solomon: Revealed, approaches the allegorical way the Song of Songs, one of Solomon’s books, describes the love of Christ has for his bride, the church. Do read my book and let me know what you think!
Also, look me up on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. I’d love to hear from you!
The post The Wisdom of Solomon appeared first on Song of Solomon Revealed Book Online. Bible Keys Used To Unlock Book.
February 28, 2017
God's blessing
I have been experiencing a deep sense of loss over the passing of my wife., and while at Houston the Lord took that deep sense of loss away overnight. Went to bed feeling down and woke up a brand new person. I still have a sense of loss but it is not as deep as it was. God totally changed my outlook on life. Praise the Lord.
