THE STORY of SONG OF SOLOMON
They gathered beautiful maidens from around the country. Among these was a particularly outstanding woman from the wine country of Shunem. The king's men had traveled about the country, asking in villages and small towns concerning possible citizens suitable to their quest. As they were passing a vineyard, they noticed some young people attending the orchards. Upon closer investigation they spotted a very beautiful girl. Using the royal decree, they immediately rode over to her and enlisted her for the king's purpose. Although this provision of the law had been used in the past to recruit young men to serve militarily, the brothers reluctantly yielded their sister into the hands of these government soldiers. They feared, however, that they had taken their Abishag, for "entertainment purposes."
For this young country girl, it was like a dream. It was difficult to realize that she was now an important person in the kingdom, and yet she had often dreamed of marrying a king. Was this the fulfillment of her dream when the one she truly loved was just a shepherd back in her homeland?
Now, from among the many other beautiful women available in the area, she was chosen to serve king David even though he was very old and seemed near death. Even so, it was a great honor. Throughout that brief time in David's chambers, she still had clung to her virginity — critically important, for it meant she still had hope for her true love. In her struggle to honor the king and be a loyal submitted citizen of this great nation, she still might someday be released to return to the one she really loved — a childhood sweetheart. He was a strong young shepherd from her home area in Shunem. Now, even greater complications had come upon her. David had died and now she was a possession of his royal house.
Having lived and moved in the "royal circles" exposed Abishag to the admired glances of many powerful men. The most powerful, Solomon, decided that this lovely lady would be an exceptional addition to his growing collection of wives. Abishag's pure and chaste behavior had already been observed throughout the palace and only increased her popularity. Many men secretly desired to have her, but she never seemed interested. It was as though she was there, but always longing to be somewhere else. She never really seemed to fit in. Perhaps it is at this time that Adonijah tried to get Bathsheba to help him to take Abishg to be his wife. When Solomon heard of this he reacted with an unexpected rage. It seemed an extreme reaction that Solomon ordered Adonijah's death. Was there more to this woman than is recorded in the Book of Kings?
Solomon finally decided to win her for himself, and had Abishag move into the summer palace. Here, he thought, the beauty and seclusion would add to the romantic overtures he was about to make. She always seemed to be happier in a more rural setting.
It is at this place that the book "Song of Songs" begins.
Abishag has been relocated to the summer resort along with the rest of Solomon's harem. Much attention had been directed toward her. She had received the many months of anointing and preparation for this moment. So much so, that the others in the harem began to become jealous. During this period Abishag relates her recurring dreams about her true love, in another world totally removed from the one she now lived in.
Solomon soon arrived at the summer palace and began his wooing. No matter how he tried to compliment her, his words always fell short. She thought they spoke of surface attractions and riches that impress those only caught up in worldly wealth. Instead of being captured with the king's words, Abishag only ended up reminiscing about her shepherd.* She told the other women of her dreams concerning her true love. They thought she was extremely foolish and only ridiculed her the more. After many tries to win her, Solomon at last gave up and released her to return home. The often repeated phrase, "You cannot force love" had become an addition to the wise understanding of the man who seemed to be able to get whatever he wanted, especially when it came to women.
The conclusion of the story relates Abishag's home reunion with her true shepherd lover. In the true oriental style of wisdom literature, the conclusion applauds Abishag's chastity and faithfulness. She relates that her virginity is still hers to give as she desires. That this was maintained within the circles of the political and manipulative arena of the royal government speaks powerfully of true love, and our LORD's grace in honoring it. It is then in this context that the spiritual significance to the Church becomes clear.
The Church, like the Shunammite, is betrothed to the True Shepherd lover.(-- also a King awaiting his enthronement) He placed his seal upon us, and has gone away for a season. We are left in the world system, told to honor its king, but also to remain faithful and true to the one to whom we really belong. During this time, the world tries to seduce us with its treasures and comforts. We must, as Abishag, resist it, but with a royal, attractive chastity and demeanor representing our true Shepherd/King. We dream of and long for the day when we too will be united with the one who gave us his earnest long ago.
*(Note: There is much use of the dramatic tool of soliloquy in the book.)