If you’re following this year’s reading program on the Wisdom books, you’ll know that we’re just starting Song of Solomon. Here’s the first paragraph of Eugene Peterson’s introduction as found in The Message bible:

We don’t read very far in the Song of Songs before we realize two things: one, it contains exquisite love lyrics, and two, it is very explicit sexually. The Song, in other words, makes a connection between conjugal love and sex—a very important and very biblical connection to make. There are some who would eliminate sex when they speak of love, supposing that they are making it more holy. Others, when they think of sex, never think of love. The Song proclaims an integrated wholeness that is at the center of Christian teaching on committed, wedded love for a world that seems to specialize in loveless sex. (Emphasis mine)

So the book begins:

The Song—best of all songs—Solomon’s song!

Kiss me—full on the mouth! Yes! For your love is better than wine, headier than your aromatic oils. (Song of Solomon 1.1, 2, MSG)

And off we go.

How’s this for she stands out to him, and he stands out to her?

The Woman

I’m just a wildflower picked from the plains of Sharon, a lotus blossom from the valley pools.

The Man

A lotus blossoming in a swamp of weeds—that’s my dear friend among the girls in the village. (SOS 2.1, 2, MSG)

The Woman

As an apricot tree stands out in the forest, my lover stands above the young men in town. All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love. He took me home with him for a festive meal, but his eyes feasted on me! (SOS 2.3, 4, MSG)

A pastor once explained that “apricots and raisins” was sexually suggestive talk, which, if true, means that she wants to get on it!

Oh! Give me something refreshing to eat—and quickly!

Apricots, raisins—anything. I’m about to faint with love! His left hand cradles my head, and his right arm encircles my waist! (SOS 2.5, 6, MSG)

The text even spells out one way to lie together. Sex was God’s idea! Give thanks.

Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex. (Hebrews 13.4, MSG)

Now, getting down to the questions you asked in your letter to me. First, Is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly—but only within a certain context. It’s good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. (1 Corinthians 7.1 – 3, MSG)