Anatomy of The Bride (Part 2)

 

Introduction

 

This week we are continuing the ideas that I began to present last week regarding the “Anatomy of The Bride.” A reminder of the passage from last time:

Songs 7:1-9

 

We have examined five physical characteristics so far, and these are (taken from last sermon’s conclusion):

 

Continuing in a roughly top-down fashion:

 

6) Stature:

 

Songs 7:7

 

Meaning “height” or posture in a physical sense, we find this is symbolic of the general character of the individual.

 

Ezek 31:2-5 (translated as “height” in verse 5)

 

From the NT:

Luke 2:52, Eph 4:11-13

 

Palm tree symbolism:

Psa 92:12 (cedar also a symbol of height and strength)

Word comes from a Hebrew root meaning “to be erect” or “upright.”

Lev 23:39, 40 (protection and rejoicing)

Interesting connection; frequently mentioned along with Cherubim in connection with the Temple:

1King 6:29; Ezek 41:18, 20, etc.

 

The Bride is to be “upright,” morally pure and without character defects, as we read:

 

Psa 37:18, Pro 28:10

 

7) Breasts:

 

Songs 7:3

 

Why mention that?

 

In that culture, as in nature, a sign of nourishing tendencies and providence; a sign of femininity:

Job 24:9

Isa 60:15, 16

 

Yahweh’s care for His people:

Isa 49:15, 16

 

A curse: Hos 9:12-15

 

The purpose of the Church is to nurture the spiritual growth of humanity.  We read: Gal 4:26; New Jerusalem is the “Mother” of the Redeemed, as opposed to some false doctrines in other religious traditions, e.g., the Law as the “mother,” the Holy Spirit as the “mother,” etc.

 

Other verses that show the nurturing spirit:

1Tim 5:1, 2

Titus 2:1-6

 

Eph 4:11-16; verses 11 and 12 are often used as key texts for unity, but as we continue we see the spirit behind this unity.

 

8) Midsection:

 

Songs 7:2

 

Waist, belly, navel, for movement, as in the Behemoth description of Job 40:15-19

 

It should be noted that in Biblical times, the womb was also included in the “belly.”

Psa 22:9, 10; Job 3:11

 

From Psa 22:9 we see that there is a connection with the “motherly” aspect of previous physical aspects of femininity.

 

Not a coincidence that Christ is represented as the “Husband” and the Church as the “Bride.”  Signifies receptivity, willingness, fruitfulness.

 

Just as literal women bring forth offspring, so the Church produces fruit in two ways:

Gal 5:22, 23; 2Pet 1:5-8

Gal 4:27, Rev 12:1, 2 (dual application to both Mary and the last-day Church as seen in vs. 17)

 

A woman’s “fruitfulness” is one of her primary characteristics, for it is the very reason the Church is described in feminine terms.

 

9) Legs and feet:

 

The passage in Songs begins with “How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter! The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.” (Songs 7:1)

 

What does this represent?

 

Isa 52:7, Eph 6:13-15

 

Gospel commission

 

Also represents judgment:

Isa 63:3, Psa 110:1

 

When Yahshua appears in symbolic form:

Rev 1:14, 15; 2:18 (significant feature, to be mentioned so often)

Dan 10:4-8, another significant connection between Michael and Christ

 

Gold represents purity, as in faith (1Pet 1:7)

Brass represents judgment: Exo 27:2, 3; Dan 4:23

 

The Gospel is what brings judgment to mankind:

John 15:22, 2Th 1:7-9, John 3:19

 

The Gospel is not about condemnation, it is good news, but those who reject it turn away from good news of Salvation, and judgment (the natural consequence of Adam’s heritage) is all that remains.

 

10) Arms

 

Not mentioned in the Song of Solomon, at least not explicitly, but arms are significant portions of a bride’s anatomy, and are found in the other “poetic” books of Scripture:

 

Pro 31:17, 20

 

“Arms” is used in a similar fashion as “hands,” and like “lips” last week that is used interchangeably with “mouth,” this one has an obvious set of applications.  The Word gives many examples of the symbolic use of “arms” and “hands”:

 

Deu 33:27, Job 40:9, Jer 21:5 (strength)

Isa 51:5 (security)

 

Isa 65:2, Deu 15:11 (mercy)

Jer 1:9 (blessing)

 

Not physical force, for “the joy of Yahweh is [our] strength.” (Neh 8:10)

 

Our force is the force of persuasion, but it is no less effective (and provides more lasting results) than violence.  Forced obedience is not true obedience.

 

The Bride must have all these characteristics signified by arms and hands, and in their proper balance, if she is to do the work to which Heaven calls her.

 

Conclusion

 

The Bride of Yahshua must perfectly reflect His character, for they are to be “one flesh” in a spiritual sense.  Eve was, to Adam, a “help meet” or a helper suitable for Him. To be “suitable” as a companion to Christ, we must be like Him.

 

The physical attributes mentioned in the Song of Solomon, and a few other places, are symbolic of some of the same attributes that are described in terms of personality traits.

 

The Bride of Yahshua must have a glorious connection with the Son of Man.  She must be led by her spiritual senses (the eyes and the nose) in the paths of righteousness, confident that she is progressing effectively.  While maintaining a connection with the Head, who is Yahshua, she will speak a firm and decided testimony to those around her.  These were the things we saw last week.

 

This week we continued the picture.  The Bride must, as we have discovered, be morally “upright:” pure in speech and action.  She must be nurturing to those over whom she has been placed as a protector (i.e., the Church members) and seek out others to care for as well.  She must be, as any submissive wife, receptive and willing to carry out her Husband’s sanctified desires, and ready always to employ her legs and feet in the swift service of conveying the Gospel to all the earth.  Finally, the arms and hands of the Bride should always be open to the needy, providing blessings and mercy where these things are so badly lacking in our modern world.  She must be strong and effective, but at the same time protective and tender.  In the balance of these characteristics, the Bride finds perfection.