Dial Daily Bread

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread":

What is probably the finest English translation of the Song of Songs (Solomon’s Song in the OT) is by Ariel and Chana Bloch (Random House, 1995). When it came into my hands, I eagerly turned to see what they do with 4:7 which Paul quotes in Ephesians 5:27 (“there is no spot in thee,” KJV, the church when she “makes herself ready” for “the marriage of the Lamb,” Rev. 19:7, 8). Yes, this translation makes it clear: “literally, ‘and there is no flaw in you.’”

 

Then I checked vs. 15 (“a well of living waters,” KJV): yes, “‘a well of water, fresh and gushing from Lebanon.’” This is what Jesus quoted when “on the last day, that great day of the feast [of tabernacles] Jesus stood and cried out,.... ‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37, 38). That’s where Jesus confirms that the Song of Songs belongs in the Bible! Perhaps Rabbi Akiba was right when he said that it “is the Holy of Holies” of biblical literature. (Can you find anywhere a more thrilling definition of what it means to “believe” in Jesus? The “he who believes” is you! Is that “river of living water” flowing out of your heart to everyone you meet? Do you have a word of Good News truth for everyone? Does it “live” in you?)

 

The Blochs fell short when they came to SS 5:1-8; they studied only the Hebrew text. Jesus quotes the Greek version (Septuagint) in Rev. 3:20: “I stand at the door and knock.” The girl, His Bride-to-be, comfy in bed, resents His coming at that hour, and initially refuses Him entrance (that’s the true church, the “one” whom He loves as a Bridegroom loves a bride). His disappointment is beyond description. Finally, she stops thinking of her own comfort and thinks of His need and rises to let Him in—but by then He is gone. Only repentance (“I am lovesick!”) will enable her to find Him again. Read the story as it is!

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" phone message is available via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.