“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? Behold his bed which is Solomon’s threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. The all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.”
Song of Solomon 3:6-10
There are hundreds of beautiful pictures of salvation, but perhaps there are none more majestic than this.
We find the king riding in his royal chariot with his bride. This is a grand marriage processional back to the palace. They are heading home, and they are doing so in style.
Sixty of the most brave and trusted men accompany their parade. These men serve as body guards and protectors of the king and his bride. Enemies can hurl their darts, but none will reach the royal passengers. They may scream their threats, but all will be in vein.
This picture goes deeper than it might appear on the surface, for this is also a picture of you and me. We are also on a journey with the King. Our King is the Lord Jesus Christ and we are His bride. He is taking us to His palace. He is taking us to Heaven.
The View From Inside Is Wonderful.
The bride is consciously aware of her privilege of close companionship with the King. Perhaps as He looks lovingly into His brides eyes, He reaches for her hand. These are the hands of her best friend. Hands that are strong, yet gentle. As the bride of Christ, these are the hands that will support us through the journey and into eternity. These hands will work along beside us and build our future together. These are the hands that will comfort us, and one day wipe away all our tears of sorrow. These hands will comfort us in times of illness, fear, or hurt. They are hands of love. We feel cherished, protected, and loved with a perfect love.
We look into His eyes and see the purest look of love we could imagine. His ears are in tune to our words, and His thoughts are only of our comfort and joy.
We also notice the elegance of our conveyance. This is a royal chariot. Some believe it is symbolic of the Gospel, the truth that sets us free, the message that birthed us into God’s family and made us a part of the bride of Christ.
Regardless of its actual meaning, it is obviously a special chariot the King has provided just for His bride. It is made from the cedar of Lebanon. It is inlaid with pure gold. The seating has silver and gold upon it, and the seat is made of purple, the color of royalty. There were poles made of silver and gold. It was built saturated in love. Perhaps the King had other chariots built for speed or especially for His liking, but this one was made for His bride. Anything that might be required for her comfort was considered and applied.
The View From Outside Was Filtered.
The chariot would be enclosed by a curtain. This was in-part to give privacy and protection to the riders. Thick curtains were sometimes used in the winter, but during the warmer seasons a mesh netting type of material would be used. This would allow some ventilation but would keep insects and direct sunlight at bay. It also gave a restricted view from those on the outside, giving privacy to the King and His bride.
Perhaps outsiders were saying. “What’s so special about that chariot?” They could not see the glory of the King within. They could not see the gold and silver. They could not see the rich carpets on the floor or the fine purple on the seats. Thus it is today!
Perhaps they don’t even see the joy that comes from riding with the King. But those outside the chariot don’t understand the glory of our King. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Creator of the universe. He is the mighty God and Judge of all things. But, outsiders can’t see that.
Also, the relationship is totally different if you’re married. I imagine the King takes off His crown, lays down the golden scepter, and enjoys simple fellowship with the bride.
Outsiders imagine the restrictions placed upon those riding with the King. They may even wonder who would want His constant companionship.
“We won’t be able to get drunk anymore, no more wild parties, no more drugs and immorality; plus I’ll have to go to some old church and read some dusty old Bible.”
However, they see through a veil. They can’t see the joy within. No one ever says “I wish I had waited to get saved.” They don’t see it as we see it. Nor will they ever, until and unless they unite with the King.
The View From Inside Was Also Filtered.
When you go though the dark of night, you won’t see it because you are inside the chariot with the King. When you are surrounded by enemies; you may not see it. Your view of the world is filtered inside the chariot with the King. The more you keep your eyes on Him, the less you will see.
Consider this also. Before we came to know Christ, most of us did a lot of foolish things. In our lost condition, they seemed to make sense at the time, but now looking back, we wonder how we could have been so carnal. Now, as a Christian, when I look at folks outside the chariot, they don’t make a lot of sense to me. On the outside it’s clear, but not to me because through the veil salvation provides for me the world is no longer in focus.
How foolish is the trifling of the world compared with traveling with the King. How slight are the discomforts, the bumps and potholes we will encounter along the journey to the palace, as compared to the glory that shall follow.
The View Of The Love Relationship Is Consistent.
All Scripture tells the same story. What was the marriage of Adam and Eve meant to signify? What about the servant seeking a bride for Isaac? What of Jacob’s love for Rachel? What of Boaz and Ruth? Does this not help us understand Hosea purchasing Gomer from the slave market?
So, here we are . . . you and I. Riding in the King’s chariot made especially for us, designed to take us to glory. It was created to take us through the hostile territory in safety and in as much comfort as possible. The world cannot see the beauty we see. They cannot sense the security we feel or the love we possess. Nor, can we any longer understand the world . . . the veil distorts the view both ways.
We should be constantly aware of the joy . . . the peace . . . the safety . . . the privilege . . . of traveling with the King.