So many allusions and intertextual references in the Song of Songs. It& #39;s like treasure hunting. This morning, I& #39;m thinking about one of the most painful verses in the Song and the hope found in what the bride is echoing:

"The guards who go about the city found me. They beat and wounded me; they took my cloak from me---the guardians of the walls." (SoS 5:7)

"For the LORD has called you, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, a wife of one& #39;s youth when she is rejected, says your God. & #39;I have deserted you for a brief moment, but I will take you back with abundant compassion.& #39;" (Isaiah 54:6-7)

And we know where to find him:
"My love has gone down to his garden, to beds of spice, to feed in the gardens and gather lilies. I am my love& #39;s and my love is mine; he feeds among the lilies." (SoS 2-3)

He is with his people.