Saturday 28 March 2026
- Bible Book:
- Song of Solomon
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. (v. 6)
Background
We have reached the end of our journey through the Song of Solomon and we stand on the threshold of Holy Week, when Christians remember the drama of Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem, his teaching in the Temple, his last meal with his friends, his arrest, interrogation and torture, and his horrific death on the cross.
These last few days we have been reading what is both a human love poem and a way of talking about the mystery of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. It is not surprising, then, that phrases from this passage have become important for Christian faith. “Many waters cannot quench love” (v. 7); “Love is as strong as death” (v. 6): these lines express the Christian hope in resurrection and victory over death.
“Set me as a seal upon your heart” (v. 6) is often used as a prayerful response to God. It is set to music in traditional church anthems and more recent worship songs. The love of God in Christ is like the 'pearl of great price' that Jesus speaks of in his parable (Matthew 13:45).
To Ponder:
- What has been your reaction to the Song of Solomon? In what way has this love poem been helpful in your journey of faith?
Prayer
Take, oh take me as I am;
summon out what I shall be;
set your seal upon my heart
and live in me. (John Bell, Singing the Faith 781)
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Richard Clutterbuck
Richard is a supernumerary presbyter, living in Gloucestershire after a ministry that has taken him to Tonga, London, Gloucester and Belfast. He was formerly Principal of the West of England Ministerial Training Course and of Edgehill Theological College.