Song of Solomon 1:9-11

(9) I have compared you, my love, to my filly among Pharaoh's chariots. (10) Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with chains of gold. (11) We will make you ornaments of gold with studs of silver.

In researching these verses for a clear meaning, I don't think I can describe verse 9 any better than Wade Taylor does in his book "The Secret of the Stairs." Even though Wade went on to be with the Lord in 2012, I am still gleaning from his wisdom. Wade says, Verse 9 becomes a very powerful and penetrating compliment when it is properly understood...Pharaoh was the greatest of the world's rulers at that time. His agents were sent throughout the known world to seek filly's that would be qualified to be hitched to Pharaoh's magnificent chariot. From among these, the horses that would pull his chariot were prepared through intense, progressive training and discipline. At special times, these carefully chosen horses were hitched to the chariot of the king. Then in a beautiful demonstration of beauty, harmony, and unity, they brought forth the king into full view, displaying him in all of his regal glory.

In essence, the Bridegroom King is speaking to his beloved Bride, and assuring her of the potential He sees in her. Even in her weakness and immaturity, He sees the 'Yes' in her heart to respond to His training and discipline. By submitting to Him, she will be prepared to become a part of the company that will bring forth the King of Kings in all His beauty, majesty, and sovereign glory in the coming day of His manifestation and power. Wow! That is a powerful statement! We are all being prepared to reveal the glory of God. ...Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Jesus goes on to affirm the Bride in verse 10 by saying her cheeks, or her emotions, are lovely to Him. Even with the negative emotions we feel and sometimes display, deep down in the heart of the Bride is a 'Yes" to Him. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, who is adorning us with the love of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. That adorning is likened to ornaments that beautify something or someone. Listen, there is no negative emotion that will overcome or overpower the love of God in our hearts. Love will win....every time.

The second part of verse 10 symbolizes the neck as our will. Jesus is again affirming His bride, recognizing her will is ultimately submitted to His authority and ways. In the days of Solomon, chains of gold were rare and expensive, and usually only worn by Kings or royalty. Jesus is commending her love and submission, and praising her because He sees her royal character. Isn't it wonderful to know that Jesus looks past the surface 'junk' in our lives, and into the heart of what we long to be?

Lastly, verse 11 is the Holy Triune (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) declaring they will finish the work they started in the bride, declaring they will make her character like no other, rare & precious (gold); and when they are finished, she will be one who brings redemption (silver) to others as well. She will be equipped to deliver others.

Wow! Be encouraged! He is giving us a future and a hope that cannot be compared to any other. Knowing this & even declaring this out loud in times of spiritual crisis can be the fuel that propels us past the crisis and into a place of hope and freedom.