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Prophecy in Song
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWithin the Writings of the Old Testament, the Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon or Canticles, stands out as a unique work. Titled literally as The Best of Songs or The Most Sublime of Songs, it suggests a depth beyond mere love poetry, hinting at layers of meaning that are not immediately apparent. While often viewed as a collection of love songs, its placement among sacred texts implies a significance that invites deeper exploration. The book features characters such as a young woman, often called the Shulamite, who is in love with a man she refers to as her beloved. The daughters of Jerusalem serve as a chorus, reacting to the Shulamite's words, while her brothers may also contribute briefly. The interactions and contrasts between these characters, such as the daughters likened to thorns and the sons to the wild wood, suggest symbolic oppositions to the main figures, enriching the narrative with potential deeper meanings. The storyline of Song of Songs traces the courtship between the Shulamite and her beloved, capturing their separation, longing, and eventual reunion. Their vivid expressions of admiration and deep feelings for each other illustrate an intense bond. The narrative includes moments of seeking and finding, as well as challenges faced, culminating in the Shulamite's declaration that love is as strong as death. Certain sections of the book, particularly the dream sequences, carry a parabolic quality, reflecting the ups and downs of a lifelong relationship with the Divine. In one sequence, the Shulamite searches for her beloved in her dreams and, upon waking, seeks him in the city until she finds him, clutching him tightly in fear of losing him again. In a more tragic sequence, she hesitates to open the door to her beloved, only to find him gone when she finally does, leading to a desperate and painful search. These parables highlight contrasting responses to the call of the beloved, underscoring themes of readiness and commitment versus lethargy and loss. The Song of Songs thus emerges as a profound narrative, illustrating through human relationships the intimate and often challenging journey of connection with the Divine. Its parabolic nature serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of vigilance and dedication in maintaining that sacred bond.
Prophecy and Love in the Song of Songs
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFrom this often misunderstood and misinterpreted poetical work comes some hopeful prophecies along with some vivid descriptions of intimate spiritual love.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Four): Psalm 119 (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn order to get the full benefit of the Bible, it is necessary to develop a poetic savvy. The entirety of the Psalms is in verse.
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.
Psalms: Book One (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew word used to mark appointed times connotes a pilgrimage. The Hebrew year contained five steps or seasons, corresponding to God's holy times.
Psalms: Book Five (Part One): Psalms for the Winter Blues
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWinter is a time of cold, darkness, and sadness. As many as 10% of people in northern areas have Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Psalms for winter can help.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was the perfect place for mankind to get its start, a place where Adam and Eve could become acquainted with God and developed godliness.
The Perfect Husband
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHusbands need to imitate God's behavior as reflected through the life of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 54 reveals Yahweh (who became Jesus Christ) as the Husband of Israel.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.
A Place of Safety? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul gives two signs of the Tribulation: The falling away and the appearance of the man of sin who sits in the temple in Jerusalem (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).