Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Song of Solomon 5:1–8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1–15; Psalm 51:1–19; Proverbs 22:24–25

As I began reading the Song of Solomon today, I read of the young woman who longs to be with her Love. She says to the young women of Jerusalem, “Make this promise to me, O women of Jerusalem—if you find my lover, tell him I am weak with love.” (Song of Solomon 5:8, NLT).

They respond, “Why is your lover better than all the others, O woman of rare beauty? What makes your lover so special that we must promise this?” (Song of Solomon 5:9, NLT).

That’s a good question: What makes our King better than all the others?

Throughout Scripture we see how our King—the King of kings—is the One True God above everything and everyone else.

1) Yahweh vs. the gods of Egypt.
God sent ten plagues on Egypt to free His people from slavery. Each plague was targeted—not only to show that He is God, but to expose the impotence of Egypt’s deities: Hapi (the Nile), Heqet (frogs/fertility), Ra (the sun), and more (Exodus 7–12; note Exodus 12:12). The Lord turned the Nile to blood, sent frogs and darkness, struck with boils and locusts, and finally judged with the death of the firstborn. Each blow proved their gods were limited, silent, and powerless, while Yahweh demonstrated authority over creation, life, death, and nations.

2) The Ark of the Covenant vs. Dagon.
When the Philistines placed the captured Ark in Dagon’s temple, they returned the next morning to find Dagon face down before the Ark. They had to lift their “god” back into place—an absurd picture of man-made religion. The next day Dagon fell again, broken (1 Samuel 5:1–5). Our God doesn’t need to be propped up; His presence topples idols.

3) Yahweh vs. Baal on Mount Carmel.
Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal to call down fire. They shouted and cut themselves, but Baal was silent. Elijah prayed once, and fire fell from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, wood, stones, and water. The people cried, “The LORD—He is God!” (1 Kings 18:16–39, esp. vv. 36–39). Our God answers; idols do not.

The young woman in the Song of Solomon knew who her Love was—the King of kings, the One True God over all (Rev. 19:16). So today let us trust Him and surrender our hearts like David in Psalm 51:

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love… Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow… You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one… The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit; you will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:1, 7, 16–17, NLT; see also vv. 8, 10–12)

Let Him “give us back our joy again” (Psalm 51:8), for Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Amen.

Action (5 minutes)

Answer the question from Song of Solomon 5:9 in your own words:
“Why is my Lover (Jesus) better than all others?”
Write 3–5 reasons how the Lord has shown up in your life. Then pray them aloud as your declaration today to give thanks to the King of Kings.

If you are new to the Lord and don’t know Him yet: read these verses about who God is—He rewards seekers, He can be found by those who seek Him, and He abounds in steadfast love

• Hebrews 11:6 — He “rewards those who seek Him.”
• Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
• Psalm 145:8–9 — The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Then pray: “Lord, please reveal Yourself to me today in ways I will recognize. Help me to know You and grow my faith in You.”

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, You alone are the Living God. Topple every idol in my life, cleanse my heart like David prayed, and restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Make me quick to trust, quick to obey, and bold to testify that the LORD—He is God! Amen.

To read the extended study in Mining the Word click here.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.