Have You Seen The One My Heart Loves?
A celebration of the sacrament of marriage
The Song of Solomon (also called the Song of Songs) is a unique book in the Bible. Unlike other Biblical texts that focus on laws, prophecies, or Christ’s teachings, this poetic work celebrates love, desire, and even intimacy.
Scholars and theologians have long debated its inclusion, but its place in the canon is significant for its celebration of love between a man and a woman, and specifically the sacrament of marriage. The book honors the beauty of romantic and marital love, which reflects God’s intention for human relationships.
Who Was King Solomon?
Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is a central figure in the Bible for his wisdom, wealth, and contributions to Israel’s history.
1. Wisdom:
Solomon is best known for asking God for wisdom to rule his people justly (1 Kings 3:9-12). God granted him unparalleled wisdom, making him a renowned judge and author of much of the Bible’s wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and likely parts of Song of Solomon).
2. Israel Undergoes a Transformation
Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David’s dream and creating a central place of worship for the Israelites.
Indeed, under Solomon’s reign Israel experienced unprecedented wealth and peace, expanding its influence and culture.
Solomon’s Later Years
However, despite all of his wisdom and good work, Solomon’s later years are tragic as they mark a departure from his earlier devotion to God.
Notably, God uses Solomon to show us how wealth, lust and power can corrupt good men and unfortunately this was the case with Solomon.
1. Foreign Wives and Idolatry:
• Solomon married many foreign wives (700 wives and 300 concubines, 1 Kings 11:3), which led him to tolerate and even participate in idol worship, violating God’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:17).
2. Materialism:
• His immense wealth and indulgence in luxury seemed to detract from his earlier humility.
• As a result of his disobedience, God declared that the kingdom would be divided after his death (1 Kings 11:11-13).
“Have You Seen the One My Heart Loves?”
https://open.spotify.com/track/2iGeNudbJEsNbbiuzY67QL
Like the other songs on the Acts of the Apostles soundtrack, the lyrics for this song are derived directly from the Biblical text (New International Version).
When composing a song, the chorus is considered by most to be the most Important component. It’s the section that most listeners will remember and the rhythm and beat are critical. We chose Song of Solomon:3-4 for that chorus:
“Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother’s house, to the room of the one who conceived me.” (Song of Solomon:3-4)
This particular chapter is a poetic masterpiece in the Bible that has captivated readers for centuries with its vivid imagery and deep expressions of love.
Most of the songs on the Acts of the Apostles soundtrack are about Christ’s love for us and His lessons from the gospel. But we wanted to include something different - a female voice (sung by the lovely Johana Buriticá) to express the profound love between a man and a woman within the sacrament of marriage.
A Love Story and a Spiritual Allegory
Unlike other books in the Bible, the Song of Solomon celebrates human love with poetic intensity. Its verses reflect the longing of a bride searching for her beloved.
The song begins with the woman tossing and turning in bed, longing for a man to share her life.
“All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him.” (Song of Solomon 3:1)
Frustrated, she gets out of bed and searches the city. It’s a scene described vividly, as she traverses the streets and squares of Jerusalem as it stood more than 3000 years ago.
“I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him.” (Song of Solomon 3:2)
Finally, the night watch take notice of her behavior and approach. Before they can address her, she asks them a question.
“The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. ‘Have you seen the one my heart loves?’” (Song of Solomon 3:3)
It’s at that moment that she sees him. It’s love at first sight. King Solomon is in his carriage, escorted by 60 of Israel’s most elite soldiers.
“Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go” (Song of Solomon 3:4)
“Look! It is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night.” (Song of Solomon 3:7-8)
The words paint such a clear picture for the reader that no improvisation is necessary. One can only imagine the splendor of King Solomon, in his golden carriage, crown on his head, escorted by his elite fighting force.
Why Solomon’s Story Matters
King Solomon, the author traditionally associated with the Song of Solomon, was a man of great wisdom, wealth, and influence. However, his life was also marked by personal struggles and spiritual failings.
• His Early Devotion: Solomon began his reign with profound humility, asking God for wisdom to lead his people. His wisdom brought prosperity and peace to Israel, leaving a lasting legacy.
• His Later Struggles: In his later years, Solomon strayed from God, distracted by wealth, foreign influences, and idolatry. His story is a sobering reminder that even the wisest among us can falter without steadfast faith.
Song of Solomon:3 As a Song
Obviously, it’s explicit in the name of this Bible book that it was once a book of songs, though after more than 3000 years we are left only with the words.
We hope that this song breathes new life into the poetic words of Song of Solomon 3. It invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys of seeking and finding love, both human and divine.
“Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25)
Too often we are consumed with our every day lives and forget or ignore our spouses. But that deep bond between a man and a woman is wondrous, and the sheer beauty and happiness that results from that love is something that God calls us to experience. Christ wants us to love Him, to love our spouses, to love our families, and in fact love all of our fellow man, even our enemies. In this song we celebrate the love between a husband and wife. We hope that you enjoy it!