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| TENT OF KEDAR |
SONG OF SONGS 1:5
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Was Solomon dating a Black girl? Some translations have changed ‘Black’ to ‘dark’, which makes it easier for people to believe they were of the same race but she was very tanned. The Hebrew word that has been translated is “shāhōr” and it means ‘black’. The girl was Black, so what!
In this day and age of racial divisions it is important that people know that God is not looking at skin pigment, we are. This woman’s reference to her skin pigment will generate a response that will reveal the character of the one she is speaking to.
After revealing her complexion she states she is ‘comely’; does not mean ‘common’ or ‘plain’. Looking at the original language, again, the word in Hebrew is nāweh which is an indication of beauty.
Kedar is the second son of Ishmael, her reference to the “tents of Kedar,” reveals the uniqueness of her beauty, though it is apparently hidden. The tents were made of black goat hair which is another reference to her darkness. According to my research to ‘dwell in the tents of Kedar” is to be separated from God.
PSALM 120:5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
JEREMIAH 49:28-29 THE VOICE
Here is an oracle from the Eternal concerning Kedar and the nomadic tribes of Arabia known as the kingdoms of Hazor, all defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon
Eternal One: Rise up and attack Kedar. Destroy the tribes of the east. They will take away their tents and their flocks, their curtains, their camels, and all their possessions. They will shout to one another, “Terror is everywhere we turn!”
Conversely she compares herself to “the curtains of Solomon”? Solomon’s curtains were, of course, exquisite. They were unique, probably one of a kind, created in the image he chose. The Shulamite woman was unigue covered by beauty.
The difference between curtains and tents? Tents covered your head but curtains covered your body.
1 CORINTHIANS 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
EPHESIANS 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Our relationship with Father God is vertical, up and down, He is our head. Nothing should stop us from being able to go to Him.
HEBREWS 4:13-16No matter how beautiful the tent may be if it hinders you from seeing, being with, Father God it is irrelevant. Our attitudes are our tents: anger, unforgiveness, resentment, hate, and such. Sweet words, notable achievements even political correctness become a ‘tent of Kedar’ - what the world sees.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Old School Christians understand what it means to go in a prayer closet. It is the place in which you come to Father God just as your are, without pretense. Going in your prayer closet is like moving the curtain out of the way; it is easier to pull back a curtain than it is to pull down a tent. A closet keeps you away from those around you who could adversely affect your relationship with Father God- horizontal relationships. It is difficult to present yourself to God when you have positioned yourself under a dark tent.
The Sulamite woman contrast herself not by racial identity but according to her character- dark but comely; tents vs curtains. The Shulamite woman declares: “I am dark, influenced by my environment (see verse 6) but I am still comely, lovely, have a positive attitude; I am positioned under beautiful tent that seperates me from seeing You. I am covered by rich things. ”
SONG OF SONGS 1:6And she says: Do not look at my physical attributes that have been influenced by the world. Don’t judge me because I have not taken care of myself as I should.
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
This is where we are as Believers; we think and see superficially. Churches become mega-churches because the services are short, fun and without the substance that is necessary to pull down the tents. We look good, sound good and occasionally even act good but Satan and his demonic force are allowed to go to and fro without any opposition in some places.
HEBREWS 2:1-4 THE VOICEIf you read Song of Solomon 1:5-6 and think this is about an interracial relationship I will not disagree with you. The challenge is to spend more than 30 minutes studying, “pay close attention” as it states in Hebrews. “For if the words of instruction and inspiration brought by heaven’s messengers were valid, and if we live in a universe where sin and disobedience receive their just rewards, then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation?”
That is why we ought to pay even closer attention to the voice that has been speaking so that we will never drift away from it. For if the words of instruction and inspiration brought by heaven’s messengers were valid, and if we live in a universe where sin and disobedience receive their just rewards, then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation? We heard it first from our Lord Jesus, then from those who passed on His teaching. 4 God also testifies to this truth by signs and wonders and miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit lighting on those He chooses.
I submit to you that this Shulamite woman is faced with a great challenge, her desire is to be with the king but her physical beauty is irrelvant. “Don’t look at me because of how I am beautiful”! I have not taken care of me. Note that she is talking to other women.
This post will have to continue….Marsha
- It is a MATTER OF FAITH written by Marsha L F Randolph
A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON STUDY reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
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