ROE OR YOUNG HART

The spouse cherishes her bundle of myrrh, enjoying his nearness. How could it be otherwise? Now describing him as a roe or young hart, she recognizes his desire for nearness to her. Such mutual desires are expected in a loving earthly relationship, but in our heavenly relationship, we can only wonder. How could it be?

The features she gives are so descriptive. Her beloved comes to her with swiftness, 2 Sam. 2. 18, overcoming every difficulty to be near her. ‘Young’ is actually the word for fawn with its coat of ‘powder’, the root word. The fawn seems so soft, almost tentative, suggesting our Beloved’s gentleness. But the description concludes with the hart or stag which spends its stately strength in its pursuits, Ps. 42. 1; Lam. 1. 6. Swiftness, tenderness, intenseness all blend wonderfully in describing our Beloved’s desire to have us near to Him. The roe and hart are male, suggesting His leadership. We should be pursuing nearness to Him, but instead He persistently draws us into His blessed presence.

The feet of the beloved deserve attention, for he is standing - abiding, continuing, remaining. Our Beloved stands, waiting for us to leave all other comforts and companionship to be near to Him.

The fondness of her beloved finds expression in the two words she uses for ‘looking’. With an open view through the windows, he gazes, ‘looketh forth’, at her so adoringly, as if he could draw her to him with his eyes. As she moves through the house, he catches glances of her, ‘showing himself’, through openings in the walls, ‘the lattice’. His eyes move quickly just to see her.

Our Lord continues to gently pursue us. His longing is that they ‘be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory’, John 17. 24. One day, John heard the summons, ‘Come up hither’. Keep listening! We may hear that call today. At last He will have us completely for Himself, by His side, sharing His delights forever. ‘Surely I come quickly … Even so, come, Lord Jesus’, Rev. 22. 20.