Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. - Song 1:3 (KJV)Smell uniquely ties memory and feelings together in a way the other senses do not. Smell enhances our experience, evokes a reaction on a subconscious level, and brings back memories long forgotten.
Driving south of Houston, recently, the scent of humid salt air flooded me with childhood memories of camping on the beach with my dad. One scent and I was there, in my thoughts, on the beach eating crunchy hot dogs and swimming in the surf.
The Song of Solomon compares Jesus' name to the "savour (smell) of ...good ointments" and says his name is "as ointment poured forth". An ointment poured forth means the lid is off and it's sending out its smell, like what we did in college when we wanted guests - pop corn and open the doors!
To some the name of Jesus evokes repulsion, but to others there is a feeling of peace and attraction. It is not a mental thing, it is deeper than that. The pure in heart (symbolized, here, by the "virgins") love him.
The wonderful thing is that naturally dull and evil hearts can be changed; he paid for that with his life's blood and gives it upon request.
- fal
Since when did you become lyrical-something to do with expressing your love, I think. This one made me cry just a little. BJ
ReplyDelete