The Messiah behind “the wall”

Behold, this one is standing behind our wall, looking from the windows, peering from the lattices.
– Song of Songs 2:9 –

It is a tender scene that the Song of Songs sketches for us here: a beloved who hides behind a wall, seeing his bride, but himself not visible. A beautiful image of the Messiah, who does see his people, but is hidden from her eyes.

Striking is the use of the word wall. In Hebrew it says kotlénu – literally: “our wall”. And precisely that word kotel is in modern Hebrew the common designation for the Wailing Wall: ha-Kotel, “the Wall” par excellence. To this day, the Jewish people direct their prayers, tears, and hope there. And yet… they do not see what is behind it.

For behind the Kotel, on the eastern side of Jerusalem, lies the Mount of Olives – the place of the greatest secret. There, outside the gate, the Messiah suffered and died on the cross. There He was buried. There He rose. From there He ascended into heaven. And there He will return, when His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives – just as the prophet Zechariah foretells (Zech. 14:4).

What a marvelous thought: Israel has been looking at the wall for centuries… while her Bridegroom is behind it. He sees her, but she does not see Him. Not yet.

But the continuation of Song of Songs 2 speaks of a new day. A day of resurrection. The third day (Hos. 6:1-3)

Rise, my beloved, my fair one, and come away!
– Song of Songs 2:10 –

That will be the day when the veil is removed, the eyes are opened, and the bride recognizes her beloved. When He appears from behind the wall – on the Mount of Olives – and says to her: Come!

The winter is past. Spring is breaking through.

Delen: