SONG OF SOLOMON RAPTURE - Maturing of the Summer Fruit

MATURING OF THE SUMMER FRUIT
The Redemption of the Shulamite Shepherdess

by Luis B. Vega
vegapost@hotmail.com
www.PostScripts.org

The purpose of this study is to make the correlation and argue that there are Rapture timing clues in the Song of Solomon, but in the Summer and tied to wine. Every year, as the Spring Season approaches, it has been natural to consider the Rapture’s timing to correspond to the Spring Feasts of Jehovah. It is how the Song of Solomon is introduced in terms of the Season. However, the entire story’s arc is not considered. In doing so, it shows that the Rapture’s timing corresponds to a maturing of the Summer Fruit, in one’s estimation. It is about the Shulamite, which, like a fruit, is maturing.

So, it is how the Summer Harvest is more pertinent to the Rapture’s timing in the Song of Solomon than the Springtime is. It is about a love song between Jesus, the Greater Solomon and the Bride of Christ, the Greater Shulamite. It is about ‘Love rising’ and how it is like a Seal in one’s arm. It is about a deep and inner call to spiritual maturity that is required to be worthy of the King of Peace, i.e., Solomon. It is to have Jesus in one’s heart, mind, soul and body, ultimately, just what is expected in a marriage

It is about the King’s calling to forfeit all of one’s earthly aspirations that hinder responding to the call of the King in one’s life. It is about a real relationship with the Creator, with Jesus. It is about knowing and realizing that ultimately, at the end of one’s life, that is what will only be taken into Eternity. The call is like a marriage in how Jesus has been asking individuals throughout this Church Age to ‘marry’ Him. He is looking for an ‘I Do’. It is a vow to serve and obey, which in modern times is no longer accepted.

In reading the Song of Solomon, one realized that such a relationship is complicated and convoluted at times. How so? The Shulamite, in response to the call of the King experienced loss, misunderstanding, and mistreatment. And that is exactly what one will experience in responding to Jesus in this world. But it is because of the type of love for the King and an expectation that the world does not care for, is interested or facilitates. What about the call of Jesus in one’s life? It is about Him wanting everything that is you. And conversely, it is an expectation of only seeking and wanting the King, Jesus.

And it will be at the Rapture that this ultimate rendezvous and union will be actualized. Thus, it is critical to have what is needed to mature as the Shulamite did to be found worthy of that call at the end of the Summer Fruit Season. Only through such maturing will one eventually find oneself at that level of readiness. It is to be with the King. That is how the Song of Solomon ends. It is to be with the King in His presence, holy as He is Holy. This does not mean sinless perfection, but a sanctification process done through the Holy Spirit. What does that look like in this maturing or Journey of Faith with Jesus?

The Cost of Serving
It is about that if one says, they have a relationship with Jesus, or is ‘Saved’, then the highest form of demonstrating that love in the commitment is to serve and obey the King. Sadly, this comprehension has been rejected in modern society, deliberately, but more tragically within the Professing Church. In the West, a marriage vow is only pledged so long as it is convenient, assuming all things being equal and normal aside from abuse, etc. But it has been the Enemy of Jesus and His people that have wreaked havoc on Marriage to destroy what according to Jesus it had been designed for.

Marriage in the West is now a mockery. By destroying Marriage, it has destroyed what it means to be a Father, a Mother, a Son and a Daughter. Just by one saying this is now considered Hate Speech in the West. But one’s point is that the Rapture’s timing is or could be tied to a Summer timeframe. And if one interjects one’s call and commitment to that of the Shulamite, one will see that one’s Journey of Faith is like fruit also. It is like the fruit that needs to be ripened in order to then be harvested in the Summer.

Thus, could this be the timing when the Greater Solomon will come calling to sweep-up his Shulamite and bring her into his Father’s house? So, to that end and given this framework, one will now attempt to show how the story arc insinuates a Summer conclusion. It is despite the Spring timing of the Rapture typology being surmised. One is arguing that it is just the prelude to the Summer timing of when the harvest occurs of all those types of fruits noted in the story. This study will also show that in fact, nearly every chapter, of which there are 8 of them, have a wine or New Wine theme to them.

This is how the study will tie the wine to one’s July 23 (723) end of the Summer Wheat Harvest Rapture timing theory. It is because one has argued that this 2nd Pentecost First Fruits corresponded to the Acts 2 Pentecost timing. And that corresponded to the First Fruits of the New Wine, in one’s interpretation. And that, in turn, is what could be connected to the Rapture’s timing. That is one’s working theory until further notice.

So, the following will be one’s commentary and to show the wine or New Wine inferences and possible Summer timing of the Rapture, rather than a Spring one. As to the name, ‘Shulamite?’ It is the feminine version of Solomon. Essentially, she is ‘Mrs. Peace’, as that is what Solomon means, ‘Peace’. Ultimately, it is in reference to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Here are the highlights referencing wine in most of the 8 chapters.

Perhaps one is reading the Rapture and the New Wine connection too much into the Song, but here are the presumptions. Notice the inference to being ‘taken away’ and brought to the Chamber, the Wedding Chamber. See Isaiah 26:20 and the Astronomy of Psalm 19:5. It is about the Sun chasing after, as in a race or course, i.e., the Ecliptic.

Then consider how the Bride references, yet again the correlation of the Vineyards of En-gedi. En-gedi is a Hebrew term that means ‘Spring of the Kid’ or ‘Fountain of the Goat’. En-gedi is known for its lush vegetation and freshwater springs, making it a notable oasis in the arid region. It is also significant in Biblical history, as it is associated with stories involving King David, who sought refuge there from King Saul.

2:4 He has brought me to the House of Wine, and his Banner over me is Love.

Now, this next section of the Song of Solomon is the most popular one. It is what is usually used to surmise that if one applies the timing of the Rapture as a prophetic typology is to occur in the Spring. However, one’s argument is that it is where the ‘story’ of the fruit maturing begins. It is what leads to the actual rendezvous with the King during the Summer Harvest at the end. It is because the Spring season is when all the fruit types mentioned in the storyline are only budding. But realize that this Spring initial scene is where Solomon only comes to visit the Shulamite.

It is as if the Shulamite had been planted like fruit but was only at the budded stage as she was timid and apprehensive, and he left. She was not ready but needed to mature. It is what we all need in our Journey of Faith with our Greater Solomon. Metaphorically, when Jesus finds us as the Shulamite, our ‘Winters’ of life have passed. This happens in the Salvation found only in Jesus. He then works in our lives to prepare us for a spiritual harvest, as a fruit. And that timing will be realized at one’s end of life, whenever that will be. But ultimately, that Summer Harvest will be at the Resurrection-Rapture, one argues.

It will be collectively as one joins all the other fruits or ‘Shulamites’ gathered and since 32 AD that have said ‘I Do’ to Jesus’ call and commitment. Then the Shulamite frantically has a dream where she is seeking and looking for Solomon but is not found. It is only later, at the timing of the Summer Harvest, at the time of the New Wine, the mandrakes, and pomegranates that they are eventually united and together from that point in time. So, one is using deductive reasoning in that what will bring Jesus and His Bride, like Solomon and the Shulamite, is a Summer Harvest Rapture timing. So, this is why one is more convinced that the springtime is when the fig tree and other crops begin to sprout and produce but have not matured entirely yet.

The Fig Tree Generation
In this interpretation of the Song of Solomon, it pushes the Rapture timing to the Summer Season, in one’s estimation. Notice once again, the association with the New Wine, as with the ‘Blossoming Vines’. This is to strongly suggest that the vines are barely sprouting-out, and no grapes are being formed just yet. This maturing and subsequent harvesting begins at the Mid-July end of the Wheat Harvest. It is precisely when the First Fruits of the New Wine are offered. The beginning of the Wine Harvest doves-tails with the end of the Summer Wheat Harvest. Then notice what the ‘Friends’ of the Shulamite state in the following.

According to research, figs typically ripen from late Summer to early Autumn in Israel, with the main harvest season usually occurring from July to August. In Israel, Summer officially begins on June 21, which is the Summer Solstice. The Summer months in Israel typically last until September, which concludes on September 22. In Israel, the Summer Wheat Harvest generally takes place from late May to early July. The exact timing can vary depending on the specific region and weather conditions, but the Wheat Harvest typically concludes by mid-July.

Is not the Rapture event the time when Jesus is yet to be married and will also bestow all those crowns on His Bride during that Coronation? And a specific crown is to be given. It is a crown to all those that were earnestly waiting for Jesus, who is the Blessed Hope. Are not such people the ones that are watching, worshiping and weeping presently like the Shulamite? And perhaps, misunderstood, mistreated and at times confused about the King’s calling in one’s life?

It speaks about how oftentimes, in our Journey of Faith and maturity, we miss appointments with Jesus. But as with Solomon, He had to go away to prepare the Wedding Chamber in his Father’s house. However, the promise was given to return to rapture His Bride one day.

But in Waiting and watching during this time on Earth, the Bride would have to go through much suffering, tribulation and trials. It is a mysterious preparation protocol of sorts. The Shulamite would be misinterpreted and mistreated, etc. And has not the Church Age been nothing but that?

CHAPTER 6
The Bridegroom in this chapter mentions how the vines are budding at this stage or timing of the storyline. It is indicative of how the Spring Season has passed as now the First Fruits of the New Wine are clearly produced, as are the mandrakes and pomegranates, etc.

In this chapter, there is another reference to the vine and wine. So, here is a key clue as to the story-line’s timing of their eventual rendezvous. It will be at this place and time that the fruit mentioned matures and will be ready for harvest, like in the Rapture.

When is that? Pomegranates typically bloom in late Spring around May to June, depending on the climate and region. The flowers are bright red and can be quite striking. After blooming, the fruit usually begins to develop and can begin to be harvested in the Summer, i.e., July.

A very interesting anthropomorphic rendition comes to mind of what that woman would look like based on these wine motifs applied to the body. So, one’s point is that like Solomon and the Shulamite, the eventual Rapture Rendezvous could or will occur towards the end of the Summer Wheat Harvest timing. One interprets this time as how they have now united and are together in that wedding Chamber in the Father’s House. It also has to do with a door. How so? Read how they refer to the Door, the ‘Dalet’.

So, as one can assess, it is the budding of wine, mandrakes, and pomegranates that describe the early stages of their initial Spring Season growth. But it takes a maturing that one mirrors the relationship Solomon has with the chosen Shulamite herself. In the concluding chapter, the theme of wine ends the story as it began. It is when finally, Solomon is with his Shulamite, united and to never be separated.

CHAPTER 8
It is the end of the Shulamite’s Journey of Faith with King Solomon as now she becomes his Queen. Likewise, as with Jesus, He will bring His ‘Shulamite Bride’ to the Father’s House and to celebrate her with the New Wine. Is not this what will be the New Wine Jesus postponed and pledged during the Passover Last Supper meal?

8:2 I would lead you and bring you to the House of my Mother who taught me. I would give you Spiced Wine to drink, the nectar of my pomegranates.

______________________

Thus, this is why one is interpreting the theme of budding, as described and disclosed initially in the Springtime is how the relationship between the Shulamite and Solomon began. It was about a personal, romantic and eventual intimate relationship that grew like the flowers, the figs, the wheat and the wine also. The Song of Solomon concludes with the Shulamite in a permanent relationship with King Solomon that ultimately matured much like the fruits. And this maturity is ultimately about a pledge, a vow, a sacred vow as one gives at the altar in a marriage ceremony.

It is about a Shepherdess that was chosen and how Solomon’s will, desires, and aspirations become hers, like what a true Biblical marriage should be all about. And is this not what Jesus wants also of His Bride? It is likened to a Seal that cannot be broken. However, with a fallen and flawed Humanity, that is not possible without the redemptive agent that allows for this maturing to occur, the blood of Jesus.

Jesus, the Greater Solomon is that Love, the Seal of the Father choosing Humanity like a lowly Shulamite Shepherdess. It is Jesus, the Greater Solomon, because of His resurrected life that now makes this type of restorative relationship even possible. And this Seal, procured by Jesus at the Cross of Calvary, of His love for His Bride is unbreakable, eternally. In Jesus, each one of His Believers and Followers are as a Mark or Seal unto Himself also.

The Price of the Bride
It is because those nails and spear thrust upon His body, through His hands, feet and heart is what it took for Jesus to redeem His Bride. Consider the cost Jesus was willing to pay to redeem the Greater Eve. As the Creator of all this exists, his hands were pierced to the point of being incapacitated in doing anything. In all that Jehovah is and sovereign over where He can go unrestricted, His feet were pierced and bound to not be able to go nowhere.

And ultimately, Jesus experienced a heartbreak, not only physically with the piercing of the Roman lance, but an eternal separation experienced from GOD the Father when sin was placed entirely upon Jesus’ body in some mysterious fashion, incomprehensible. But with every lash and stripe given all over Jesus’ Body, it provides now the healing Humanity so desperately needs.

Humanity now needs to pledge and accept Jesus’ love in repentance by responding to His call to say, ‘I Do’. So, how does one show that love back to Jesus? One ‘arises’ and serves as the Shulamite in humility and obedience as a wife pledged in marriage. Incredibly, the Bible teaches that a Believer and Follower of Jesus is imprinted in the palm of His hand, as Isaiah 49:16 teaches, as a mark branded on the skin as a Seal.

And this Seal is as strong as Death because Jesus, our Greater Solomon defeated Hell and Death. The Bride of Christ can now have absolute assurance and confidence that Jesus, as one’s Spouse now can never be unfaithful in this relationship. So, will Jesus come at the time when fruits are matured? Will it be when one's relationship likewise has matured and is ready to be harvested or raptured by Jesus? Will it be at a Summer Season, where collectively, the Greater Shulamite has matured and has made herself ready?

Notwithstanding, this has been one’s point, that the fruits mentioned in the Song of Songs start off in the Spring. But liking the fruit to a relationship, it needs to mature as a process. And that it is in the Summer that the fruit types ripen to infer the possible Rapture’s timing. This is if one employs a prophetic typology as to its timing and superimposed onto the maturing of the Shulamite Shepherdess.

It is therefore assuming a July New Wine correspondence rather than the Spring Season, in one’s estimation. And what is the end of one’s Journey of Faith? It is to be with Jesus. It is to be like Jesus; to think and behave and ultimately to be of such a similar mind and will. It will be so-much-so, that they both will say and want the same thing. Read what REVELATION 22:16-17 declares it will look and sound like.

I, Jesus, have sent My Angel to give you this Testimony for the Churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the Bride say, ’Come!’ Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the Water of Life drink freely.

Summary
This study proposes that the Song of Solomon contains hidden prophetic clues suggesting the Rapture will occur during the Summer rather than the Spring. While many scholars link this event to springtime blossoms, this study argues that the Biblical narrative follows a maturing process where the ‘Shulamite’ Bride represents the Spiritual ripening of Believers in Jesus. Central to this theory is the recurring imagery of wine and Summer fruits, which align with a mid-July harvest timeline.

The journey of the Shulamite reflects a Sanctification process, moving from the initial buds of Spring to a final union with the King in a Summer timeframe. Ultimately, one’s theory is that the Rapture is as a harvest of those who have reached spiritual readiness through devotion and obedience. This interpretation highlights a sacred relationship between Jesus and the Church, culminating in an eternal Summer Rapture Rendezvous.
____________________

Charts