DCLM Daily Manna 20 September 2026: Solomon’s Carriage Bed
KEY VERSE: “Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel” (Song of Solomon 3:7).
TEXT: SONG OF SOLOMON 3:6–11
Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
In ancient Near Eastern societies, royalty and nobility used litters for transportation. These were carried by servants or animals and made with fine materials to show status. Litters served practical and ceremonial purposes in events like processions and weddings, highlighting the importance of the person being carried.
In today’s text, Solomon rides on a litter (a carriage bed) made of the finest quality wood from Lebanon. The pillars are made of silver, the bottom is of gold, and the covering is of purple, accompanied by an impressive armed guard of 60 valiant men. The daughters of Zion are directed to go forth unto their king and behold his beauty and majesty, and the grandeur of his procession.
The Song of Solomon employs metaphors, similes and other poetic devices to convey emotions and experiences. The book uses nature, flowers, animals and other objects to symbolise various aspects of the love of Christ for His church, His bride. Sometimes, it is a little difficult to pinpoint exactly who is speaking in this song. But at this instance, the church of Christ is symbolised, coming out of the wilderness (a good description of the Church, in her sojourn in the world). Like Israel of old, she wanders in this sinful world, but she is protected and fed by God. She is seen here as coming out of the wilderness under the guidance of Christ, in the strength and the righteousness of Christ as symbolised by “pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant.”
The “pillars of smoke” symbolise her sufferings within the wilderness, which are soothed by her sense of God’s grace in the blood and righteousness of Christ, as symbolised by the perfume of “myrrh and frankincense.” Both myrrh and frankincense were used in the ancient world for their healing qualities. The “powders” could symbolise the life-giving work of Christ by the Holy Spirit in the new birth. Christ bought her with His own blood, gave His life (all that He had) for her and she is under His protection. When the devil attacks with his accusations, she pleads His blood (His righteousness) and turns his accusations away.
Sinners are encouraged to go out and submit to the King of kings and receive His pardon and forgiveness. Saints, on the other hand, should remain under the leadership and guidance of Christ, her Saviour and Master, who must always be worshipped, adored and exalted.
Thought for the Day
Let your light so shine that people may look beyond you and notice Him in you.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: NUMBERS 31-32
DCLM Daily Manna 20 September 2026
