Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Isaiah, remind me of the trestles on the bike ride. We can give them a quick glance or deeper look as we connect them to their surroundings.
Trestles
On this bike ride several elements made the ride a bit shaky – gravel, dark tunnels, and now a series of trestles. Watching a train travel over a trestle was one thing, riding a bike over it was quite another.
The first trestle was really high. I preferred to ride more toward the center and away from the edges. The span wire that served as a guard rail appeared more like a suggestion than a protective barrier. Still seated on my bike I placed my foot on the equivalent of a curb and looked out across the valley – but only briefly looked down.
I could barely get up off my bike to take a look. I was finally getting used to this bike and the gravel path on which I pedaled. Adding the dimension of height and a flimsy looking barrier made this stretch of the ride a bit tenuous.
At the first trestle I did appreciate the expansive view. In the distance I noticed a parade of miniature bikes among the trees. It took me a moment to realize I was looking at riders who were farther ahead of me on the trail.
Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah
This reminds me of the next few books of the Bible, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Isaiah, which brought recognition to my Bible path as I connected them to other aspects of Scripture.
Solomon
Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon, were both written by Solomon. Yes, that Solomon, author of Proverbs, which we mentioned last week. He was also King David’s son.
Just a little insight on Solomon. He asked God for wisdom and he received. But later in life he didn’t use his God-given wisdom. He made bad choices, allowed himself to be influenced by others, and fell away from God. Ecclesiastes reflects the wrestling he experienced.
You may be familiar with Ecclesiastes chapter 3, how everything has its season.
Song of Songs presents a love story and also represents the love of Christ for His bride, the church.
Learn more about Solomon
A fun exercise might be to skim Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, in light of knowing they were all written by the same author.
For a fuller picture, go back to Solomon’s story in 1 Kings.
See patterns
Much like connecting Solomon to some books of the Bible, at this point on the trail I started to see patterns. I had seen some of these elements before – a tunnel, a bridge, and now a few trestles.
Information
We also came across information boards, either a map to show us “you are here” or some history about the train that had gone through that section.
This reminds me of the moment when I could see across the valley and note movement in the distance. Eventually I could discern the places from which I had ridden. I started to recognize where I had been which helped me better understand where I was on the route.
Scripture tie-ins
If you’ve followed me through this path in the Bible, you’ve probably started to notice some of that too, how elements and sections of Scripture tie in to other places in the Word.
Isaiah
That leads to the third book of the Bible mentioned in this post – Isaiah, the first of the prophetic books, called a Major Prophet because of its length. Minor Prophets are the shorter books.
Trestle over the water
It also brings me to the trestle that was most rewarding, the one over the water.
The creek
The creek at long last. I think I heard it before I saw it. I felt compelled to look down over the edge of this bridge with the flimsy railing – in spite of my trepidation – to see and not just hear the rushing water.
So I stepped up onto the curb and leaned over the side to see the water far below. The reward was wonderful. Not only could I hear the refreshing water but I could drink it in with my own eyes.
Appreciate the flowing water
By the time I reached that particular trestle I had enough confidence to peer over the side to really appreciate the flowing water.
Jesus
The Book of Isaiah is where we here of the promised Messiah, Jesus.
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
For me, that’s the rushing water of truth in Isaiah. The life-giving water of God’s Presence.
We can read this passage of Scripture the same way we did the Psalms. Find the aspect of the phrase that really speaks to our hearts, our situation, our need. What reassurance this provides.
If we think of God as He appears in these verses, we can receive the comfort we need in times of distress.
The rushing water of the creek below the trestle was peace like a river for my soul.
A bike and the Bible – Esther Job Psalms Proverbs – part 10
Want a few reminders about Solomon?