“Why should you gaze at the Shulammite,
As at the dance of the two companies?
“How beautiful are your feet in sandals,
O prince’s daughter!
The Christian life, and holiness is a dance with the risen Christ. Sometimes that dance involves steps that are scary and painful, but even then the adventure of being led by Him, and the intimacy of being in His arms is never diminished. Nothing could be more exhilarating or breathtaking than moving gracefully, and trustingly across the years in the arms of our Bridegroom Prince.
This second verse is so encouraging because as I wrote yesterday, The heart of Jesus is ravished because you are trying to dance with Him. He is not a bitter King who is waiting for you to make the slightest misstep so He can express His pent up anger and frustration with you. He loves to teach us the steps involved, and affirms us in wanting to learn how to walk with Him. In Biblical times the people wore sandals in a very dusty, arid land. Feet got dirty. That is why there are so many examples of feet being washed in scripture. If you entered a home, your feet were washed because they were dirty. Symbolically, dust refers to the flesh, ie, the fall of man. We are made of dust, and dust refers to our humanity. The word “feet” in this verse could be translated “steps.” The bridegroom is saying to her, “Your steps, no matter how awkward, and imperfect are beautiful to me. Even though there is some dust on your sandaled feet, they are beautiful to me because you attempting the steps.” He is saying that our attempt to dance (walk) is Him is beautiful to Him even though our steps aren’t always perfect. He is just pleased that you’ve given your heart to the dance. That is a much different vision than the one of a God who gets angry at us every time we misstep even though we are longing to, and trying to dance. I’m so grateful that the Lover of Our Soul, takes such pleasure in me and my imperfect desires and attempts to love Him, and walk with Him. Have a great day Dancing with Jesus.