Sexual relations as husband and wife are supposed to be exciting and satisfying. Studies have found that those who report their sexual encounters as being the most satisfying are not the short-lived casual relationships, but between a husband and wife in a committed marriage. This of course is not what Hollywood has portrayed. They portray the one night quickie as the preferred sexual encounter.
Our writer uses the imagery of water to portray sexual relations. He says that we ought to drink from our own store of water. A cistern catches rainwater, usually within your own property for private, home use. Think of a cistern as a rain barrel attached to the downspout of you house. It catches the water that naturally falls, and is there ready for enjoyment. In a dry desert climate, a cistern would keep you alive.
Sexual intimacy in marriage is a private joy between husband and wife. As he addresses his son, he focuses his attentions on his wife’s beauty, wanting him to stay focused on her. She is to be cherished and honored. She will intoxicate him, if he allows her to.
Some may read these words and get the impression that he is “using” his wife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Wives want to be the center of their husband’s attentions. They don’t want his eyes or thoughts wandering off to other women. They want to feel that they are wanted, special. In all my years, I have never met a couple that was satisfied with an “open” marriage. Jealousy always arose. Dissatisfaction, anger, and hurt soon followed.
And now for the crosshairs, this same reaction happens when porn is allowed to enter a relationship. It may bring a momentary spark, but when the spark fades, all that is left is a charred, blackened spot. The same holds true for all the other sinful intrusions into the bedroom. Husband and wife. Period. Work to satisfy each other. Keep it pure.
Why? Because the LORD sees it all (v21). We might think it is innocent fun, but it goes against the Designer’s plans. It would be like a dentist using a pickaxe to fill a cavity, or a bulldozer to do a manicure. The tools just don’t fit the job.
Sex is designed to be between a husband and wife, man and woman, ‘til death do us part. Other combinations just are just awkward and ultimately don’t match with our status as one created in the image of the Holy God.
Remember, read verses 19-20 again. Love can be intoxicating. Enjoy.
The Arnold Journey 