“Your teeth are as a flock of ewes ready for the shearing, all fresh from their washing. they are in pairs, not one of them is missing” (Song of Solomon 4:2 MLB).
The Bible frequently mentions various parts of the body such as eyes, ears, hands, feet, knees, bones, heart, etc., but it does not say a great deal about the teeth. One prophet did foretell a cleanness of teeth due to scarcity of food (Amos 4:6).
In Proverbs 25:19 Solomon likens confidence in an unfaithful person to the pain of a broken tooth. In Ecclesiastes 12:4 he describes a slowdown of the body when the grinding of teeth is not vigorous (AMP). (See Adam Clarke’s Bible Commentary, pp. 337, 836.) In this verse he speaks of the bride’s teeth as having great beauty.
Up until a few years ago, I wore braces on my teeth, but not just to improve my looks. The orthodontist explained to me that braces represent more than dental cosmetics. One of their chief purposes is to restore “bite” to the teeth. I was surprised to find out that many people do not have a proper bite because their upper and lower teeth do not meet as they should.
Bible scholars feel that teeth are a type or symbol of faith, sound teeth representing the ability to chew on the meat of the Word. A baby without teeth is fed milk and soft food. As soon as teeth are developed, he can start in on solid food.
Here the bridegroom is symbolically complimenting the bride for: 1) having a relish for the Word of God, 2) eating the Word, and 3) having the strength to act on it. Our teeth are reminders of Job 23:12: I have esteemed…the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (AMP).
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.