Memory Verse
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Song of Solomon 2:16
Overview

This is a parable of marital love which is also a picture of Christ’s love for His church. Solomon has given us one of the truly great and inspiring songs in the Bible. While the interpretation of this song is hotly contested, my understanding is that there are two aspects of the song: it is a parable of marital love between two real people, and it is also a picture of Christ’s love for His church. 

Hymn: Oh, How I Love Jesus
Sheet Music
Top 5 Facts to Remember
  1. The characters in this song are: Solomon (the “Beloved”), the Shulamite, the daughters of Jerusalem, Solomon’s friends, and the Shulamite’s brothers. 
  2. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4).
  3. A husband’s love for his wife is a picture of Christ’s love for His church (Eph. 5:22–33).
  4. Love is as strong as death (Song 8:6).
  5. At three points in the song, the Shulamite charges the daughters of Jerusalem: “Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” (Song 2:7; 3:5; 8:4).
Theme: Marriage

In Song of Solomon, God is glorifying Himself through marriage, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

Author: Solomon

The book names Solomon as its author.

Time of Writing: 971-965 B.C.

The Song of Solomon was written sometime during Solomon’s reign as king (971–931 B.C.).

Key Verses:

“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
For your love is better than wine.
Because of the fragrance of your good ointments,
Your name is ointment poured forth;
Therefore the virgins love you.
Draw me away!”

Song of Solomon 1:2–4a

“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles or by the does of the field,
Do not stir up nor awaken love
Until it pleases.”

Song of Solomon 3:5

“I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse; 
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice;
I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;
I have drunk my wine with my milk.”

Song of Solomon 5:1a

Lessons:
  1. Husbands ought to be captivated with their wives, and wives ought to be captivated with their husbands.
  2. True love between a husband and wife is a glorious thing.
  3. True love seeks reconciliation after an offense.
  4. To young men who are not yet married: Be men of character.
  5. To young women who are not yet married: Do not awaken love before its time.
Christ in Song of Solomon:

In this song, the husband’s love for his wife is a picture of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church (see Eph. 5:22–33).

Outline
  1. The Awakening of Love (Song 1:1–3:5)
    1. Mutual Desire (Song 1:1–2:7)
    2. A Visit from the Beloved (Song 2:8–17)
    3. A Dream of Separation (Song 3:1–5)
  2. United in Love: The Wedding (Song 3:6–5:1)
    1. The Wedding Procession (Song 3:6–11)
    2. Praise of the Shulamite (Song 4:1–5:1)
  3. Struggling in Love: The Problems (Song 5:2–8:4)
    1. Anxiety of Love (Song 5:2–6:3)
    2. Praise of the Shulamite (Song 6:4–10)
    3. Marital Union (Song 6:11–8:4)
  4. Conclusion (Song 8:5–14)
Study Questions

What is the theme of the Song of Solomon?
The marital love between a husband and his wife.

What is the marriage relationship a picture of?
Christ’s love for the church (Eph. 5:22–33).

Why was the Shulamite attracted to Solomon?
Because he was a man of good reputation (Song 1:2–4).

What was the Shulamite’s first dream about?
Searching for the one she loved (Song 3:1–5).

How does Solomon describe the beauty of his wife?
He uses a wide range of imagery: goats, sheep, pomegranates, towers, honeycombs, gardens, and many other things (Song 4:1–15).

What was the Shulamite’s response when Solomon knocked on her door?
She was hesitant to get up and open the door (Song 5:2–3).

What does the Shulamite say about awakening love?
“Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” (Song 2:7; 3:5; 8:4).

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