Bible Study Notes on Song of Solomon- Chapter 8

Song of Solomon 8

 

-The bride begins with wishing for an expression of love publicly as the last chapter of the exquisite book begins (Song of Solomon 8:1-2). Family affection was the only publicly accepted proper conduct in the ancient Near East, and the bride wishes to show her devoted love to the bridegroom in every way. She longs again for his support and embrace in tender language (Song of Solomon 2:6; 8:3). The bridegroom responds with poetic repetition to let his beloved rest until she pleases (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5; 8:4).

-The chorus responds with the question, “Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved (Song of Solomon 8:5)?” This denotes her common heritage coming into the greatness of the kingdom and the glory that is now becoming hers.

-The bride recognizes her beloved’s benefits and expresses her deepest and heartfelt love in an outpouring of emotion expressed through the phrase “Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe (demanding) as Sheol (the grave). Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it; if a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly despised (Song of Solomon 8:6-7).” *Application* Love is the strongest force in the universe and it overcomes every obstacle (see also 1 Corinthians 13). It is as strong as death, cannot be killed by time or disaster, and it cannot be bought for any price because it is freely given. This love comes from God as a free gift to us out of His compassion, grace, and mercy. Accept the love of God and realize He is jealous for you to be His own prize and possession.

-After the chorus of Jerusalem’s daughters explain her chastity during her growing up years, the bride says because of her moral integrity (she was a wall protected, not an open door to fornication or immorality) she became in the eyes of her beloved “as one who finds peace (Song of Solomon 8:10).” *Application* We too will find peace and ultimate satisfaction when we do God’s things, God’s way. He gives complete joy in righteousness. Wait upon the LORD!

-The bridegroom, Solomon, had a vineyard at Baal-hamon (only mention of this biblically and in an unknown location) where he entrusted his resources to the caretakers, of which the Shulammite was one. She had been given the vineyard to be at her disposal, and her concern was to give the produce of fruit and its reward to her lord taking only what she needed back as payment. *Application* The King of king entrusts much to us in His Kingdom. Take His spiritual gifts and realize that they are to be used as tools to give back to Him in spiritual growth and multiplication. See the unity in the effort by the power of love.

-The last interchange reflects the bridegroom’s desire to hear the voice of his bride and the receptivity of the bride to hurry to consummate this love. The wedding was just the beginning to a lifetime of intimacy and open communication. Their faithfulness would last and last. *Application* This represents in many ways the marriage between the bride of Christ, the Church, and Himself at the end of the age (Revelation 19:7-9). Trust in your Beloved. He will give you peace and rest forever!

 

Verses to Memorize: Song of Solomon 8:6-7

Bible Study Notes on Song of Solomon- Chapter 7

Song of Solomon 7

 

-There is much descriptive admiration given by the bridegroom through the first verses of chapter 7 (Song of Solomon 7:1-8). The bride’s beauty is lavished in detail is poetic prose of the time. She is crowned like Mt. Carmel captivating the king (Song of Solomon 7:5). She is a delight to him in every conceivable way (Song of Solomon 7:6).

-As the bride responds again in the ecstasy of love, we see that again she is her beloved’s and his desire is for her (Song of Solomon 7:10). In wonderful, biblical language they explore the bearing of fruit and the spring’s fragrance in the vineyard and give each other their abiding love (Song of Solomon 7:12-13, John 15:1-17). *Application* Our union with Christ is described in many of the same ways these lovers express themselves. We have the biblical capacity to have intense and deep intimacy spiritually speaking with our LORD and that gives reason to feel His passion in every detail of our lives. Experience this living and loving God for yourself. Invite Him in to be your personal-spiritual bridegroom. Eternal life with Him is indescribable!

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 7:10

Bible Study Notes on Song of Solomon- Chapter 6

Song of Solomon 6

 

-The chorus of Jerusalem’s daughters begins the chapter with the question as to where the bridegroom has gone. They desire to seek out the bridegroom with the bride (Song of Solomon 6:1). *Application* There are often times when others help us find truth on our spiritual journey. Thank the LORD today for those in your life that helped turn you toward the righteousness of the Savior. We are of those who seek the truth, and we are never alone!

-The bride speaks again in poetic language about where the bridegroom has gone. She is not worried or concerned at this point. She knows her man is at work in his garden and pastures. She repeats the refrain “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” which denotes union in perfection (Song of Solomon 2:16; 6:3).

-Now, in the bulk of the chapter, the bridegroom speaks again with praise, honor, and respect to his bride. She is as lovely as Jerusalem (the capital city and holy place), as awesome as an army with banners (majestic), perfect, unique, pure, blessed, beautiful, growing, and budding with brilliance (Song of Solomon 6:4-12). *Application* Amazingly, this is how Jesus views His church in all her glory. Reflect on these descriptions and realize how much the Lord loves and cares for you in His lofty and elevated thoughts.

-Now the chorus again speaks at the end of the chapter to make poetic bookends to the work. They want the Shulammite to “come back” that they may gaze at her beauty and celebrate. *Application* The work of the master is always beautiful and radiant. Appreciate His work to make all things new in us as believers in Him!

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 6:3

Bible Study Notes on Song of Solomon- Chapter 5

Song of Solomon 5

 

-Solomon is speaking once again at the beginning of chapter 5. He is in his garden and gathered all for his bride. He is ready celebrate in complete and utter union. His words, “Drink and imbibe deeply, O lovers,” reflects intimacy and being absorbed by total emersion (Song of Solomon 5:1). *Application* We must understand that God wants every part of our being. He doesn’t just want first place in our lives, He wants every part of our life to reflect His glory and fullness. Let God have complete control of you. This is what the Spirit-filled life is all about.

-Now the bride speaks again with a troubling dream. Her lover had come knocking and she open up to him, but he had turned away and had gone. She searched for him as her heart went out after him, but she could not find him and he did not answer. She is lovesick and disheartened by the seeming separation (Song of Solomon 5:2-8). *Application* There will be times of testing and trial in our walk with the Lord, when He seems to be distant and gone from our side. This time of searching only draws us closer to Him in the end. God’s desire is that we pursue Him as He has pursued us. Sometimes He will let us feel the agony of separation to draw us into a deeper fellowship with Him as a final and lasting result. All of God’s people go through these times of intense struggle. Allow these times of not “feeling” God’s presence grow your faith and dependence on Him. Realize the truth that He is always there (Matthew 28:20). He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is with us in the valley (Psalm 23:4).

-After the chorus exalts the bride for a verse (Song of Solomon 5:9), the Shulammite bride reigns down more admiration for her beloved in the final verses of the chapter (Song of Solomon 5:10-16). He is described as “dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand” with a head like “gold” and hair like the color of the raven with thick locks like clusters of dates [thickness]. His eyes, cheeks, lips, hands, legs, and mouth are all complimented with culturally relevant admirations. In the end, she sums it up by stating that he is “wholly desirable” and that he is “my friend” to all the daughters of Jerusalem. *Application* God in the same way should be praised with ceasing. He is wholly desirable (Psalms 117) and our closest friend (Proverbs 18:24).

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 5:6

Bible Study Notes in Song of Solomon- Chapter 4

Song of Solomon 4

 

-Solomon expresses his love in the majority of this chapter in expressive language that yearns for His bride (Song of Solomon 4:1-15). Her beauty and perfections capture his heart (Song of Solomon 4:1, 7). He desperately desires her love and affection, which stirs up his deepest emotions and praise. She is sealed up only for him (Song of Solomon 4:12). *Application* This locked up state has parallel in Ephesians where Paul states they we as children of God are sealed up unto redemption through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30). The point is this: We are His, and He never loses or forsakes His possessions. There is a guarantee, pledge, and promise! This is the love of our God manifested in complete security!

-Solomon also talks of his bride in terms of being a garden spring, a well of fresh water with streams flowing as from the Lebanon (Song of Solomon 4:15). The northern sources of spring water were, and still are, the primary supply of fresh-clean drinking water and sustenance for the land of Israel. This cross referenced with Jesus’ remarks in John 4:10-15 and 7:37-40 gives us a beautiful picture for eternal washing and refreshing, which only comes from the loving Savior, Jesus Christ. *Application* When Christ comes into a person, seasons of refreshing and rejuvenation occur in a perpetual state (Acts 3:19). This is an inner reality, which springs forth into the spiritual fruits of our lives once we have been transformed and changed into the image of Christ as we unite with Him (John 15:8). Grow and keep growing in your walk with the Redeemer. Never stop improving (2 Peter 1:2-8; 3:18)!

-The last verse is a brief interlude by the Shulammite bride revolving around the source that makes her garden breathe out fragrance unto places abroad. In powerful language the lover invites the husband to come and unite with her in the delight of passion (Song of Solomon 4:16). *Application* Our unification with the King of kings gives us the source for all goods things including our ministry, which affects and infects our world around us. The power of love given through our Almighty God produces in us a fragrance that will change the world. You as a believer are the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)! Let your light so shine (Matthew 5:16)!

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 4:7

Bible Study Notes in Song of Solomon- Chapter 3

Song of Solomon 3

 

-In the first section of this chapter the bride reports how hard she sought after her beloved when he could not be found (Song of Solomon 3:1-4). She searched immediately in every conceivable place, but could not find him. When she did find him, she held on to him and would not let him go. She brought him to her mother’s house, which has cultural relevance. *Application* Jesus also spoke in His parables about how important it is to seek out the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 6:33; 7:7-8; 13:44-46, Luke 11:9-10). This seeking with all our heart is an essential element in our love affair with the King of kings.

-The phrase, for poetic purposes, is repeated from Song of Solomon 2:7 again reiterating his care and affection (Song of Solomon 3:5). Her wellbeing and pleasure is his primary concern.

-Now the scene shifts to the grand entrance of the king in this magnificent moment of the wedding occasion (Song of Solomon 3:6-11). He comes up from the wilderness like columns of smoke perfumed and ready for his bride (Jesus will return on the wilderness side of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives also powerful and ready for His bride, the Church, Zechariah 14:4). Solomon is powerful with much anointing and array for the occasion with his armada with him. There is rejoicing and gladness of heart by those with great expectation for the event, which is to take place. *Application* This chapter reminds us that the King of kings is coming for His people in glorious array and power at the end of the age. Be alert and ready for His coming (Matthew 25).

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 3:4

Bible Study Notes in Song of Solomon- Chapter 2

Song of Solomon 2

 

-The bride picks back her dialogue in the beginning phrase of chapter two (Song of Solomon 2:1). The rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys were considered common flowers found in Israel. The girl was probably saying something to the effect that she considered herself inadequate of special recognition or just plain ordinary. Solomon’s response shows us otherwise however. He considers her a lily among the harsh thorns and as a darling (wonderful, dear, precious, superior) among all the other maidens (Song of Solomon 2:2). The Shulammite’s response shows extreme gratitude and praise once again (Song of Solomon 2:3-6). Notice: he is the apple of her eye, she takes great delight in him, she can rest, he was sweet and not bitter, he provides and sustains, he refreshes, and he embraces, all in his unfailing love. *Application* This is a beautiful picture of not just a man and woman’s heartfelt love, but of a God who cares for His ultimate creation, mankind. Let the love of God saturate your life!

-As the dialogue moves forward, the king instructs the daughters of Jerusalem not to arouse or awaken his love until she pleases (Song of Solomon 2:7). This indicates his concern for her wellbeing and desire to make her content and totally nurtured. *Application* Our protection and security always comes from a higher source. God is showing us here that His ways are beneficial to our need, and that we can be at total rest in Him without interference.

-The bride now reflects back on their courtship and how the king captured her heart (Song of Solomon 2:8-17). He came as she listened making valiant efforts by climbing mountains and leaping hills. He searched her out and invaded with an everlasting love. He responded to her needs and asked her gently to come along with him. The winter season of stagnation and death were over along with the spring rains, and now it was time to have the flowers and fruit of fullness appear. The voice of the turtledove now is singing. The time for consummation had arrived! *Application* This presents a picture of what salvation is like for the believer. God pursued us and captured our heart with his tender-loving mercy and grace. Thank Him for His gift of eternal union!

-In the midst of this stanza, the bride reminds that even in great relationships there can be trouble. The “little foxes” of our relationships need to be caught so that they don’t ruin the fruit God desires in our lives. “Little foxes” are minor sin issues, which if left unchecked, can destroy what the Divine wants to accomplish in our homes and lives. They can sneak up at the most inopportune moments and catch us by surprise if we are not extremely careful. Pay attention to guard against the “little foxes” in your vineyard.

 

Verses to Memorize: Song of Solomon 2:4, 15

Bible Study Notes in Song of Solomon- Chapter 1

Song of Solomon 1

 

-This book is in the genre of wisdom. It is a wedding song honoring marriage through the purity and sacredness of love. It should be interpreted on two levels. First, there is a literal love relationship between a man (King Solomon) and the Shulammite bride (perhaps from Shunem, a farming [vineyards primarily] community about 60 miles north of Jerusalem). Very open, sensual, and poetic language is used in their dialogue to reflect their intense love and devotion for one another. Solomon more than likely wrote this piece early in his reign as king or young in life when the purity and sanctity of marriage was his priority before worldly prosperity, foreign women, and idolatry tainted him (he turned from much of his righteousness in later years, 1 Kings 11). The second, and deeper, spiritual dimension of this work inspired by the Holy Spirit reflects the love of God for His people. This can include both His people Israel at the time and the Church (including all the nations, Gentiles as well as believing Jews) of the New Covenant initiated by the work of Christ Jesus. This intense language shows Christ’s rich and immensely deep love for us, His people, as well as how we should love Him. *Application* Consider the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman for one lifetime. The intimacy that this relationship, designed by God, should entail is so divine in so many ways (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc.). Reflect for a while on God’s intimacy with us, His children, in the same exact way. He desires our all, which includes the most cherished feelings and desires for Him. We love Him with our all because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

-Chapter one begins with the young Shulammite speaking on their wedding day (Song of Solomon 1:2-7). The kiss is emphasized, along with the intoxicating effects of love, which is stronger and better than wine. The oil is represented (biblical symbol of the Holy Spirit) as a pleasing fragrance with a purified name. In verse four we see the drawing of the lover into a relationship that they will pursue together as the king has brought his beloved into his very own chambers. This is a cause of great rejoicing and gladness with exaltation to the lover and the love he freely gives. Verses five through seven reflect the background and upbringing of this common laborer more than likely, who was accustomed to being outside in the elements. Solomon appreciated her skin tone and the fact that she was working on someone else’s vineyard (possibly the king’s own vineyard). *Application* Draw near to the Heavenly One who loves you as your spiritual depth increases. He has loved you with an everlasting love from the foundation of the world. Love your husband or wife in the same way and appreciate all their great qualities with affection.

-Solomon now speaks (Song of Solomon 1:8-10). Much of the language is lost on our current culture, but we should get the sense for how much he loved her beauty and radiance even as a common laborer. The king picked her out as a special prize with great worth and appeal. The chorus chimes with praise in verse eleven, before the bride picks back up with her adoration (Song of Solomon 1:12-14). The beloved is esteemed as an oasis in the desert (research Engedi, location and agriculture) as a stark contrastive statement. Now Solomon comes back with words describing beauty of eyes in comparison with the nature of doves (Song of Solomon 1:15). The remaining two verses of the chapter find the bride speaking of her husband’s looks, strength, and benefits (Song of Solomon 1:16-17). *Application* We are mistaken if we do not process and meditate on the spiritual benefits of this passage. God is our beauty, our strength, our all sufficient source, and Heavenly Head as husband. When is the last time you personally lavished praise unto the LORD your God in this caliber?

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 1:4