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
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