Song of Solomon
The Song of Solomon has a number of applications and interpretations that speak to the questions of intimacy, monogamy and our relationship with God. Tonight we will discuss four main levels of study.
- Historical – the love affair between Solomon and the Shulamite woman.
- Practical – a manual for marital bliss.
- Spiritual – a representation of God’s passionate love for His people.
- Prophetic – a description of the consummation of the marriage of Christ and the church.
Historically we know that Solomon was led astray by his love of women. How would history be different if he had remained true to his first love?
Practically we need to recognize the gift of intimacy that God has placed within our natures. This aspect of love is intended to inspire us to faithful devotion to our spouse and to bring great pleasure and fulfillment to a lifelong love affair. Our culture’s emphasis on instant gratification never rises above the level of selfishness. Devoting one’s life to making another person happy is the closest we ever come to emulating the love of God.
Spiritually we are given a glimpse of the great passion that God has for us. Many come to God out of fear of going to hell or needing some divine intervention to get them out of some self made mess. But a relationship that endures must be based on love.
Prophetically we look towards the day that the Bride of Christ will finally be united with Him. How much do you really want to see Jesus? There are many mysteries surrounding the marriage of the Lamb, but one thing is certain, the one who gave His life for us out of love will soon come to take us back to His house forever!
Key verses:
1:5, 6 – love is not bound by class, race or cultural differences. Though poor (did not have servants to tend vineyards) and dark skinned (from exposure not ethnicity) she was loved by the King.
2:1 – the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley are names often given to Christ.
2:8-13; 3:6-10 – a beautiful description of the rapture of the church. The King is coming for His bride.
4:1-7 – though disfigured and damaged in our own eyes, when seen through the eyes of our Savior we are beautiful and perfect in His sight.
5:6 – compare to the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25, to miss the bridegroom when He comes is far more than a missed opportunity, it is catastrophic.
5:10-16 ; 6:4-9 – how we see the one we love is critical to maintaining passion; beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, it is in the heart. As true for our spouse as it is for our Lord.
7:10 – intimacy is best enjoyed in monogamy. Keeping ourselves for that special, God-given person creates a depth of passion and pleasure that is unknown to those who allow sexual desire to rule over them. The act itself is meaningless and destructive if not protected by the covenant of marriage. Being someone’s only one is a privilege and an honor that should be guarded with all our might.
8:6-10 – true love often inspires jealousy in those who do not have love in their life. They will demean and try to destroy the love in our heart through whatever means necessary, but they will fail. To be loved unconditionally by someone is the greatest security and peace known to man. That such a person as Christ would love us so should inspire a determination not to let such love be in vain.
Great study. I love the Song of Solomon, as well as the meaning behind it of Christ loving us as Solomon loved that woman. It is such an honor to be loved by someone so amazing, and for no reason of my making. It humbles me, and yet excites me, knowing that there is nothing I can do to earn His love. It frees me from obligation and performance. I only serve Him out of my love for Him, not to earn His love.