Song of Solomon

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

      We don't see too much about the original reader unless we believe that it was Solomon. I believe Solomon wrote it for the benefit of others. For both the young and the old. To the old he shows what passionate love can be, and the joys of having that one to love. He gives an amazing example of love between one man and one woman. That there can be much joy and much excitement with one wife whom you give all your love. To the young he gives warnings to wait (2:7, 3:5. 8:4). 

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

      I believe that Solomon wrote this book. Depending on the wording of the first verse its either written to him or by him. Even though Solomon failed in this area I believe he still had wisdom. He knew what was good and right and wanted to show others that the way he had done things was not always good. Solomon was deeply in love with one woman though he had many wives and concubines (6:8-9). He definitely was enthralled by her physical appearance. He understood the importance of waiting and for removing temptations (2:15).

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

      Solomon makes a number of references to animals when describing the woman, especially the gazelle (2:7, 9, 3:5, 4:5, 7:3, 8:14). Obviously a main theme is love and intimacy as that is what this book is all about. It's about the love between a man and a woman, the intimate moments and the longing for one another (5:6-8). This book is about one man and one woman. We don't see the man go off and desire other woman, but he remains faithful to one woman. The physical beauty of the woman is highlighted many times especially in 7:1-9. The bride is pleased just to be loved by this man. One she finds handsome and is happy to spend time with (7:10-8:3).

Summary: Love is incredibly strong and can best be explained through the love between a man and a woman. 

What is the primary reason this book is written?

      I think this book shows that God designed there to be intimacy between a man and a woman. It is a good thing and something that is best between one man and one woman. There are also warnings and boundaries to those not married to wait and not to awaken love before the time is right . Solomon doesn't deny that man longs for a woman and a woman for a man, but he is clear in his statement to not awaken love before its time. I would say the primary reason is to show the beauty and God's design for intimacy.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

     What I can see is that God is a God of love. He created this intimacy between a man and a woman and I think that it shows a lot about His character. He is love and this is simply a way He has designed for man to display that love. Just as God loves us and desires intimacy with us, He created this intimacy between a man and woman to reflect His love for us. His love looks different, but goes much deeper and is much more intimate.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

       Love is a strong thing, perhaps the strongest thing of all. In 8:6 we see, “love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave.” I don't think Solomon knew what the Messiah would come to do, but this is exactly what He would do. He would come and die and defeat death all because of love. He came to die out of love for his people, his bride. He has sealed us on His heart.

Personal Application

      I love the picture of love in 8:6-7. The author explains the power of love and how it is something that could never be purchased even with Solomon's great wealth. It was a good reminder of the power of love. It's stronger than death and that's exactly what Jesus did for me. His love went to the grave and paid for my sin. Yes, a line we hear a lot, but one that I could meditate on my whole life and still not fully understand, because to me God's love for me doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The passage in chapter 8, “Love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave” (8:6b) doesn't make a ton of sense to me. His love for people like the Israelites doesn't always make sense. He is all powerful and sovereign, yet He is patient with them. I don't always understand His patience. There are times I feel like I deserve terrible punishment, because I cannot be sinless, but yet His love went to the grave for me.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

      In a culture driven by sexual desires and impurity Song of Solomon has a lot to say. Everything our flesh desires when it comes to sex and intimacy is good, but it must wait (7:13). Anything outside of God's design for sex brings death. Song of Solomon shows the beauty and the fulfillment when we do things the way God designed. The bible is full of stories of men and women who try to do things their own way. It never works, not once. God is sovereign, and whatever He has set up for us is the best way. Everything else is like knock offs. It's bootleg, it's fake, it's not the real thing. Only God has the real deal. You will never meet a couple who have waited for marriage to be intimate with one another say that they regret it. It is the best way. I don't know how else to explain it, but whatever we have in our minds for how things should be done must submit to what God has laid out for us. Yes its a challenge, but that's what makes it so great. Spoiled brats get everything handed to them, but wise parents have their kids work for things. It's the same way with this. God is our loving father and His desire is to see us flourish and to be fulfilled. Sex outside of marriage is like a spoiled kid who gets everything handed to them. It's not what is best for that child. The best thing would be to make him work for what he wants. He may think its better to get everything he wants when he wants it, but a good parent knows that is not good for the child. So also in this way God tells us to wait and to fight to remain pure so that we will be blessed in the end.