Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the Song of Songs (also known as Song of Solomon), although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, late spring 2010, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there are allegations of racial profiling in Arizona and a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 2 of the Song of Solomon. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
2 – the courtship phase. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
What aspect of relationship with Christ does this relate to? You are beginning to blossom with knowledge of Him. The relationship is deepening. He is more than just your Savior at this point. You are becoming more beautiful because you realize how He loves you. You are beginning to see His strength and brilliance.
Notice that when one person in this relationship is weak, the other is strong. Is that how your relationship is? It’s always this way with Jesus! Stick with Him!
2:1 – The woman is a rose of Sharon? A lily of the valleys? She is a small flowering shrub? She is a blossoming flower.
2:2 – Solomon says that she is a beautiful flower where other women are thorns. WOW! This man is charming.
2:3 – The beloved says Solomon is like an apple tree and other men are like the trees of the forest (probably evergreens?). He is fruitful and colorful, different from the others, and she notices him.
She likes to sit in his shade. For protection? We are protected when we sit in the shadow of the Almighty. See Psalm 91:1.
His fruit is sweet to her taste. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Yes, it’s very sweet. What are your thoughts about this fruit?
2:4 – Why do you think he has taken her to the banquet hall? Is the time for the wedding ceremony at hand?
He has flagged her as belonging to him by placing his banner over her. A banner is a battle flag placed over an army identifying its affiliation with a nation/leader. The flag that the lover flies over the beloved is love.
2:5 – How do raisins strengthen you? David passed out cakes of raisins to his people in celebration over the ark of the covenant. See 2 Samuel 6:17-19.
Apples are refreshing.
Faint with love – so in love you’re dizzy!
2:6 – fondling. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
2:7 – I charge you by the gazelles and does – an oath using nature as its witness.
The woman advises: don’t hurry love. Don’t rush or force it. Take your time. It’s worth the wait and investment of time.
2:8 – She hears him, first. Then she sees him approaching with excitement. He is coming to collect his bride.
Do you still get that little flutter in your stomach when your spouse approaches? What about when you spend time with Jesus?
2:9 – She says he is like a gazelle or young stag. Is this an illustration of his beauty, grace and strength? Maybe a hint of wildness and power behind a soft appearance?
He stands behind the wall…gazing…peering – Is he watching her longingly?
2:10 – He wants her to come to him.
2:11 – Winter has passed – their time apart is over?
2:12 – Spring – the time of love has arrived. Flowers? Singing? Cooing? These are signs of spring – the season of new beginnings, life and love.
2:13 – Fig tree – blossoming vines spread fragrance.
He asks her again to come to him.
2:15 – foxes – premarital sex and other things that can destroy marriage. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
2:16 – They belong together.
He browses among the lilies – what does this mean? A metaphor for how Solomon enjoys her. He takes his time and savors.
2:17 – Is the beloved telling the lover to flee from her while it is dark so they will not sin by succumbing to their passionate feelings? This is very wise. Don’t allow yourself to be in a tempting situation.
• The Song of Solomon illustrates the love relationship between a man and woman which can mirror God’s intoxicating love for His bride (the church). How have you seen God’s love at work in this chapter of scripture? How can you apply it to your marriage? How will you apply it to your relationship with Jesus this week?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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