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 4 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…
4 – The Honeymoon - Alone At Last. This is a very intimate scene as the king undresses and caresses his bride. Solomon is taking the time to appreciate his beautiful wife by feasting his eyes and telling her what he loves about what he sees.
When was the last time you articulated your appreciation to your mate about his or her physical appearance?
What aspect of relationship with Christ does this relate to? You begin to see yourself as He sees you. You feel loved and appreciated and cherished and treasured. Knowing Him and being with Him brings out the most beautiful parts of you. Being with Him is the best part of your day. You can’t wait to spend time with Him. You allow yourself to be vulnerable because you know He won’t take advantage of you.
4:1 – darling – rayah – the woman of my dreams. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
he loves her eyes and her hair.
4:2 – He loves her teeth. Look at what he notices.
coming up from the washing – clean teeth. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
Each has it’s twin – they’re straight. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
Not one of them is alone – none are missing. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
4:3 – He loves her lips.
Your temples…like…a pomegranate – rosy cheeks. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
4:4 – He admires her neck – long slender and elegant.
1000 shields – necklace? Kisses?
4:5 – He admires her breasts and comments on their youthfulness.
Browse among the lilies? Again, a metaphor for how Solomon enjoys her. Only now, there is no need to restrain himself because they are married.
4:6 – all night…
Mountain of myrrh? Hill of incense ? an abundance of pleasantness.
Metaphors for physical intimacy.
4:7 – He is completely captivated by her beauty.
darling – rayah – the woman of my dreams. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
4:8 – Lebanon? Crest of Amana? Top of Senir? Summit of Hermon? Lion’s den? Haunt of leopards? To mountain peaks from desolate places. Can you explain how Christ has taken you from the desert to the highest mountains?
These are all terms referring to physical fulfillment.
4:9 – Solomon is completely in love.
4:10 – He enjoys being with her.
4:11 – Your lips drip sweetness? Speaking of love, kisses.
Milk and honey under the tongue – (French Hebrew) kiss. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
Fragrance of garments – what garments?
4:12 – A garden locked up, a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain – she is a virgin.
4:13-14 – this is what they kept the little foxes from. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
What they are enjoying: orchard, choice fruits, henna, nard, saffron, calamus, cinnamon, incense, myrrh, aloes, finest spices.
4:15 – Garden fountain. Well of flowing water.
Refreshing. She is aroused.
4:16 – She is ready to be with Solomon. “Awake”, she says, inviting him to enjoy their love.
Don’t awaken love until it pleases. (Song of Solomon – Tommy Nelson)
• 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?
Comments