Song of Solomon Study Guide - The Church of St. John the Divine

The Song of Solomon
a Hope of Glory study
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Table of Contents
IN T R O DUCT IO N T O T HE SO NG OF SOLOMON
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LE S S O N ON E
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LE S S O N TW O 11
LE S S O N THR EE
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LE S S O N FO UR
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LE S S O N FIV E
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LE S S O N S IX
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LE S S O N S EV EN 30
LE S S O N EIG HT 34
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Introduction
One of the most intriguing of the Old Testament books is the Song of Solomon. Throughout Christian
history it has been among the most read and beloved books of the Bible. The ancient Jewish rabbis banned
their people from reading it if they were younger than 30 years old due to the seductive language found in
it. Yet, during the Dark Ages and Reformation periods of church history when persecution was great, it was
this book that was read again and again to comfort the people and give them hope. There has always been
conflict among theologians about this book and its purpose and symbolism. Like the book of Esther, God is
not mentioned, yet it teems with the presence of the Holy Spirit and draws us into a relationship with God.
The Song of Solomon is also known as the Song of Songs or Canticles which in Latin means “song”. It is
considered the best of the songs in the Bible. It is part of the poetic books of the Bible - the others being
Job, Proverbs, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes. Job represents the yearnings of the spirit of man, that deepest part
of our nature. Proverbs, Psalms and Ecclesiastes represent the yearnings of our soul. These, like our soul,
are divided into three parts, emotion, will and mind. If you are having an emotional or heart issue then you
most likely will find that same issue written about in one of the Psalms. Psalm 61 says “Hear my cry, oh God;
listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the
rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” Proverbs addresses
the will. If you need an answer to the questions of life and need to know which path to take, Proverbs will
have it. Proverbs 22 says “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than
silver or gold”, or “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” The
mind or that part of us that searches for answers is found in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 2 says “I saw that
wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.”
So where does the Song of Solomon fit into the role of the poetic books? It is the book about love and the
need for physical and spiritual love that God has put in the bodies and spirits of each of his creations. One
theologian believes the theme of this book is sexual intercourse. I believe it is far more than that. It is the
need for physical love put in each of us. It is the need for a baby to be held and caressed and loved from
the time it is born. It is the need for a young child to snuggle in the arms of a mother and be comforted.
It is the need of a young adolescent to feel the affirming touch of a father. It is a young person awakened
to the feelings of sexual urges. All these are from the hand of a loving God. They are all addressed in the
Song of Solomon.
So why study this book? If you are single and confused about what God really says about sex, this book will
reveal the truth. It will also introduce you to the real longings of your heart, to be loved unconditionally
by a King whose beauty and virtue is beyond your imaginings. If you are married and are in need of more,
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then this book will show you how to satisfy those areas in your heart that your husband cannot touch. It will
empower you to be the strong “helpmate” to your husband that God calls you to be because you know the
One to whom your heart belongs. If you are past your prime and you think this book has nothing for you,
then rethink that. This book will introduce you to a new level of intimacy with the beloved of your heart.
The ancient Jews knew that The Song of Solomon was more than just a book about sexual encounters. It is
about the relationship between God and his people, and the need for his people to feel and experience the
love of God in an intimate way. It also reveals the yearning of God to have a love relationship with us. We
think of God as being almighty and complete and He is, but he desires a relationship with each of us that is
constantly growing in depth of love.
For Christians, the Song of Solomon is symbolic of the relationship between those who believe and Jesus
Christ. From the beginning of time, our heavenly Father has searched for the perfect partner who would
belong to his Son. He desires the perfect bride for the perfect bridegroom, Jesus.
This book is a poem in play form. The characters are Solomon, the Shulammite woman and the daughters
of Jerusalem. Solomon was King David’s son and assumed the throne of Israel after his father died. It was
under his guidance that Israel enjoyed its greatest worldly influence and was the envy of the known world.
Many theologians feel Solomon must have written this poem early in his life before his power overcame
his good judgment. At the end of his life he had over 700 wives and countless concubines. Many of these
pagan wives led Solomon to compromise his faith. At the urging of his wives he allowed pagan altars in the
Temple he built for the Living God.
We know from scripture that Solomon started out well. He was beloved of the Lord God. When God asked
Solomon what he desired from the Lord, he chose wisdom. This so pleased the Lord that Solomon was given
great wisdom, and the power to go with it.
The Song of Solomon begins with King Solomon going about his kingdom to discover what life was like on
different levels. He would disguise himself so that he could evaluate life from the “commoners” point of
view. He takes on the guise of a simple shepherd and at this point meets a simple country girl, a Shulammite
of unusual beauty. They fall in love and pledge themselves to each other, but he must return to his home.
She cries out in loneliness for her beloved shepherd.
After a period of time, she learns that the king is coming to her valley. She is interested, but her heart and
focus is for her beloved shepherd boy. When the king asks to see her, she is still unaware that he is her
beloved. He takes her away and they are married in the palace.
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This story takes place in Jerusalem and the “chorus of singers” are the daughters of Jerusalem who ask
questions and make comments during this song. The word Shulammite is the feminine form of Solomon,
or one could say “Mrs. Solomon”. You get the sense that as their love progresses, she is taking on more of
the identity of her beloved.
The description of the physical act of love is described with tenderness yet with full abandonment. It is in
the total oneness of marriage that this spiritual and physical abandonment and passion can exist. Yet, there
is a warning. The Shulammite speaks of this 3 times when she tells the Daughters of Jerusalem, “I adjure
you, O daughters of Jerusalem…that you stir not up nor awaken love until it please.” Song of Solomon 2:7,
3:5, 8:4.
Wait for love to happen, don’t force it, or prematurely engage in it until God brings it into full bloom. God
invented sex and he knows how it can be enjoyed to its fullest capacity which is in the sanctity and security
of the bond of marriage. Thus, the Song of Solomon is a powerful statement for chastity and purity in life
until marriage.
Even though this book is about physical love, the primary focus, even among the early Jews, was the love
relationship between the people and their God, Jehovah. The preface to this song in one of the Jewish
books or Targums reads like this: “This is the Song of Solomon, the prophet king of Israel, which he sang
before Jehovah the Lord.” The rabbis realized that this song was to be sung to God as a statement of the
love relationship that existed between the Israelites and the Lord.
The ancient Jews were familiar with the structure of the Temple. The outside courts were open to all who
would come and sacrifice to the Lord God. This area involved worldly people, and the everyday business
of the Temple was conducted here. The old Jewish rabbis considered Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Psalms to
be symbolic of the outside court. These same rabbis pictured the Song of Solomon as being the core and
innermost revelation of the books of the Old Testament. To these men to enter into this book is to enter into
the Holy of Holies, that part of the Temple where the presence of the Living God dwelled.
The Christian of the early church took it in that light. It was because of this interpretation that this song was
such a comfort to the persecuted saints of the Reformation and the post-Reformation periods. For us, it is
about our relationship with our beloved Jesus and how he can reach into our very hearts.
So join me as we step away from the worldliness of our faith and enter into the Holy of Holies. We will
discover the deep and powerful love relationship that God wants to have with each of us.
I promise you will not be disappointed.
A special thanks for Mike Bickle’s study on the Song of Solomon. A great portion of this study is taken from his
amazing insight and study of this book that he makes available online to all.
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Lesson One
The Song of Solomon is a romantic story that begins before the start of this book. The Shulammite young
maiden has fallen in love with a simple shepherd boy. They have pledged their love to each other. Then the
young shepherd boy had to return to his home. We start our story with the Shulammite speaking a prayer
to God. She is heartsick for her beloved and she says, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth- for your
love is more delightful than wine”.
1. In the Song of Solomon 1:2 the kiss the maiden desires is one of intimacy and love. Many theologians
replace the word “mouth” with “word”. Read Deuteronomy 8:3, Psalm 19:14, Isaiah 51:16, Isaiah
55:11, Matthew 4:4. How does the “word” of the Lord affect you? Does it draw you deeper into
intimacy with the Lord Jesus? Relate John 1:1 where he describes Jesus as the Word. Do you long for
an emotional and tender divine kiss from Jesus? Spend time in his presence reading his word and
worshiping him.
2. The maiden states that a kiss from Jesus is more delightful than wine. Wine can represent the earthly
celebration and pleasure which can include sin. Sin can be fun, but the maiden states here that her
desire for intimacy with Jesus is better than what the world has to offer including any sinful pleasures
that she enjoyed in the past. Read Philippians 3:8. What rubbish have you either discarded or need to
discard that is hindering your deeper relationship with Jesus?
3. In the Song of Solomon 1:3 the maiden compares her beloved to fine perfume. Read 2 Corinthians
2:14-16 and Ephesians 5:1,2. What do you notice about these verses?
4. The maiden has expressed her desires for her beloved. She is new to her faith walk but her immaturity
is pleasing to the Lord because her heart yearns for him. She wants her beloved to “take” or “draw” her
away with him so she can be alone with him and have a chamber experience. A chamber experience
represents unusual experiences with the Lord or the times of deep awareness and revelation from the
King. When in your life have you felt the presence of the Lord and his tender love and care?
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The maiden’s faith walk progresses in holy passion. She realizes the wonder of her beloved King and her
desire is to draw away with her beloved into deeper intimacy. She has her first crisis in her walk with the
Lord in Song of Solomon 1:5. She becomes aware of her “darkness”, her sinfulness, yet simultaneously
she knows she is lovely to her beloved. Read Romans 5:6,8 and 1 John 1:8,9. We are all dark but lovely
to our beloved. Is there any darkness in your heart that you need to surrender to your beloved?
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6. Read Song of Solomon 1:6,7. This refers to her preoccupation with work that is not ordained by the
Lord. She is overworked and on burnout, “my own vineyard I have neglected”. Read Ephesians 2:10.
What can be a stumbling block for us as we work for the Lord? The answer to avoiding burnout in
ministry is in Song of Solomon 1:8. First, we are to “follow the tracks of the sheep” or stay close to the
body of Christ. Next, “graze your young goats” tells us to minister to the people given to us. Lastly, to
stay “by the tents of the shepherd” cautions us to stay close to our Shepherd, Jesus. In which of these
points do you need to adjust your walk with the Lord?
7. Song of Solomon 1:7 is the cry of the maiden to be back with the Shepherd. The response of the beloved
is Song of Solomon 1:9-11,15. These are compliments that speak of the admiration the beloved has for
the maiden. Can you think of the symbolism they represent? See Revelation 19:11.
8. The maiden’s response is Song of Solomon 1:12-14,16,17. You can sense a mutual love between the
maiden and the beloved. Her love is immature and she wants what she can get from this relationship
with her beloved. The work of the Lord is to draw us into a mature and powerful relationship with Him.
Read Philippians 1:6. Is there someone in your life for whom you claim this promise? Write a prayer to
the Lord asking for this promise to become a reality.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we draw closer to your Son, Jesus, we come face to face with our sins.
Thank you that you sent your Son to die for our sins so that we can put them on the cross. Show us any sin in our
lives that we have not confessed and then give us the grace to forgive ourselves and walk in the fullness of joy. Take
us deeper and deeper into your love. In the name of our beloved, Jesus. Amen.
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Lesson Two
Our heavenly Father has assured Jesus of an inheritance. The Old Testament is filled with the prophecies of
a millennial kingdom where Jesus will reign with justice over all the nations. At some point in time all the
earth will proclaim Jesus as the rightful ruler. Philippians 2:9 states “as a result God exalted him (Jesus) and
gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven
and on earth and under the earth.” Yet, Jesus desires more. He desires the greatest prize which is a bride
who has given her heart solely and completely to him. His heart yearns for an eternal companion, a bride,
who voluntarily chooses to be equally yoked with him. At the end of the book of Revelation, we read the
bride has become the wife of the Lamb. She is a full partner with her beloved.
At this point in the Song of Solomon, the maiden is immature in her faith, and yet Jesus is taking her
deeper and deeper with him. The bride knows that she is dark with sin but lovely in the eyes of the Lord.
This realization makes her yearn for more intimacy with her beloved.
The Lord is continually affirming his love for her no matter how she may falter and fail. Yet she knows
she is a “rose of Sharon” and a “lily of the valley” because of the love her beloved has for her. In Song of
Solomon Chapter 2, the bride finds a deepening level of love with her beloved, yet she is headed for a
spiritual crisis.
1. In the time of Solomon, Sharon was a wild, fertile plain that had many beautiful flowers in it. The
rose is considered the flower of great value in a place with many beautiful flowers. The lily represents
purity yet it is in a valley which denotes darkness or low places of a fallen world. Throughout the Old
Testament, valleys are the places of warfare but also of harvest. The beloved then replies in Song of
Solomon 2:2 that she is a lily among thorns. Thorns can symbolize sin. At this point the maiden has
not walked into her calling. She is simply basking in the love of the Lord. We are called to be “in” the
world but not “of” it. What does this symbolism say to you? See Matthew 5:14 and John 16:33.
2. Song of Solomon 2:3-5 is a depiction of the banquet table. The apple tree symbolizes total refreshment.
Compare this to Psalm 34:8. The maiden is enjoying just being in the presence of the Lord. Compare
her at this stage in her journey to Mary in Luke 10:39-42.
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3. Song of Solomon 2:6 speaks of “his left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces.” The left
arm that cannot be seen by the maiden represents those actions that the beloved does for the maiden
that she is not even aware of. The right arm that is in plain view to the maiden represents those
things the Lord has done that she is well aware of. Look back on your life. Do you see evidence of the
Lord’s right arm, or those blessings that are apparent to us, moving in your life? Discuss evidence of
the Lord’s left arm moving which may be in the form of hidden blessings or challenges that become
blessings.
4. Read Song of Solomon 2:7. These verses of warning are repeated in 3:5 and 8:4. Gazelles and does
are animals that are easily startled and run away. They are inherently shy. In the natural, with male
and female love this warning is also true. What do you think this means from a natural viewpoint of
human love and from a spiritual viewpoint of love between a person and Jesus Christ?
5. Song of Solomon 2:8-13 is a revelation of the Shulammite’s beloved being a mighty king who is able
to overcome obstacles and conquer them (leaping over mountains, bounding over hills). He is swift
like a gazelle and powerful and majestic like a stag. Read Revelation 19:11-16. What do you notice
about Jesus in these verses as the king?
6. It is in the above verses that the maiden has her second crisis. The beloved calls her out of her place
of safety and pleasantness and wants her to come with him to the mountains and hills. Verses 11-13
speak of it being the time for the harvest. See Matthew 9:37-38 and John 4:35. He is inviting her into
ministry with him. Yet she is fearful and refuses in verse 17. Have you ever been fearful of where the
Lord may take you?
Prayer
Most gracious Father, we know that at times our fear overcomes our faith. Help us
to understand your deep and abiding love for us so that we will bound over hills and leap across mountains
with you. We long to be refreshed by your love and sit in your shade of protection. Eliminate any obstacle
that is keeping us from giving you our best. In the name of Jesus, our beloved. Amen.
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Lesson Three
In the last lesson, the beloved, Jesus, invites the maiden to come away to the mountains with him. It is an invitation
to join him in ministry that would be challenging and out of her comfort zone. She declines. She is more intent on
basking in the love of Jesus and is fearful of following where he leads. The maiden’s love has not diminished. She says
in Song of Solomon 2:16,17 “My lover is mine and I am his, he browses among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the
shadows flee, turn, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the rugged hills.” She is saying that until
she receives more light (“the day breaks”) and the dark areas of her life are gone (“shadows flee”), she cannot do
kingdom work with her beloved. She tells him to “turn” and leave without her. At this point the maiden is entering
a spiritual crisis that involves lack of complete trust in the goodness and sovereignty of her beloved in her life.
In order to draw her into spiritual maturity, the beloved removes what she desires the most…his presence. This
causes her to seek him diligently.
1. Read Song of Solomon 3:1-3. What do you notice about her search in these verses? Did she find her beloved
immediately? What did it take on her part to find him?
2. At times the Lord will remove his presence from us in order to draw us into a deeper relationship with him
or to discipline us so that we become mature partners in his kingdom work. Read Hebrews 12:11, Proverbs
3:11,12, Revelation 3:19-21, 1 Corinthians 11:32. What do they say about the character of the Lord? Has
there been a time when the Lord withdrew his presence or disciplined you in some way and you now see the
reason for this?
3. Song of Solomon 3:4 records the maiden finally finding her beloved. “Mother” refers to the church. The
maiden is intent upon not letting go of her beloved. She knows she must take him to the church (mother) so
that all will know the love of the Lord. Her faith was conceived in the church. When did you first realize Jesus
loved you? How has the church played a role in your faith walk? How does your intimate walk with your Savior
build up the church?
4. Song of Solomon 3:5 is the warning again to let the maiden experience the full weight of Jesus’ absence and
renewed presence. At times we are impatient to “fix” circumstances for another who may be struggling. How
do we know when to help someone who is struggling and when to let the Holy Spirit do his work? Have you
experienced this in your life or the life of a loved one?
5. Song of Solomon 3:6-11 is a description of Solomon’s procession. What symbolism do you see in these verses?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise you that you are the victorious mighty God who never leaves
us or forsakes us. You are faithful when we are not. Show us how to put all of our faith in you and your love. Give
us a heart to follow you no matter where you may lead us. We ask this in the name of our King, Jesus. Amen.
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Lesson Four
The bride has faced two crises in her spiritual journey. The first was when she realized she was dark or sinful
as her heart drew closer to her beloved (Song of Solomon 1:5). This was overcome by the affirming love of
the king for her despite her flaws.
Her second crisis was when her beloved asked her to come away with him to the mountains (Song of
Solomon 2:10). She refused and the beloved removed himself from her in order to draw her closer to him.
After finding her beloved, she is now committed to going wherever he leads. She is willing to risk all just
to be his. At this point she has not ascended the mountain, but her heart is totally his and he knows it. The
Lord values our “yes” even before we act.
This total commitment of the maiden captivates the King’s heart. Song of Solomon 4:9 is thematic to this
book. The Lord is saying to you and me “You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my
heart with one glance of your eyes.”
1. Read Song of Solomon 4:1-5. The king affirms her beauty again then describes prophetically what she
will become as she matures in her faith.
Dove eyes speak of focused and single-mindedness to the beloved. See Ephesians 1:18
Hair speaks of the Nazirite vow and dedication. See Numbers 6:1-5
Teeth are required to chew and be nourished with the gospel message. See 1 Corinthians 3:1,2 and
Hebrews 5:12-14. This speaks of her maturity in the word.
Lips of scarlet represent her words being redemptive because of the blood of Jesus. See Colossians 4:6,
Ephesians 4:29
Temples like halves of pomegranates symbolize the countenance of the maiden which it sweet like a
pomegranate and genuine. See Exodus 29:24,25. Pomegranate also symbolized righteousness in Old
Testament times.
Neck represents the will which is strong and powerful enough to fight battles. See Ephesians 6:16.
Breasts symbolize her ability to feed and nurture others.
What do you learn from the above verses? Which of these attributes do you desire the most?
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2. The bride responds in verse 6. She is ready to go with her beloved to the mountain of myrrh. Myrrh
symbolizes death, in particular, the cross. She is ready to die to self and “take up her cross and follow”
the Lord. Read Psalm 24:3-4 and Matthew 16:24. Incense symbolizes prayer. See Psalm 141:2 and
Revelation 5:8. A mountain is far higher than a hill. What do you think is the significance of these
representing myrrh and incense? Hint: prayer helps us ascend mountains of difficulty. How do you think
Isaiah 40:3-5 relates to this?
3. The king responds in verse 7 and claims “no flaw” in her. Even though she has not ascended any
mountain, she is willing. Compare this to what Satan does to us in Revelation 12:10.
4. Song of Solomon 4:7-15 is the king’s response to her. He invites her to come to mountains where there
is danger (lions and leopards) but also a heavenly perspective (Lebanon, Amana, Senir and Hermon are
mountainous). In verse 9 the king addresses the maiden as his sister and for the first time, his bride
(in 4:7 and 4:9). What does Hebrews 2:11-17 say about brothers and sisters (NIV translation uses only
brothers, other translations use sisters also)? Also see Matthew 12:49-50. What does Psalm 45:6-9 say
about the bride? See also John 3:29.
5. Read Song of Solomon 4:16. North wind represents adversity and south wind represents blessings. The
bride is welcoming both because she trusts the wisdom and love of her king. Have you seen “north
wind” in your life that has ultimately blessed you? What other detail do you notice about this verse?
Prayer
Precious Lord God, the thought that our loving obedience “steals” your heart and your
eyes look for even a glance from us is too overwhelming for us to comprehend. We praise you for your undying
love for us. You see us through the eyes of love and eternity. You know how to draw our hearts to you so that
we live for you and not for ourselves. Keep us close to your heart. May we continue to grow in our love and
commitment to you as we see your heart of passion for us. Thank you Lord Jesus for being the beloved of our
hearts. In His Name we pray. Amen.
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Lesson Five
In the last lesson, the maiden is willing to “go to the mountains” with her beloved which has elevated
her status from maiden to “sister” and “bride”. She has not gone to the mountain but her willingness
overwhelms the heart of the king. He prophecies about her in Song of Solomon 4:11-15. She basically gives
her “garden” or life to her beloved and willingly accepts that the north wind of adversity and south wind
of blessing be dictated by the loving hand of her beloved.
The beloved affirms the bride’s commitment in 5:1. In 5:2-7 is the two-fold test for the bride. To understand
this more clearly we need to adjust the NIV translation in verse 5:3. A more accurate translation is “I have
taken off my robe – how can I put it on again? I have washed my feet – how can I soil them again?”
1. What do you notice about 5:1? In 4:16, the bride starts out stating it is “my” garden, but ends with
inviting her lover into “his” garden. Can you see what the beloved is saying if these words represent
the following: Myrrh = death and dying to self and embracing the cross; spice = God’s grace in her life;
honeycomb and honey = sweetness and delightful food of her character in Christ; wine = celebration;
milk = nourishing and strengthening food. He then invites all others in church (friends) to come and
enjoy the fruitfulness of the bride who is now a mature believer.
2. Read Song of Solomon 5:2-7. (Remember the above change of translation). At this point in the Song,
Jesus has come to the bride as the shepherd, the king, and now he comes as Jesus of Gethsemane,
the suffering Savior. Read Mark 14:32-41 and Luke 22:39-46. Song of Solomon 5:2b says, “My head is
drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night”. This is an apt description of the night in
Gethsemane. Jesus invites us to “suffer” with him. The bride is willing to take off her robe of sin and
filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and clothe herself with Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14). She refuses to put the
“old robe” of her past back on. What do you think “I have washed my feet – how can I soil them again”
refers to? See John 13:6-14.
3. Even though the bride is obedient, she must go through a two-fold test. The first part is found in 5:5,6.
Why do you think the beloved withdrew his presence from an obedient bride? See Hebrews 13:5b. The
second part of the test is in 5:7. The “watchmen” represent church authorities. How do you think a
church can injure a beloved of Jesus? Despite this persecution, on what does the bride focus? See 5:8.
Compare this to Matthew 14:24-31. (See also Matthew 11:6).
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4. The bride’s unwavering dedication to Jesus despite her circumstances causes the Daughters of Jerusalem
(immature believers) to question her. In Song of Solomon 5:9 they see her as “most beautiful of
women”. Read 1 Peter 3:3,4. Who do you know that exemplifies evidence of the beloved? They want
to know why the bride chooses her beloved over all others. The Holy Spirit will use the mature bride to
bring about the ancient commands of Deuteronomy 6:5 which Jesus reiterates in Matthew 22:37. Read
Song of Solomon 6:1 for the second question the Daughters of Jerusalem ask the bride.
5. Read Song of Solomon 5:10-16. It is the bride’s description of her beloved. Compare this description
with Daniel 10:4-6 and Revelation 1:12-16. What similarities do you see?
Prayer
Father, hear our prayer from your word that we lift up for all of us.
Ephesians 3:14-19: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on
earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen each of us with power through
his Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that each one of
us, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and
long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that each of us
would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
In Jesus Name. Amen.
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Lesson Six
The bride is not fazed by the 2 fold test of Chapter 5. She is focused solely on her beloved Jesus even when
his presence is not felt and when she suffers abuse by the “watchmen”. No longer is her agenda important,
she wants only to follow where Jesus leads. In good times and in difficult times, she is praising the Lord.
She has now evolved into the prophetic words the King spoke about her in Song of Solomon 3. The bride’s
faith is mature and deep. This kind of faith is contagious. The Daughters of Jerusalem see the difference
and now desire to “look for him”. They want the same kind of love relationship as the bride. (Chapter 6:1)
The King has seen all that the bride has said and done, and he breaks his silence in 6:4-10. These verses are
similar to those in Chapter 3 but are even more complimentary and full of praise for the bride. He proclaims
she has an elevated position above queens, concubines and virgins.
The bride goes down to the valley to check the progress of growth in God’s garden in 6:11,12, and
something happens to her heart. She develops an intense desire for the work of the garden (evangelism
and discipleship). Even the Daughters of Jerusalem want her back with them; she is in demand because of
her passion for the King’s garden work and his inheritance.
1. The Daughters of Jerusalem are now seeking a love relationship with Jesus, the King (6:1). Has there
been someone in your life that you have told about Jesus and how he has changed your life? The bride’s
response is in Verse 2 & 3. What does the garden represent to you?
2. Read Song of Solomon 6:4. Tirzah was a beautiful ancient city that was pagan. It symbolizes unbelievers
in the world. Jerusalem is God’s spiritual capital. It is the only place on earth where God’s manifest glory
resided. It symbolizes those who believe in Jesus. “Majestic as troops with banners” is a reference to
a victorious military parade. This verse symbolizes how the bride’s passion for the King and beautiful
maturity affect both unbelievers (Tirzah) and believers (Jerusalem). How does a person who is “sold
out” to Jesus affect non-believers? How does that person affect believers? Is victory assured according
to this verse?
3. Song of Solomon 6:5a is one of the greatest statements in scripture. In 4:9 a “glance” of the bride’s eye
steals the heart of the King. In 6:5a, there is a gaze into each other’s eyes between the bride and the
king. This overwhelms the King of the universe. The uncompromising, committed, obedient love of the
bride moves the heart of God. This is the greatest glory any of us can achieve. See Jude 1:1-2, 1 John
4:19, 1 Peter 1:8, James 1:12. What do these verses say to you?
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4. Read Song of Solomon 6:8-10. Queens, concubines and virgins are how Solomon ranked his harem.
These are symbolic of the ranking found in the heavenly realms: seraphim, cherubim, archangels, and
24 elders. The point is the bride is above all of these in the king’s eyes. The mother symbolizes the
church. What does this tell you about the position or rank of those who are “sold out” to Jesus and live
their lives for Him? See Revelation 20:6 and 1 Corinthians 6:2,3.
5. Read Song of Solomon 6:11,12. We are all called to be “in” this world but not “of” this world. Which
means we are to minister in the world (valley) about Jesus. The bride’s heart soars like a royal chariot
which would have been the fastest transportation available. A similar analogy today would be “faster
than a speeding bullet”. She is checking on the progress of the Lord’s work in the valley. A pomegranate
is symbolic of resurrection. When broken open it is red (color of blood) with many seeds. Read John
4:36-38. Apply this to what the bride is doing in these verses.
6. The final verse in chapter 6 is a plea by the Daughters of Jerusalem for the bride to come back to them.
She is in demand because she shines with the light of Jesus. The final part of that verse (“Why would
you gaze on the Shulammite as on the dance of Mahanaim?”) speaks of the division that occurs when
we give our life to Jesus for his use. Mahanaim is where Esau and Jacob met and division took place
(see Genesis 32:1,2 for story). Matthew 10:34-39 is saying the same thing. The Daughters want the
presence of the bride, and others do not. Have you experienced rejection from those you care for as
you draw closer to Jesus?
Prayer
Most loving Father, we ask for a more powerful walk with you and your Son, Jesus.
Open us to the Holy Spirit’s work in tilling the soil of our hearts to go deeper in love with Jesus. Put him on the
throne of our lives and give us the passion to persevere through good times and bad for your glory. We pray this
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Lesson Seven
At the end of Chapter 6, a question concerning the Bride was asked, “Why would you gaze on the
Shulammite as on the dance of Mahanaim?” Various commentaries have different ideas about what this
means. It seems to be a sarcastic question asked by those whose walk with Jesus is dubious. Another way
of saying this question would possibly be “Why bother with the Shulammite woman? (This is the only time
she is addressed as a Shulammite and not the maiden or bride). She only brings division among people.”
Song of Solomon 7:1-5 more than likely are the Daughters of Jerusalem speaking. They have now been
seeing the beauty of the Bride and want a relationship with Jesus like she has. They defend the bride in
verses 1-5. In verses 7:6-9 the King himself defends and affirms the Bride.
The Bride’s response is in Song of Solomon 7:9b-13. She is ready to do whatever the King asks of her. She is
now walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and desires to share her faith and her love of the King with all
people in the “countryside” and “villages”. Earlier in her journey these places were out of her comfort zone.
1. In Song of Solomon 7:1-5 Daughters of Jerusalem defend the Bride. We have read some of the same
analogies before but there are also some new ones.
Feet symbolize evangelism. See Isaiah 52:7 and Ephesians 6:15.
Thighs or legs symbolize strength behind her walk with the Lord. They are valued like the work of a
skilled craftsman. This enables her to accomplish her evangelism with power and strength.
The navel, from which a child in the womb is nourished, symbolizes her formulative years when her
inner life with God was developing . A rounded goblet signifies a healthy faith.
Waist symbolizes the womb which is large like a mound of wheat which means she is pregnant with
fruitfulness. What do these verses say about the waist? Psalms 93:1 states in New English Translation
“The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty, he wears strength around his waist. Indeed, the world is
established, it cannot be moved.” See also Isaiah 11:5.
Breasts symbolize the ability to nurture others; two fawns is a double portion and plenty of nourishment
as from young gazelles.
Neck symbolizes our will, and an ivory tower is costly and impregnable. See Proverbs 3:3, Proverbs 29:1
Eyes symbolize her ability to receive revelation. See Ephesians 1:18. Pools of Heshbon were crystal clear
fish pools as was the water at the gate of Bath Rabbin, an ancient resort city.
Nose symbolizes discernment. What do you think the mention of Damascus reveals about the bride?
See 2 Chronicles 24:23.
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Head crown symbolizes wisdom. What do you think “like Mount Carmel” signifies?
Hair symbolizes dedication. What do you think the royal purple color signifies?
2. Read Song of Solomon 7:6-9a which is the King’s answer to the sarcastic question posed in 6:13b. What
characteristics of a palm tree can you apply to the bride? Hint: storms survival, deep roots. See Psalm
92:12. Ezekiel 41:18-20, 25, 26 is a detailed description of the future temple in the millennial kingdom.
Do you see the importance of the palm, or can you see what it symbolically represents in the future
Temple? The King in verse 8 gives the Bride three instructions: 1. Nurture others in the power of the
Spirit, 2. Refresh people with your inner life of love for the King, 3. Continue to keep the King as your
first love. Can you see where these instructions fit into verse 8,9a?
3. The bride’s response is immediate in 7:9b-10. Even in the Old Testament, wine is symbolic of the
blessing of the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The wine of the Holy Spirit represents her
agreement with the leadings of the Spirit. It goes down smoothly because there is nothing obstructing
the flow of the Spirit’s leadings. She does this because she knows she is loved by the King, and she
willingly belongs to him. What does Romans 5:5 say about the Holy Spirit?
4. In Song of Solomon 6:11-12, the bride is in the garden by herself. What do you see in 7:11-12 that is
different from chapter 6? See Mark 16:20, 1 Corinthians 3:9.
Prayer
Lord God, we praise you that your Holy Spirit draws our hearts deeper and deeper into
your love. Give us the passion for Jesus that ignites a revival in our hearts. Then lead us to do your kingdom work
as we go into the world to declare the wonder of you. Remove any obstruction that hinders our being totally led
by the Holy Spirit to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. We pray this in the majestic name of our
beloved, Jesus. Amen.
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Lesson Eight
The bride has been vindicated by the Daughters of Jerusalem and the King. She is ready to work in the King’s
garden and even beyond in the countryside and villages. The bride wants the King to enjoy the fruit of her
labor. She is intent upon keeping her intimacy with him the focus of her life. “Mandrakes” are symbolic of
intimacy with God; it is a fruit associated with love. They were used in Old Testament times to help women
get pregnant (See Genesis 30:1, 14-16). The bride is storing up the fruit of her work for her “lover”.
Now the bride is in the fullness of her mature faith. Her desire is for her beloved and only him. She is “sold
out” to him and his work. She just wishes she could embrace him in public with the passion she feels. In
ancient times a woman could embrace a brother in public but not her husband; that was forbidden. She
wishes to have the king in her mother’s house which is symbolic of the church. The wine with nectar of
pomegranates was a drink given to honored guests. She wants to see her beloved King honored in the
church. She is totally enthralled with Jesus and feels his love in 8:3. She leans on her beloved through trials
(desert) and completely trusts him.
Song of Solomon 8:8, 9 speaks of her commitment to minister to her younger sister who represents those
who are immature in their faith.
1. The bride wishes to show all in the church (mother’s house) the beauty of a deep and abiding love
relationship with the King. She desires to see him honored, and to have him receive the rewards or
crowns of her efforts. What do these verses say about this idea of rewards or crowns? Matthew 6:20,
Revelation 4:10, Revelation 19:12.
2. What does Song of Solomon 8:5 mean to you? See Psalm 139:13-16 and Isaiah 44:1-2.
3. Song of Solomon 8:6,7 is the pinnacle of this book.
The bride is asking him to seal her over his heart and on his arm. What do these verses say about the
“seal”? Ephesians 1:13, Revelation 7:4, 9:4.
These verses speak of jealous love. See also Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24, and 2 Corinthians 11:2.
What do they say about godly jealousy?
Love being a “blazing fire” and “mighty flame” speaks of the all consuming fire and living flame that
the Holy Spirit puts in our hearts. See Luke 3:16, Mark 12:30. Do you have or want more of that kind
of love with your King Jesus?
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4. Read Song of Solomon 8:8,9. The bride is ready to work with the King for their “little sister” who is
immature in faith. They are prepared to guide her to be a “wall” that defends and shields others or a
“door” that opens the way of faith for others. Read Habakkuk 2:1, Ezekiel 3:17 about watchmen on
walls of the city. Read Revelation 3:20, Colossians 4:3, and John 10:9. What do these verses say about
“doors”?
5. Read Song of Solomon 8:11,12. The bride realizes she has a responsibility to tend the vineyard of the
king as a tenant would. Compare this to Matthew 21:33-41.
6. In Song of Solomon 8:12, the bride says her own vineyard is well and thriving. In Song of Solomon 1:6
the bride states “my own vineyard I have neglected”. What do you think is the difference? See Matthew
11:28-30.
7. In Song of Solomon 8:13, the King Jesus tells the bride he is seeing her leadership in kingdom work
among her “friends in attendance”, yet he desires to “hear” her voice. He wants to make sure she does
not neglect their love relationship. See Revelation 2:4. How can we assure our love relationship with
our King Jesus remains primary in our hearts?
Prayer
Most gracious Father, how majestic is your name. How glorious is your plan that we
should be the perfect bride for your Son, Jesus. We stand ready to be the mature partner to the most loving
partner we could possibly possess. Continue to pry open our hearts to accept the love of Jesus. Give us hearts
that are sold out to Jesus with his will being the primary focus of our lives. We praise you Father for giving us
your Son. May these words of scripture be forever on our hearts: “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let
him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of
the water of life.” We pray this in the name of our beloved King, Jesus. Amen.
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