In our introduction to the short little book, Song of Songs (SOS), we learned that of King Solomon's 1,000+ songs (poems), this is considered to be the finest of them all!
The Song of Songs is one of the most beautiful books of the Bible. The beauty of this theatrical song is greater than that of the words of Shakespeare.
There are four main perceptions of this book. Two are literal interpretations that look at the young woman who is at the center of this theatrical song. The most common understanding is that this is a courtship and marriage of Solomon and the Shulamite woman. The name Solomon and Shulamite are similar and have a common meaning of "peace." The other interpretation pictures a love triangle between the beloved woman, her beloved shepherd, and the king appealing to her. The other figurative interpretations of the book include either the relationship between Israel and God and, or the Church and Christ.
There are four main perceptions of this book. Two are literal interpretations that look at the young woman who is at the center of this theatrical song. The most common understanding is that this is a courtship and marriage of Solomon and the Shulamite woman. The name Solomon and Shulamite are similar and have a common meaning of "peace." The other interpretation pictures a love triangle between the beloved woman, her beloved shepherd, and the king appealing to her. The other figurative interpretations of the book include either the relationship between Israel and God and, or the Church and Christ.
The video created by The Bible Project is the best, and fastest way to summarize this book.
Surprisingly, Song of Songs has a very strong messages for both those that are married and for those that are not married. Firstly, sex is good, not bad, but ONLY when it pleases God. Therefore, we must guard the beauty of sexual love. We must guard each other in any way that might lead another to sin. We are cautioned three times in the book (2:7; 3:5; 8:4) that sexual love is only for the time which God has set: "...that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases [God]."
Surprisingly, Song of Songs has a very strong messages for both those that are married and for those that are not married. Firstly, sex is good, not bad, but ONLY when it pleases God. Therefore, we must guard the beauty of sexual love. We must guard each other in any way that might lead another to sin. We are cautioned three times in the book (2:7; 3:5; 8:4) that sexual love is only for the time which God has set: "...that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases [God]."
When released, love and it's passions hold powers stronger than any man or woman can resist. This is why we are cautioned NOT to stir it or awaken it until such time that it pleases God. The Message Bible states this in a clear way: "Love is invincible facing danger and death. Passion laughs at the terrors of hell. The fire of love stops at nothing--it sweeps everything before it. Flood waters can't drown love, torrents of rain can't put it out." (8:6-7)
Secondly, for those that are not married, SOS is about true love and choosing the right mate; about waiting for love; and teaching our young women and men what is most important about marriage.
Next week, by popular request, we will hear Helders Part II. Nolan and Kasey will complete their introduction... and more. The following week we will complete Song of Songs and the Wisdom Books Series.
In our last lesson on SOS, we will unpack more specifics in this amazing little book that will point us to the wisdom God wants to show us.
I'll leave you with the short clip I showed in class from the Disney/Pixar 2009 animated film, "Up". In this scene not a word is said for almost five full minutes. Only a haunting musical theme plays as we watch two people (Carl & Ellie) build a life together. As short as it is, these five minutes are some of the most emotionally powerful ever committed to film, certainly in any Disney picture.
Entering my 60's and having been married for 40 years, I found this short little scene to be most effective in capturing the journey we call "life". It is never predictable and not always easy. As we learned in Ecclesiastes, without God, life is nothing but a vapor/smoke. Everyday is a gift and an opportunity to get to know our Savior better as we prepare for our eternal home.
Entering my 60's and having been married for 40 years, I found this short little scene to be most effective in capturing the journey we call "life". It is never predictable and not always easy. As we learned in Ecclesiastes, without God, life is nothing but a vapor/smoke. Everyday is a gift and an opportunity to get to know our Savior better as we prepare for our eternal home.
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