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survey of the Bible. The Song of Solomon. General Overview. like the other books of poetry/wisdom, the Song of Solomon is unique in many ways only Old Testament book not to be referenced in some way by the New Testament
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survey of the Bible The Song of Solomon
General Overview • like the other books of poetry/wisdom, the Song of Solomon is unique in many ways • only Old Testament book not to be referenced in some way by the New Testament • written in the form of a play, with characters and scenes, though the exact parts are not preserved • because of this, several interpretations have been suggested and accepted, though because of the material, they do not differ doctrinally
Common Interpretations • marriage of King Solomon to the Shulamite • according to this reading, Solomon marries the Shulamite early in the book, and the book is a poetic view of the joys and troubles of marriage • however, while Solomon is certainly a character in this story (3:6-11), his is not the best example of marriage (6:8-9)(1 Kngs. 11:1-4)
Common Interpretations • courting of the Shulamite by a shepherd • according to this reading, the Shulamite loves and is loved by a shepherd (1:7-8), but is also pursued by the vain king, Solomon • she eventually rejects the advances of Solomon – centering around riches, beauty, and sensuality – in favor of the true love of the shepherd (8:5-7)
Themes of Song of Solomon similar themes, regardless of reading • the emotional side of love is not to be ignored • it is a powerful force, if rightly directed (2:3-5, 6-7) • under the restrictions of God’s law, it will guard and maintain the closeness of marriage (8:6-7) • infatuation is shallow, but true love is loyal • (Prov. 31:30)(1 Cor. 13:8) • the beauty and promise of marriage and the joys and fulfillment it holds (Gen. 2:18)
Importance to Christians • as Paul describes, married love has both a spiritual and temporal application (Eph. 5:22-33) • spiritually, Christ is the head of the church, loves her and provides for her, and His faithfulness is to be rewarded with our own faithfulness to His will • likewise, the husband bears the responsibility of selfless leadership, and the wife the honorable charge of submission and support
Conclusion • Song of Solomon reminds us of the joy and love that should accompany courtship and marriage • while not an obvious connection to the scheme of redemption (Christ and the church), godly families are essential to the strength of the God’s kingdom • will you respond to the love and offering that was given by Christ in for your soul?